Dermal fillers are a popular way to rejuvenate your appearance without taking the plunge into plastic surgery. These gel-like substances are injected into the skin to add volume to the face into problem areas like thin lips, facial creases or wrinkles, shallow contours, or recessed scars.
Why would I need dermal fillers?
Facial skin loses subcutaneous fat during the aging process, which often creates lines and wrinkles. This also happens through the normal use of facial muscles during your daily life. Sun exposure, lifestyle and genetics may also impact the appearance of your face as you age.
Are there different kinds?
There are various kinds of dermal fillers and they vary based on target areas, chemical makeup, and longevity of the filler. They are broken into categories by contents, density, texture, and injection depth. All dermal fillers are temporary and need to be repeated to achieve long-lasting benefits.
What are some popular types of dermal fillers?
One of the most popular varieties of dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid. This substance occurs naturally in your skin to create hydration and plumpness. These are the most temporary fillers with typical results from 6-12 months and are often recommended for first-time patients. Some common brands of these fillers are Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Belotero Balance, and more. A different type of popular filler is available in a brand called Radiesse. It contains calcium hydroxylapatite which is naturally found in your bones. Effective for about 12 months, these fillers contain calcium particles mixed with a smooth gel and the goal is to stimulate collagen production.
What is treatment like?
Non-surgical dermal filler injections are performed during an office visit with an experienced professional like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield. After a consultation to discuss your goals and questions, the area will be cleaned and possibly given a topical anesthetic for numbing. Many dermal fillers also contain lidocaine to help alleviate discomfort during treatment. An accurate amount of filler will be injected under the skin in a precise area. Results may be visible immediately depending on the treatment location and you can resume normal activities other than strenuous exercise right away. Mild bruising or swelling sometimes occurs but subsides within days.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Make sure you are receiving FDA-approved fillers from a reputable licensed physician. Significant complications from these injections are rare but might include swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, over-filled appearance, lumps or sensitivity. Icing or massaging can relieve side effects. To maintain ideal results, repeat treatments are recommended along with adjustments to the amount of filler and techniques used.
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