Dermal fillers are rapidly increasing in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why! They have a number of different cosmetic uses, and can help give you that extra boost of confidence you’ve been looking for.
If signs of aging on your face are troubling you, it’s likely you’ve considered getting dermal fillers. In addition to reducing wrinkles and fine lines, this non surgical cosmetic procedure is also known to give skin a youthful volume.
Though, the uses of dermal fillers aren’t limited to aging concerns. Dermal fillers have become sought-after for many reasons. They can help plump lips, improve the appearance of scars, and enhance shallow contours on the face, just to name a few.
However, as with any cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a substance into the face, there is a lot to consider before getting dermal fillers. In particular, it’s likely you want to know how long they will be able to maintain the desired effect, and what will happen once they have worn off.
To make sure you are fully informed about dermal fillers, and are thus as confident as possible before getting the procedure, check out the information below!
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, or face and lip fillers, are substances which generally contain Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring, hydrating chemical. They are injected into the face with the goal of adding volume to the desired area.
Why Do People Get Dermal Fillers?
As we age, our bodies stop producing collagen and elastin, which help make us look youthful. During the aging process, we also lose subcutaneous fat, which means that the facial muscles are more exposed.
In turn, this makes facial lines far more apparent, and the elasticity of our skin becomes looser. Dermal fillers are a way to counteract the look of an aging face by plumping areas that have lost elasticity or become wrinkled.
Dermal fillers can also be used in the lips, and people of all ages are drawn to this treatment. In addition to being able to remove unwanted wrinkles in the lip area, dermal fillers in the lip also increase the their volume and hydration.
Though dermal fillers will not provide the same results as surgical treatments, they are often chosen due to their accessibility, quick treatment and recovery time. They can be administered within ten minutes, and take just two weeks to fully settle.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Another reason people are drawn to dermal fillers rather than cosmetic surgery is because they aren’t permanent. On average, dermal fillers will last between 6 and 18 months.
However, the length of time that dermal fillers last is difficult to pin down, as there are a number of different types. Below are the most popular brands of dermal fillers and their correlating longevity timelines.
- Juvaderm – lasts from one to two years.
- Restylane – lasts for up to one year.
- Sculptra – lasts for up to three years.
- Radiesse – lasts for up to one year.
What Happens When Dermal Fillers Wear Off?
One of the downsides of dermal fillers being a non-permanent treatment, is the anxiety of what your face or lips will look like once the fillers wear off. As long as the procedure is carried out correctly, there is actually very little to be concerned about.
Once non-permanent lip fillers have worn off, the lips should return to their normal shape. In fact, because hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are broken down by the body very easily. This means that, in the following months after getting lip fillers, the lips will slowly be decreasing in volume before returning to their original shape.
The same generally goes for facial fillers. Many are concerned with how dermal fillers may stretch the skin, and so worry about being left with skin more saggy than it was originally.
However, in most cases, as the filler fades, the skin will recover and return to its original shape. In fact, in some instances, your skin might even look better than it did originally! Some dermal fillers work to increase the body’s production of collagen, which will positively impact your look, even after the filler has worn off.
Regardless of whether your chosen type of dermal filler increases collagen production, the majority of times, no dermal filler will have any kind of negative, lasting effect on your face. This means that, if you chose to get dermal fillers a second time, you should not require more than you did the first time, unless you are opting for a different treatment.
Potential Risks
There are few risks when it comes to dermal fillers having an overall negative effect on your look. However, this is only the case if you visit an experienced cosmetic dermatologist.
As with any cosmetic treatment, there are many risks associated with visiting an inexperienced practitioner. These can range from unwanted lumps and asymmetries, to blindness and necrosis of the skin. Not to worry though, the more serious risks are very uncommon and can be reversed or prevented by an experienced practitioner.
What To Think About During A Consultation
Due to the potential risks and the general effect that dermal fillers can have on your self esteem, it’s important to quash any concerns you may have during a consultation.
Explain to your cosmetologist, in detail, the outcomes you desire. An experienced professional will be able to direct you toward the right treatment and provide extensive information about the process.
It is also a good idea to request before and after photos of their work. In doing so, you can be the judge of whether or not their ability is well matched to your wants and needs. Also, don’t be afraid to ask about their training and qualifications! You are paying for a service and you have a right to know how qualified they are to carry out that service.
Final Thoughts
Dermal fillers are a great tool to help you feel more youthful and confident. As long as they are carried out properly, there is no reason that they should have an overall negative effect on your appearance.