What to Know Before Getting Fillers
Dermal fillers address one of the most common cosmetic issues associated with aging: volume loss.
As we age, we naturally lose volume in our faces – especially in the cheeks and areas around the mouth, eyes, and temples. This loss of volume makes fine lines and wrinkles more apparent and gives the face a more hollowed-out appearance. This, in turn, can make people look tired, haggard, and older than they really are.
If you’ve been struggling with loss of volume, plumpness, and smoothness around the mouth, eyes, cheeks, or elsewhere, dermal fillers can return these areas to a more youthful appearance.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers (also called soft tissue fillers) are substances injected beneath the top layers of skin in order to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and sunken areas. Fillers can be made of several different substances, most of which are based in hyaluronic acid. Which ingredients are used in dermal fillers depends on what they’re being used for.
The process of getting fillers is fast and simple. The procedure is also non-invasive, which means it can be done right in your doctor’s office, and you can go home directly after.
What Can Dermal Fillers Help With?
As stated above, there are several different types of dermal fillers, and each one has a different ingredient makeup. Your doctor will determine what fillers are best for you, depending on what areas and issues you’d specifically like to treat. Dr. Sieber is always on the cutting edge of filler development and knows what the best fillers are that have been approved by the FDA and shown to work effectively.
Static wrinkles, for example, are often treated with collagen-based fillers. Static wrinkles are those that tend to develop on the cheeks or around the sides of the mouth. They are usually due to a loss of elasticity in the skin because of aging.
Overall, patients usually seek help from dermal fillers to correct issues like:
- Static wrinkles on the cheeks and around the mouth
- Thinning lips
- Wrinkles on the forehead
- Lack of jaw definition
- Glabella lines (lines between the eyebrows)
- Drooping mouth corners
- Nasolabial folds
- A small chin
- Early signs of jowling
- Nose irregularities
- Under-eye wrinkles or deep shadows beneath the eyes
- Hollow cheeks or other shallow areas around the face
- The appearance of recessed scars
What Types of Fillers Are Right for You?
Because there are so many different types of dermal fillers on the market, Dr. Sieber recommends thinking about fillers as belonging to three special categories:
- Firm fillers
- Medium fillers
- Soft fillers
Firm fillers are usually used in areas like the jawline and chin, cheeks, and temples. They are injected deeper into the skin and go up against bone, which allows them to provide firmer support and volume to different areas of the face. Firm fillers include Radiesse, Voluma, and Restylane Lyft.
Medium fillers are slightly less thick and tend to be used for wrinkles of medium depth. One common area where medium filters are used is on the forehead between the eyebrows. Here, many people will develop two distinct lines over time. This is commonly known as an “11” by doctors. Medium fillers can also be used for nonsurgical rhinoplasty, wrinkles and deep circles beneath the eyes, and nasolabial folds. Restylane, Juvaderm Ultra, Juvaderm Ultra plus, and Vollure and the most popular medium fillers on the market.
Finally, soft fillers are the thinnest fillers. They are primarily used to touch up the fine lines and superficial wrinkles that are often found in tier troughs, on the outer corners of the mouth, and on the forehead. Soft fillers may also be used on the lips. Some of the brand names associated with soft fillers include Restylane Silk, Vobella, and Belotero.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Dermal Filler Appointment
Before getting dermal fillers, you’ll want to consult with Dr. Sieber and outline your medical history, along with your goals for treatment. At your consultation appointment, be sure to let him know of any medications and/or dietary supplements you are taking. Dr. Sieber will outline a detailed treatment plan for you, including anticipated costs and about how many filler syringes he recommends.
Leading up to your procedure, you’ll need to avoid taking products such as Motrin, Advil, gingko biloba, fish oil, and vitamin E for at least two weeks before your appointment. Doing so will help reduce the amount of bruising after your procedure.
Getting dermal fillers does not take long. Most appointments take just 10 to 30 minutes each.
Depending on where you’re getting fillers and what type Dr. Sieber is using, he may choose to use a topical numbing agent along with ice to improve your comfort. A fine needle will be used to inject the filler, and you will be free to go home with a small list of care instructions.
Some minor swelling and bruising are typical following a dermal filler appointment. Directly after your injections, you may also notice slight redness near the injection sites. This should only last for a few hours.
Swelling and bruising may last several days, but icing the area can help calm these side effects. Just be sure never to apply the ice directly to your skin as you can cause superficial damage (especially when you’re still numb and can’t feel the cold). Use a bag or cloth over the ice, and only apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
If you received injections near the mouth, keep in mind that swelling may last longer than two to three days (may last up to five days). Taking an OTC medicine such as Zyrtec or Benedryl can help.
How Long Do Results From Dermal Fillers Last?
In general, results from dermal fillers last approximately one year. However, results from Voluma can last up to two years in some cases.
Overall, there are many factors that will influence how well your dermal fillers will work, including what ingredients were used and where they were injected. Finally, everyone’s body reacts differently to injectables. For some, dermal fillers can last longer than average. Others will notice their results fading sooner.
Find Out if Dermal Fillers Are Right for You!
Interested in learning more about the benefits of dermal fillers? Book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber today!
Once you’ve discussed your treatment goals with the doctor and been deemed a qualified candidate, you can schedule your filler appointment right away and begin looking forward to smoother, plumper skin!
