Q: What are dermal fillers?
A: Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are typically made of various materials, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid, which are biocompatible and safe for use in the body.
Q: What are the common uses for dermal fillers?
A: Dermal fillers are commonly used for:
• Smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines.
• Enhancing lip volume and shape.
• Restoring volume and contour to the cheeks and temples.
• Filling in hollow areas under the eyes.
• Correcting facial asymmetry.
• Softening the appearance of scars.
Q: How do dermal fillers work?
A: The specific mechanism of action depends on the type of dermal filler used. In general, dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin to add volume and provide support to the underlying tissues. This fills in wrinkles or hollow areas, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Q: Are dermal fillers safe?
A: Dermal fillers are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified medical professional. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. It's important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider before getting dermal filler injections.
Q: How long do dermal fillers last?
A: The duration of results can vary depending on the type of dermal filler used, the treatment area, individual metabolism, and other factors. Some fillers can last from several months up to two years. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as the Juvederm collection tend to have temporary results, while some collagen stimulators such as Bellafill can provide longer-lasting effects.
Q: What are the possible side effects of dermal fillers?
A: Common side effects of dermal fillers may include temporary swelling, redness, bruising, itching, or tenderness at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious complications, such as infection, allergic reactions, or vascular occlusion, can occur.
Q: Can dermal fillers be reversed or dissolved?
A: Most dermal fillers can be reversed or in some cases, completely dissolved using specific enzymes. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. In some cases, this process may require anywhere from 1 to 3 treatments to dissolve previously injected product. This allows for adjustments or correction of undesirable results if necessary.
Q: How much do dermal fillers cost?
A: The cost of dermal fillers varies depending on factors such as the type of filler and the amount of filler used. Prices typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per treatment.
Q: Is there any downtime after dermal filler injections?
A: Downtime is usually minimal with dermal filler injections. Some patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, which typically resolves within a few days. Most patients’ can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your specific concerns, goals, and any potential risks associated with dermal fillers.