A Definitive Guide to Injectable Dermal Fillers

Injectable cosmetic treatments have become more popular in the past decade, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re minimally invasive, can be completed within a short space of time, and are cost-effective compared to more traditional cosmetic procedures. People of different ages and lifestyles can take advantage of injectables to rejuvenate their appearance with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.

And dermal fillers are one of the most sought-after injectable treatments available today. If you’re considering it yourself, you probably have questions you’d like to have answered before you book your appointment.

Astra Medi Spa’s team has put the following definitive guide together, to help you learn:

• What injectable dermal fillers are
• How injectable dermal fillers work
• Which areas dermal fillers can be injected into
• How long dermal fillers last
• Potential side effects
• Important factors to consider before a treatment

What are injectable dermal fillers?

One of the biggest questions you’re sure to ask before you book your dermal fillers treatment is what are they actually made of?

Dermal fillers are available in different formulations, but the most popular type are made with hyaluronic acid. You might have heard of this, as it’s a common fixture of skin creams and anti-aging products.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occuring substance produced by the body, and it helps the skin to stay hydrated, strong, and plump. Injectable dermal fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid tend to be soft and have a gel-like texture.

Injectable dermal fillers are an effective solution for people struggling to accept natural changes in their appearance. Specifically, the common signs of aging — wrinkles, lines, sunken cheeks, reduced elasticity, and bags beneath the eyes. All of these can be improved by injectable dermal fillers.

How do injectable dermal fillers work?

Dermal fillers are injected into target areas of the face to restore volume and reduce signs of aging. They smooth out wrinkles, boost skin elasticity, and create a more youthful, healthy appearance overall.

For example, someone with sagging cheeks can find their face becomes visibly tighter and smoother after a dermal filler injection.

As an injectable treatment, dermal fillers may be compared to Botox, but they’re actually significantly different. Botox is designed to restrict the movement of specific muscles in the face, minimizing the formation of wrinkles and achieving tighter, less-malleable skin.

However, dermal fillers are injected into the flesh beneath the wrinkle to restore a younger, smoother complexion. Some people may choose to complement dermal fillers with Botox injections, but it’s best to discuss this with an expert before making the final decision.

A numbing cream is usually applied to the target areas of the face beforehand, to help keep patients comfortable during the treatment. But pain associated with injectable dermal fillers is, generally, minimal.

Which areas can we inject dermal fillers into?

Dermal fillers can be injected into different areas of the face to address specific issues.

You may choose to have dermal fillers injected into the zone surrounding your eyes, to reduce the appearance of dark circles and/or bags. Both are common, especially as we age, but can leave you looking tired, even if you feel well-rested.

Alternatively, dermal fillers can be injected into the cheeks and surrounding area. Accordion lines, folds, and sagging skin will all be improved, and lost volume can be restored to leave the face plumper.

The lower area of the face can benefit from injectable dermal fillers, too. Vertical lines over the top lip, downturned corners, sagging jawline, creases on the chin, and other signs of aging will all be reduced significantly.

You might choose to focus injections on one or multiple areas of the face, but you should consider this carefully, to make sure you pick the safest, most appropriate option. You’ll have the chance to discuss this with an expert during your consultation,

How long will my injectable dermal fillers last?

Injectable dermal fillers are effective for varying periods of time, based on the form of hyaluronic acid they’re made with. Bodies may react to dermal fillers differently, too, which can affect the length of time they remain at their best.

In most cases, though, dermal fillers tend to last for between six and 18 months.

Potential side effects of injectable dermal fillers

Most cosmetic treatments can lead to side effects, and dermal fillers are no different. While they’re considered incredibly safe for everyone, it’s vital to talk about dermal fillers’ potential side effects.

Common ones include:

• Bruising
• Pain/discomfort (usually mild)
• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling

If any of these do occur, they’re only temporary and unlikely to cause much interference with your lifestyle. You can take steps if you’re concerned about this, such as using chamomile to reduce reddening of the skin and swelling.

Any bruising will last just a few days, and you should prevent the treated area(s) becoming exposed to heat until the side-effect has reduced or disappeared. Exercise, drinking alcohol, entering a sauna, or anything else that can cause you to become red-faced should all be avoided.

Finally, never massage treated areas. This can lead the dermal fillers to move around in, or even leave, their target zones, producing a slightly unbalanced effect.

Key things to consider before you book your dermal fillers treatment

Injectable dermal fillers should only ever be performed by an experienced professional. Only they know how to inject the fillers carefully and safely into the target areas, using the right type to achieve your goals.

If you have any concerns about this treatment, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A professional team is only too happy to discuss the procedure, the dermal fillers used, the recovery process, and anything else that’s on your mind.

At Astra Medi Spa, we provide a range of injectable treatments to help you look and feel at your best. If you want to discuss your options and learn more about our injectable dermal fillers, please just get in touch with our team.

Schedule an in-depth, convenient consultation for your injectable dermal filler treatment now.