What to know about Dermafillers
What are Injectable Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours.
Millions of people annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
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People choose to get dermal fillers to enhance their facial features or gain a more youthful appearance. This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is minimal. Results are seen right away and last months to years depending on the type of filler and the location.
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There are several kinds of dermal fillers. Your healthcare provider will discuss your options with you.
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding and bruising. Health insurance plans generally don’t cover elective cosmetic procedures such as filler injections.
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
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Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
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Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
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Diminish vertical lip lines
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Plump & enhance the lips
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Smooth out a chin crease
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Improve symmetry among facial features
Results​
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Instant results, quick treatment, and little to no downtime contribute to filler treatments' popularity
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Results last 6 mo. to 2 yrs. or longer, depending on the product & treatment
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Adds volume to face: Injectable fillers can add volume to various areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes, creating a more plump appearance.
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Smooths out wrinkles: In addition to adding volume, injectable fillers can also smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the mouth and nose.
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Enhances facial contours: By adding volume and smoothing out wrinkles, injectable fillers can also enhance facial contours, creating a more sculpted appearance.
What are fillers made of?​
The most commonly used dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxyapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid.
The brand names include:
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Hyaluronic acid
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Restylane products
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Juvederm products
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Belotero
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Calcium hydroxyapatite
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Radiesse
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Poly L-lactic acid
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Sculptra
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What are the risks of injectable fillers?​
No procedure is without the risk of side effects and complications, these include:
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Common:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Bruising/bleeding
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Uncommon:
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Infection
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Allergic reaction
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Nodules under skin
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Rare:
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Vascular occlusion
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Ulceration/scarring
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Blindness
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Where can fillers be injected?​
The listed fillers have varying FDA approved indications for injection into the face, lips, and hands.
During your consultation, your Provider will evaluate which injection locations, what type of filler, and how much are best for you. This varies for each patient.
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Are injectable fillers appropriate for me?
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Injectable fillers should be avoided in patients with known active infections, allergies to any components of these products, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They should be used with caution in immunocompromised patients.
Dermafiller Rejuvenation
What you can expect
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A Health History Questionnaire
Tell your health care provider if you've had any type of Dermafiller injection within the past four months. Also tell your health care provider if you take blood thinners. You may need to stop taking them several days before your injection to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. Talk with the health care provider who prescribes these medicines as soon as you can.
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After the procedure
Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours. And don't lie down for 2 to 4 hours after getting the injections. We may give you an ice pack to ease pain and swelling.
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We recommend not to perform any strenuous activity or activities that may make you sweat for 24 hours. This allows the Dermafiller to settle and decrease poor migration patterns.
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If your lips are injected it is recommended that you do not make circular shapes with your mouth for at least 48 hours.
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​Following this advice helps prevent the filler from spreading to an area where it isn't needed.
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You'll likely be able to return to your usual activities right after the procedure — check with your health care provide
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During the Procedure
Dermafiller injections are performed by a certified AMET trained licensed personnel. Your health care provider uses a prefilled syringe and thin needle or cannula to inject tiny amounts of dermafiller into your skin. The number of shots needed depends on the size of the treatment area and other treatments.
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Results
Dermafiller injections usually begin working immediately after treatment, though it can take to 2 days or more to see full results.
Not all people have visible results or relief from symptoms. We recommend waiting 1 week before any Botox touchups.
Depending on the problem being treated, the effect may last 4-6 months but can last up to 2 years. To maintain the effect, you'll likely need regular follow-up injections spaced at least 6 months apart.
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When to notify the provider
After getting dermal fillers, call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
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Bleeding or pain.
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Signs of infection, including fever or redness and swelling at the injection site.
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Symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).