If you are curious or want to enhance your look with fillers, this article will help you understand what fillers do to the face, how they work, the types of fillers, and how one should prepare for a procedure and aftercare of the stuffing.
Fillers remove fine lines and wrinkles that appear as one ages. The general function of fillers is to add volume to the skin and provide a natural look. The most common fillers done by people are the face, cheeks, chin, nose and under the eye. Fillers give a smooth look and contour places such as the chin. Most people have turned to fillers because they are fast, non-invasive and take less time to recover. Apart from adding volume, people with scars can also use fillers to lessen the visibility. The procedure for fillers takes the least time possible.
How Do Fillers Work?
Fillers are simple and usually take around 30 minutes. They work by adding volume to remove wrinkles and sagging skin. They are liquid gel-like formulas injected into the skin to fill the desired area. Fillers exist in different types, including; hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-l-lactic acid and fat grafting. These fillers exist and have different substances. Some are thick, thin, and temporary, and others are long-lasting.
Types of Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is the most common and preferred type of filler because it occurs naturally in the body. It is temporary and lasts about 6-12 months, depending on the brand, the area injected and how trained the cosmetic doctor is. Another reason hyaluronic acid is preferred is that it can be dissolved in case of complications. Hwang (2016) explained that its ability to attract water and keep the skin moisturized makes it advantageous.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite
De Almeida et al. (2019)explained that calcium hydroxyapatite is a biocompatible filler to enhance severe wrinkles and sagged skin. This product can be injected into the lips, fine lines around the mouth and eyes to remove dark circles. The filler lasts for 12 months or more.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a semi-permanent, absorbable formula that stimulates collagen formation. Cheung (2012) explained that as one ages, the skin and muscles lose the fat and collagen required to make the skin firm. The filler stimulates the skin to produce collagen. PLLA are temporary and can last up to 2 years depending on how the patient maintains the filler. The filler dissolves itself in the body naturally over time.
Fat Grafting
Simonacci et al. (2017) explained that facial grafting involves removing fat from other places in the body that have more fat, e.g., buttocks and thighs and injecting it into the face. The procedure is done to add volume and rejuvenate the face. The grafting procedure takes three steps: remove fat from the body part with a needle, clean grease so that only the good cells are used, and inject it into the desired body part. The most advantageous feature of fat grafting is that it uses fat from one’s body, so the risk for an allergic reaction is minimal; however, swelling after the injection takes more time before it breaks down. The swelling usually subsides after 3- 5 days.
How Should I Prepare for a Filler Treatment?
Preparing for treatment requires avoiding certain skin care products, medications and supplements. One should stay away from the products three to five days before the procedure to avoid any irritations. These medications thin blood and could increase swelling and bruising. During the appointment, tests are done to ensure one is suitable for the procedure. Some medical conditions could restrict a person from getting fillers. Conditions such as cold sores, eczema and diabetes can be a restriction. Pregnant women and breastfeeding are also advised to wait before the procedure.
Aftercare Instructions
After the fillers, instructions are given to ensure one gets the desired results. Some of them include the following;
- Not touching or rubbing the injected area to avoid injection and bacteria.
- Avoid sunlight for extended periods because UV rays can damage the skin.
- Avoid exercising for a week to prevent dehydration. Your body needs water during the healing period.
- Apply recommended cream to ease swelling and bruising.
- Do not take alcohol or smoke to prevent increased swelling and puckering of lips.
- Avoiding hot places because they could increase the chances of swelling and bruising
- Avoid using a straw because it can cause puckering of the lips, which feels uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fillers
After How Long Can Results Be Seen?
Most patients see the results of the filler immediately, although full results are seen after two weeks. It is after the swelling and bruising have subsided. The cosmetic doctor can fix the issue if one is unsatisfied with the area’s volume. How long healing takes will depend on how well one takes care of the area. Fillers last between 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used and the area. Fillers done on the lips break down quicker nose and cheeks.
After How Long Can I Have Another Filler?
The frequency will depend on how long the filler will last. It is recommended that after two weeks;one can have to fill up in case they want more. Some patients wait until the initial filler is about to fade or has faded for them to fill up. Some choose not to do it again. Rescheduling an appointment annually is recommended to keep your lips rejuvenated. Lip fillers are expensive and require planning before the procedure.
Conclusion
Fillers are highly recommended for those that want a smooth and youthful look. Researching fillers is recommended to be sure one is doing them will not harm their health. Before getting the fillers, check for the best clinic with qualified and registered cosmetic doctors. Not every doctor is qualified to perform the procedure. Fillers should make one feel great every time one looks at yourself. If the fillers done on a person are not okay, visit the doctor for more filling or dissolving for one’s desired look.
References
CHEUNG, W. Y. (2012). Complications of Injection Facial Fillers: Avoidance, Diagnosis, and Management. The Cover Shot, 17(11), 26.
de Almeida, A. T., Figueredo, V., da Cunha, A. L. G., Casabona, G., de Faria, J. R. C., Alves, E. V., … & Palermo, E. (2019). Consensus recommendations for using hyperdiluted calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) as a face and body bio-stimulatory agent. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(3).
Hwang, C. J. (2016). Periorbital injectables: understanding and avoiding complications. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 9(2), 73.
Simonacci, F., Bertozzi, N., Grieco, M. P., Grignaffini, E., & Raposio, E. (2017). The procedure, applications, and outcomes of autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 20, 49-60.
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