If you’ve been looking for some kind of anti-ageing treatment lately, you must have come across Dermal Fillers. And we all seem to know the basics – that these are some kind of injections that can be used to make wrinkles disappear, make the lips look plump, improve the skin tone etc. However, there’s a lot that you need to know before you decide to take the plunge.
What are dermal fillers?
When you turn 25 years of age or more, the body stops producing collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep the skin firm and maintain its elasticity. To make the matters worse, the existing collagen in the body starts breaking down. Without these essential proteins, the body begins to show typical signs of ageing – sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, deep lines and wrinkles – as the body can no longer keep the skin strong and supple.
Dermal Fillers are primarily made up of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule that attracts and binds water in the skin. Dermal fillers can be used to work in tandem with body’s remaining collagen and elastin to give skin a more full and youthful appearance.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Dermal fillers can last up to 6 months to one-and-a-half years depending on the type of HA used. There are other deciding factors as well like how well it is suited to the purpose and to the individual.
How are dermal fillers administered?
The treatment of wrinkles with dermal filler will usually involve injecting this naturally occurring product (HA) through a tiny needle. The discomfort is minimal as the treatment does not take long to perform. The aesthetic outcomes of treatments with dermal filler are seen immediately after the treatment. Treating wrinkles with dermal filler is fast, leaving no scars.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes only.
Whom do dermal fillers generally suit?
Facial fillers can be used on a wide range of people, and are primarily used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of lines and wrinkles. Other suitable candidates are those seeking to add structure and volume to the face. A lot of people lose volume in their face due to living a very active, high impact lifestyle. Fillers help to restore the volume loss that naturally begins to occur when we reach our late thirties, and in turn gives a fresher, brighter appearance.
What kind of results can you expect after the treatment?
The results should be subtle. It should make people believe that you are looking your best. The effect of the treatment can last up to 24 months as well but at the end of this period, it gradually begins to soften. The good part is that it is very gradual and there is no dramatic drop. As and when the effect begins to soften, it is advisable to go for a top-up treatment.
People often revisit the clinics and point to a specific line that they don’t like. Good practitioners shouldn’t just look at treating this specific line, but look beyond it to how the face looks as a whole, since treating an individual line could make the patient look unnatural. It is really key that you feel safe and reassured by your chosen practitioner: a partnership should develop where you can speak freely about what concerns you, as this will allow the practitioner to truly understand your hopes and desired outcomes.
Here are some questions that you may ask the practitioner before going in for the procedure…
1. What’s your qualification?
2. Which brand or brands of dermal fillers do you generally administer?
3. Have these dermal fillers been extensively tested and researched?
4. How satisfied are your other patients with the treatment? Do you have any testimonials or before and after pictures that you can show?
5. Are there any side-effects?
6. What are the precautions I should take after the treatment and what kind of after-treatment service will I be given if I go for this procedure at your clinic?
