The best injectors understand and use facial balance in the injection process. There are several methods for injecting the filler, with the most popular being the linear threading method, whether retrograde or anterograde. It is advisable for beginners to start with this technique than with other methods such as the depot or fern method, which can be associated with lumps if administered improperly. Injectable dermal fillers can fill thin lips, improve superficial contours, smooth facial folds, remove wrinkles, and improve the appearance of scars.
Many visible signs of aging can be traced back to volume loss, as facial tissues become thinner and lines are engraved around the nose and mouth and the cheeks look a little hollow. Dermal fillers can replace lost volume to help smooth wrinkles, plump lips and restore a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and smooth wrinkles or improve facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
Autologous fat injections are the only injectable filler treatment that requires surgery, but the results can last for many years. Your own fat is removed from another area (autologous means “from the same person”), usually through liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into the face to help restore volume to the cheeks, temples, lower eyelids or other areas. When selecting a provider for injectable treatments, give your decision the same level of care and scrutiny as you would for a surgical procedure. Choose a provider with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, well-developed eye aesthetics, and the skill and precision of a surgeon.
Whoever you choose, make sure your provider has proven experience in cosmetic medicine, as well as substantial training and experience in performing filler injections. Ask to see before and after patient photos of a potential provider. Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area before the injection. Many fillers also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. Your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically under your skin. Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice the results immediately after receiving the filler injections.
Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but they are temporary and should go away during the days following treatment. You will be able to return to your normal activities right after treatment, but your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity. Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure and follows a different treatment protocol. Usually, fat grafting is done as an outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Up to 2 weeks of downtime may be required, depending on the degree of liposuction performed. The duration of the effects of dermal fillers depends on the product, the treatment area and the patient.
Generally speaking, the denser the product and the deeper it is injected, the longer it will last. Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option and are therefore often recommended for patients using fillers for the first time; they will usually last 6 to 18 months. Injections into the lips will wear out a little faster than those in the nasolabial folds. Certain HA fillers such as VOLUMA are formulated to last longer but are usually limited to certain areas such as cheeks.
Synthetic fillers tend to last longer since they are not absorbed by the body. With help from a qualified and experienced provider, injectable fillers can provide natural-looking enhancements to help you feel more confident in your appearance. If you're ready to learn more about your options, meet with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.
