Everyone wants to look younger for longer, and thanks to advancements in technology, there are various procedures you can use to achieve this – from hair transplants to botox, to dermal fillers. But today, we will turn our attention to dermal filler treatments, what it is all about, and whether it is worth your time and money.
What Are Facial Fillers?
To begin, dermal fillers (also called face fillers or soft tissue fillers) are not to be mistaken for Botox – another cosmetic procedure, which, like dermal fillers, is injected beneath the skin to enhance facial features. Dermal fillers are made of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is biodegradable and identical to the HA that our bodies naturally produce.
Additionally, collagen, synthetic plumpers, and fatty tissues (harvested from other parts of the body) are other ingredients that may be present in dermal fillers.
Dermal fillers can improve form or fullness in particular regions of the face and also revitalize the skin. Additionally, they offer the benefit of minimizing wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss. Depending on the part of the face you wish to improve, different filler types and procedures are employed.
There are four different classes of dermal fillers, according to the FDA, each having a unique origin and site of application. Here they are:
Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, which is already present in your cartilage and skin. Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillings typically last anywhere from 6 to 12 months before you need a refill.
Like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite is produced naturally – in the bones – and is completely biodegradable. This substance is used to make fillers that last up to 18 months. Its biocompatibility makes it suitable for use in various areas of the body including the hands, neck, and most importantly, the face.
This dermal filler is a stimulator, causing the production of collagen in your body upon injection into the face. Like other dermal fillers on this list, polylactic acid is a non-toxic and completely biodegradable substance. It typically lasts about 2 years before another refill of polylactic acid filling is needed.
The only filler that your body cannot absorb is polymethylmethacrylate, therefore the effects are long-lasting. This makes them suitable for application to the mouth area.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Although dermal fillers used for dermal filling procedures are safe and FDA-approved, users may still experience adverse effects after an injection. Most importantly though, all dermal filler operations should be carried out by a licensed dermal expert using only FDA-approved fillers administered using a syringe.
Side effects that may occur vary from person to person and may include itching, skin rash, redness, pimple-like eruptions, and in worse cases, lumps and facial asymmetry.
Dermal filling procedures are a great way to treat wrinkles and lines on the face, if you do not want to opt for surgery. However, if you want a more permanent fix, you may opt for a facelift surgery to firm up the features as they age.
Are Dermal Fillers Worth It? – Final Verdict
Dermal fillers cost anywhere from $400 – $1,200 per syringe, amounting to an average of $3,000 per treatment. In light of this, your particular tastes will ultimately determine if dermal filling procedures are worth your time and money. However, if you consider the following points, you may be in a better position to decide if a dermal filling procedure is worth it for you:
- Unlike many big-budget skin care products which give short-lived boosts to the facial appearance for a very short time, dermal fillers are more cost-effective in comparison because they give longer-lasting improvements to facial texture and overall appearance.
- Dermal filling aesthetic experts have been using the procedure for decades now with proven results, most times, far more superior and longer-lasting than what is obtainable with expensive skin care products on the market. You can save a small fortune by getting a dermal filling.
- With a dermal filling, you don’t need to spend a lot of time in recovery. This is in contrast to surgical cosmetic operations like doing a facelift. On average, you only need about 30 minutes to recover and be about your next business.