DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal Fillers in Pelham, Alabama
Dermal Fillers are a popular non-surgical, injectable treatment that reduce lines, wrinkles, and folds in the skin.
Are you considering a Dermal Filler treatment for the first time but have questions about what the treatment will be like? Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions we get about Dermal Fillers:
WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?
Dermal fillers are non-surgical cosmetic treatments used to bring a more youthful appearance by restoring volume or fullness to the face and lips. They work by reducing or eliminating lines, wrinkles and folds in the skin and the effect is seen immediately after treatment.
As skin ages, both naturally and because of other factors such as sun damage, smoking, and poor diet, we lose collagen, fat and other natural moisturising substances from our skin. They can keep you looking young and feeling firm. With less of these, our skin becomes thinner and we start to see lines, wrinkles and folds developing. This is usually more noticeable on our faces.
Put simply, dermal fillers are used to restore that lost volume in the face by plumping out lines, wrinkles and folds.
WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS MADE OF?
Various kinds of safe, natural and man-made materials are used as dermal fillers; these have been specifically developed over the years for use in the skin. Two kinds of dermal fillers are usually suggested for the face: semi-permanent and non-permanent. At Pelham Dental Care, we use non-permanent fillers, such as, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) derived Versa, which lasts for around 6-12 months, depending upon the site of application and the formulation of the material used.
- HYALURONIC ACID
HA is found naturally throughout our bodies: in our skin, bones, joints, and eyes. It acts as a lubricant and moisturizer due to its ability to attract and store water. Hyaluronic Acid is clinically produced, usually from bacterial, not from animal or human sources.
There are different brands that your practitioner may recommend and you will be advised about their side effects as well as their longevity.
- ABOUT DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers are supplied in a pre-filled sterile syringe for injection. They are manufactured in different thicknesses; some are more gel-like, and others are more liquid.
The thicker ones are used to restore the deeper folds or wrinkles such as those between the nose and corner of the mouth. The thinner ones are used more superficially for fine lines such as crow’s feet.
IS THE TREATMENT UNCOMFORTABLE?
A local anesthetic cream is used to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. For treatments near the mouth, such as lip treatments, your practitioner may numb the area with dental anesthetic.
After the treatment your practitioner will give you aftercare instructions to maximize its benefits.
SHOULD I DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
A week before the treatment most physicians will advise patients to stop consuming alcohol or taking medications or supplements that thin the blood like aspirin, ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng. This will help minimize bruising after the procedure. Patients are also advised to discontinue Retinol treatment atleast two days prior to Dermal Filler Injections.
ARE THERE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS?
Most people can return to their normal daily life within 2 days, but no strenuous activity the day of the procedure. Your practitioner will explain the possible side effects during the initial consultation.
Side effects are related to the fact that you have had injections in the area being treated, they typically last only three days.
These side effects can include slight bleeding and bruising, swelling may also occur around the area. If you have lip treatment swelling can last 8-10 days.
Allergic reactions to dermal filler treatment are rare but can include: redness, itching, swelling, and hardness, or small bumps under the skin. These side effects may last for weeks or months and sometimes longer, fortunately they are very rare.
If you have a history of cold sores, dermal filler treatment in that area might cause them to break out again. Your practitioner will advise you to use a topical or oral anti-viral treatment before and after the treatment to reduce the possibility of a recurrence.
We always encourage patients to schedule their treatments at least two weeks prior to any upcoming important event.
HOW LONG DO DERMAL FILLERS LAST?
The length of time that dermal fillers last depends on the type of filler used and the area injected. On average, you would expect the results of a Hyaluronic Acid dermal filler to last around 6-12 months. Thicker dermal fillers tend to last longer than those used for finer lines. As the dermal filler is gradually broken down and the level of volume you gained lessens, you can choose to have the area ‘topped-up’ to retain the effect. However, if you decide not to, the advantage of non-permanent dermal fillers is that the area will gradually return to how it was before the treatment.
CAN ANYONE HAVE DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT?
While most people can benefit from this treatment, there are certain medications and conditions that preclude its use. Your practitioner will ask a number of questions to ensure that dermal fillers are appropriate.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you would be advised to delay treatment until breast-feeding has finished, this is simply a precaution.
