Thanks to minimal downtime when they are professionally done, dermal fillers are fast eclipsing more invasive cosmetic surgery procedures in their popularity. While recovery times differ between patients, most people can resume their daily activities straight after their injections, with a few minor side effects. If you are thinking about smoothing your complexion or adding volume to your face, let’s first check out what to expect after dermal fillers.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Also known as injectables, dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the skin using fine needles. They add volume so they are used to fill in lines, creases and wrinkles, depressions caused by scars and to add volume to the contours of the face such as the cheeks, lips and jaw.
The most commonly used substance in dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance that stimulates the body’s own production of collagen and elastin.
It is also possible to other substances in fillers:
- Collagen
- The fat from your own body
- Polylactic acid
- Botox
What Are The Risks And Side Effects?
Despite being used quite commonly by people of different age groups, fillers aren’t suitable for everyone. Patients who have the following conditions may not be suitable candidates for injectables:
- A history of developing scar tissue
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Patients with inflamed or infected skin
- Severe allergies or food allergies
- Patients who have previously had severe allergic reactions
If you are a smoker or are a bleeding risk, dermal fillers won’t be recommended.
Because there is a chance of compilations it’s essential to work with a registered and experienced medical professional. Your personal risk factors need to be evaluated before any treatment can be done. Some important considerations include
- Whether you are taking blood-thinning medication
- Whether you have an allergy to collagen from cows
- Whether you have a chicken allergy.
Fat transfer injections may be a better option if allergies are a concern, as they are tolerated better by the body. They do last longer than hyaluronic acid dermal filler and typically only need to be replaced every 12 months on average. Between 30 and 50% of the volume will be reabsorbed by your body over time. For this treatment, fat is generally harvested from the abdominal area, as this fat is less likely to be reabsorbed.
Some other possible complications may include
- The area looking overfilled or swollen
- Mild to severe bruising
- Redness or numbness (this may be temporary)
- Areas that feel hard
- An allergic reaction that presents with swelling and hives
These complications can generally be managed with ice and gentle massage to the affected area. If you experience any of these side effects and have concerns, please contact your cosmetic surgeon.
Following your surgeon’s post-treatment care instructions is essential to minimise any complications. If you use fat from your own body as a dermal filler it may take you slightly longer to heal and recover.
What To Expect During The Dermal Filler Procedure?
You will have a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon or aesthetician where you detail your dermal filler expectations. Your surgeon will advise you on how many fillers will be required, and what your maintenance treatments will entail. Any cosmetic surgery alternatives can be discussed.
Does Dermal Filler Hurt?
A topical numbing agent will be used to make the procedure more comfortable. Some temporary discomfort may be experienced once the anaesthesia has worn off but this is generally mild.
Using very fine needles ensures that no scars form at the dermal filler injection sites.
Certain areas of the face (such as the lips) are more sensitive, so you may experience more discomfort or swelling in those.
What To Expect After Dermal Fillers?
Your results should be visible straight after having your dermal filler, and certainly, once the swelling has subsided, you will be able to see how effective they are. If you have had Botox injections, your results will take three to four days to become visible, and the full effect can be seen 10 to 14 days after your treatment.
- The longevity of your dermal fillers will depend on a number of factors but most patients tend to have top-up treatment every four months to two years.
- Most activities can be resumed straight after your dermal filler procedure but you should avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- You should avoid extreme temperature fluctuations in the first 24 hours including sauna and steam rooms.
- Make sure you keep the area clean, according to your surgeon’s instructions and do not wear makeup.
- Any pain or discomfort in the first 24 hours can be managed with paracetamol, but this should subside by the following day.
Is Dermal Filler The Right Procedure For You?
Dermal fillers are a practical alternative to more invasive cosmetic surgery procedures like facelifts. They can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures like eye lifts, brow lifts and nose jobs.
If you would like to
- smooth out fine lines, creases or wrinkles
- Plump up depressions or scars
- Minimise the appearance of lines around the nose, eyes or mouth
- Add volume to your cheeks, lips or jaw
Then dermal fillers could be the right treatment for you.
To find out more about what to expect after dermal fillers, or which treatments could benefit your skin concerns, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 8599 7161.
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