Your Guide to Facial Fillers
Have you been considering facial fillers but don’t know what to expect or how to prepare? If so, you’re not alone. We’ve created your go-to guide to facial fillers, including what they are, how they work, and what results you may experience.
What is a Facial Filler?
Before you get any sort of injection, it is important to know what it actually is and what it is best used for.
The Cleveland Clinic explains why many people get facial fillers. “As you age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin causes skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.”
Luckily, especially in recent years, dermal, or facial, fillers have been used to reverse this sagging. But if you are wondering what is in facial fillers, it depends what type of filler you are getting. There are four main types, and each targets different issues.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA): For volume, smoothing deep wrinkles and hydration. Restylane®, Juvedérm® and Revanesse® are HA fillers.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): For volume and firming. Contains collagen. Bellafill® is a PMMA filler.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa): For deeper wrinkles. Radiesse® is a CaHA filler.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): For smoothing deep wrinkles. Sculptra® is a PLLA filler.
Along with containing different elements, each of these fillers last for varying amounts of time. For instance, for the facial fillers that target deep wrinkles, like CaHa and PLLA, the results last for much longer.
Of course, work with your practitioner to determine what the best type of filler is for your specific concerns.
Why Get Facial Fillers?
As mentioned earlier, as we age, our face begins to sag from a decrease of collagen. Fillers can then be used to:
- Smooth wrinkles
- Lift up sagging skin
- Plump up certain features
- Make your face more symmetrical
Interestingly, a recent article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons discussed a research study that found another benefit of facial fillers, “Central facial injections also showed local lifting effects, including up to one millimeter of vertical ‘lift’ in the forehead area.”
Patients most commonly get fillers in the upper face, around the mouth, under the eyes, in the lips, and in the chin, cheek, and jaw area. Some also get fillers around the nose for a slimming effect.
How Do I Prepare for Facial Fillers?
While dermal fillers are a noninvasive, outpatient treatment, there are still some things you should do beforehand to ensure an optimal experience and best results.
- HYDRATE! This will be a huge help during recovery
- Avoid taking medications (like ibuprofen) or supplements that can increase bruising
- If you can, try to stop smoking before your appointment. This will also help with the healing process.
Be sure to talk to your practitioner prior to your facial filler session as well to see if they have any further guidelines.
How Long Do Fillers Last?
As mentioned previously, how long you will experience results from your filler will depend on the type you receive. And as with any procedure, results will vary person to person.
Generally, however, fillers targeting deeper wrinkles typically last around a year or longer. If you are targeting “smoother” areas with facial fillers, you can typically see results lasting around six months to a year.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Facial Fillers?
While severe side effects are rare after getting fillers, you can expect some mild discomfort for a few weeks after the injection. According to the FDA, along with tenderness and pain you can also expect:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Redness
- Rash
If these symptoms persist after a few weeks or you experience more severe symptoms, contact your injector.
Where Can I Get Facial Fillers in The Woodlands, Texas?
If you are in The Woodlands, Texas and are looking to get facial fillers or have questions about this procedure, contact our office today to book your appointment.