Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that specialists inject under the skin to restore lost volume or fill facial contours. Every year, more than 1 million men and women opt for this popular treatment for facial rejuvenation.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 15-30 minutes | Outpatient | Few days |
The skin loses its freshness as time passes, and sometimes wrinkles appear. There may even be other skin problems that stop the collagen production process in the affected areas. In such a case, doctors need to intervene externally to stimulate the cells to produce collagen again and restore the skin and facial contours to the ideal state.
At this stage, specialists use gels, fat injections, and neurotoxins. Of course, the use of these three is entirely different. Neurotoxins, of which Botox is the simplest example, paralyze the muscles in the target area and reduce their function. As a result of such a procedure, your wrinkles will also disappear. Experts perform gel injections in such a way that they purify your body of fats and inject these fats after they have passed the purification stage.
Fats aren’t permanent like gels; the body absorbs most of the fat the doctors inject in the first months. However, the gels make wrinkles disappear and add significant volume to the body areas.
These gels contain hyaluronic acid because it can store moisture, resulting in better hydration. This acts like a breath of fresh air for the lower layers of the skin, promoting cell reproduction and, ultimately, beautification. We can say that it is possible to use the gel on every part of the body. Specialists can use gels that emphasize the chin, lips, cheeks, temples, breasts, and buttocks from the folds they create in the inter-row area and even eliminate hollows and darkness under the eyes.
Many people think that fillers can cause problems in the long term. This rumor isn’t valid. The hyaluronic acid in the gels is entirely compatible with the body system and has a natural function. There are no complications or allergies after injecting the gel. Experts note that sometimes when people apply cold compresses, swelling and temporary bruises appear, which disappear entirely within a few days. In addition, after performing this operation, the person can quickly return home or work and continue their daily activities.
Dermal fillers last longer in the body than other dermal filling methods, and according to reports, they usually remain in the body for up to 2 years. Generally, it is necessary to wait 3 to 6 months for the exact and actual results to appear from the day the experts inject in the desired location. Of course, post-injection care is also critical. Remember that if you don’t follow these requirements, the results will never be to your liking. It would be best to remember to maintain the look you want and repeat this injection twice a year. As people get older, the need for more of these injections increases.
Dermal fillers aren’t suitable for everyone. Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding aren’t ideal for this procedure. Also, people with infections should avoid this procedure until they are entirely free of this problem. People with neuromuscular diseases, allergies to these substances, immune system disorders, and defects should not have filler injections. People with diabetes should also avoid filler injections. Of course, it is imperative to consult a doctor about this issue; the doctor may have a different opinion.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a gel-like substance based on hyaluronic acid, entirely natural for the human body. Most often, people use these fillers to enhance the effect of the lips. The application of a small amount of this material by specialists effectively balances all depressions in the skin (e.g., deep wrinkles and lines). Replaces lost volume or the patient wants to see a little more (e.g., when contouring the lips). It returns the face to its natural, youthful appearance.
The dermal filler application is a minimally invasive treatment performed by specialists under local anesthesia so the patient isn’t uncomfortable. Deep wrinkles, especially nasolabial folds around the eyes and forehead, are mostly solved with fillers. In addition to wrinkles, dermal fillers treat dark circles or bags under the eyes and unwanted tissue loss anywhere on the body. They are also suitable for lip augmentation.
Fillers are suitable for all skin types and target various age-related problems. Specialists also use this procedure to fill bags under the eyes and remove deep wrinkles or depressions caused by scars. You can also use this procedure for larger areas such as the cheeks and temples.
Only adults would be ideal patients, as fillers can disrupt bone structure that isn’t fully strong at the time of injection. Specialists inject a gel-like substance into various skin depths using a syringe. The sense in the filler fills the area, for example, to smooth nasolabial folds or to plump the cheekbones. The most popular fillers are hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally produced by the skin that binds to water. There are also other fillers in synthetic substances, such as calcium-based microspheres.
Applying fillers usually takes no more than an hour, and you can return to your work or social life immediately, as it leaves no scars and requires no recovery or special treatment. The effect of the procedure is quite natural and is visible directly after the treatment, becoming more robust after a few weeks. Since the durability of the fillers depends on the organism’s metabolic rate, it is individual for each patient. However, in general, the effect of dermal fillers can last between eight and twelve months.
Who Should Have Dermal Fillers Procedure?
Specialists, for various cosmetic reasons, usually perform dermal fillers. They are suitable for people who want to address concerns about loss of facial volume, wrinkles, or enhancement of certain features. However, carefully evaluate your decision to have dermal fillers and make it after consulting plastic surgeons. Check out the ideal candidates for dermal fillers in general:
- Individuals with fine lines and wrinkles, such as smile (nasolabial folds) or marionette lines.
- People with static wrinkles are present even when the face rests.
- Those who have lost volume in the face due to aging, weight loss, or other factors.
- People who want to enhance certain facial features such as the cheeks or lips.
- Those who want fuller or more defined lips.
- People with naturally thin lips who want a fuller appearance.
- Dermal fillers also reduce the appearance of certain scars, such as acne scars or depressed scars. Some people may prefer fillers to reshape or enhance the appearance of their nose without surgery.
- Fillers restore volume and improve the appearance of aging hands.
Remember that dermal fillers are a non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation, but they are not suitable for everyone. Candidates ought to be in sound health and have a realistic perspective regarding the outcome. It is crucial to consult with surgeons who can assess your specific needs, discuss potential risks and benefits, and create a treatment plan customized to your goals.
Also, people with certain medical conditions or allergies or who take certain medications may not be suitable candidates for dermal fillers. Always disclose your medical history and any medications you are taking during your consultation to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome from the procedure.
What are the Risks of the Dermal Fillers Process?
Dermal fillers are generally safe when trained and performed by experienced specialists, but there are risks and potential side effects associated with the procedure. Check out the risks of the dermal filler procedure in general:
- Bruising and swelling: It is common to experience bruising and swelling at the injection site after a dermal filler procedure. This may be temporary but may take a few days to resolve.
- Redness and tenderness: The problem area may become red and tender shortly.
- Infection: In rare cases, there is a disease risk at the injection site. You can minimize this risk with appropriate sterilization and hygiene practices.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the dermal filler used. Discuss any known allergies with your doctor before the procedure.
- Lumps or bumps: Fillers can sometimes cause lumps or bumps to form under the skin. These can usually be removed with a massage or may require additional treatment.
- Migration or displacement: Dermal fillers can sometimes migrate from the injection site to other face parts. The correct injection technique can minimize this risk.
- Nodules or granulomas: In rare cases, small nodules or granulomas may form at the injection site. These require further treatment.
- Asymmetry: Perfect symmetry can be challenging to achieve, and there is a risk of slight asymmetry in the affected area.
- Uneven dissolution of the filler: Dermal fillers aren’t permanent, and their effects will gradually fade. However, they can dissolve unevenly, leading to inconsistent results.
- Skin damage: Incorrect injection technique or the use of unapproved fillers can lead to skin damage, including necrosis (tissue death) in extreme cases.
- Scarring: Scarring may occur at the injection site in rare cases.
What Will You Encounter During Dermal Fillers Consultation?
During a dermal filler consultation, you typically encounter several vital steps and discussions with the doctors. The talk is crucial to ensuring that dermal fillers are the proper treatment for your needs and creating a customized treatment plan.
The specialists will start by taking a detailed medical history. They will ask about any medical conditions you have, medications you are currently taking, allergies, and past cosmetic procedures. It is essential to be honest and give accurate information. You can discuss your concerns and what you hope to achieve with fillers. Whether you want to reduce wrinkles, add volume to certain areas, or enhance certain facial features, this discussion will help surgeons understand your goals.
Doctors will physically examine your face to assess areas that may benefit from dermal fillers. They will determine the quality of your skin, the depth of wrinkles or lines, and the overall facial anatomy. The doctors will explain the different fillers available and discuss which suits your needs. Specialists can make dermal fillers from various substances, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, or synthetic materials, each with their properties and purposes.
How Should You Prepare for Dermal Fillers Procedure?
Preparing for the dermal filler procedure is crucial to ensure a successful and safe treatment. Research and choose a qualified and experienced medical professional, such as a plastic surgeon specializing in fillers. Check their credentials and reviews to make sure they have a good reputation.
Schedule a consultation with your chosen practitioner to discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns. They will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin condition, and medical history to determine your filler suitability. Provide your practitioner with a detailed medical history, including any allergies, medical conditions, medications, or previous cosmetic procedures you have had. This information is crucial to assess potential risks and complications.
Specialists will provide you with specific pre-treatment guidelines, including avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners or supplements, that may increase the risk of bruising. Follow these instructions carefully. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake for a few days before the procedure, as these substances can contribute to dehydration and increase the risk of bruising. Drink plenty of water the days before your appointment to keep your skin hydrated, which can help the healing process. Avoid harsh skin care products such as retinoids and exfoliants the days before your treatment, as they irritate the skin.
Schedule your appointment later when you have some downtime, as swelling, redness, or bruising may take a few days to go away. Avoid important social events immediately after the procedure. You may experience some temporary side effects, such as swelling or mild discomfort, so it is a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure if necessary.
Talk to your doctor about aftercare instructions. This may include avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and certain skin care products in the days following the procedure. Understand that dermal fillers provide temporary results, and the final result may not be visible immediately. Discuss your expectations with your practitioner to make sure you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Remember that each individual’s experience may differ, so you must follow your practitioner’s advice and guidance to achieve the best possible results and minimize potential risks or complications.
How is Dermal Fillers Procedure Performed?
Before the procedure, you will consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your goals, the types of fillers available, potential risks, and expected results. There are several dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite. The choice depends on the area the specialists will treat and your specific needs. Here are the steps of the dermal filler procedure:
- Preparation
Specialists usually clean the area they will treat and apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
- Injection
They inject the filler into the target areas using a fine needle or cannula. The amount of filler the specialists will use varies depending on your desired result.
- Massaging the area and final
After injecting the filler, the specialists gently massage the area to distribute the filler and sculpt the contours evenly. Although there is usually no downtime after the procedure, we recommend avoiding strenuous activities and exposure to extreme temperatures for a short period. Some fillers provide immediate results, while others may take a few days to settle. A follow-up appointment may be required to evaluate the results and make necessary adjustments.
What to Consider After Dermal Fillers Procedure?
After the application, you may see slight swelling and bruises in the lip area. Applying ice to the treated area will be helpful to reduce this quickly. Especially in the fat injection procedure, swelling and bruising can last up to 2 weeks. Here are the things to be aware of after the dermal filler procedure:
- Dermal fillers can help wholly or partially smooth deep lines and wrinkles. In this way, you will see a significant improvement in facial contours. Filler injections provide facial rejuvenation in a non-surgical way, and facelift surgeries aren’t necessary.
- Dermal fillers are a method that offers fast and reliable results, especially in areas such as facial fillers and lip fillers. Sadness during smiling and wrinkles caused by the contraction and relaxation of mimic muscles can affect facial aesthetics and perspective. For these problems, specialists can reduce the lines with their treatments, and the face gains a younger and fresher appearance. They also try to correct collapses and imperfections in some parts of the face with these treatment methods. With such treatments, achieving a more appropriate and natural appearance is possible.
- If you would like to benefit from such treatments, you can contact specialized doctors to create the most suitable treatment plan for you and get more information. Health professionals will give detailed information about these treatment processes and develop a plan to meet your expectations.
- Avoid touching the area for the first few hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection and irritation.
- Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid intense heat (such as sauna or hot yoga) for the first few days. This helps to reduce swelling and prevent premature breakdown of the filling.
- We usually recommend avoiding heavy exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment, as this increases swelling and bruising.
- Drinking plenty of water can help protect the filling and moisturize your skin.
- Some medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and high doses of vitamin E, can increase the risk of bruising and swelling. It is best to consult your healthcare provider about what to avoid.
- Experts advise waiting a while before applying makeup or certain skin care products.
- Although rare, it is crucial to be aware of signs of complications such as excessive swelling, severe pain, or signs of an allergic reaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any alarming symptoms.
What is the Recovery Process After Dermal Fillers?
The recovery process after filler treatments is usually quick and straightforward. However, it varies depending on the type of filler and the individual’s response to the treatment. Check out the recovery process after dermal fillers in general:
- You may experience mild redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection sites for the first few hours. Bruising may also occur but is usually minor. These symptoms are typical and typically begin to subside within a few hours.
- In the early stages, lip fillers may maximize swelling exceptionally. We advise you to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive exposure to sun or heat.
- The filler will settle into the skin, making the results more noticeable. Continue to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements unless experts advise otherwise.
- You can usually return to your everyday skincare and makeup routine. However, follow your doctor’s specific recommendations. During this time, most patients see the final results of their filler treatment. Any minor swelling or irregularities typically resolve. A follow-up appointment may be required to evaluate the results and determine if additional fillers are needed.
- The longevity of the results depends on the type of filler used and the problem area. Fillers typically last 6 months and 2 years, some lasting even longer. To extend the longevity of the outcomes, it’s essential to adhere to a diligent skincare regimen and safeguard your skin from sun exposure.
- In rare cases, complications can occur. Be on the lookout for any signs of infection, allergic reactions, or unusual pain, and contact your doctor immediately if you have concerns.
- Dermal fillers are temporary. Therefore, schedule regular maintenance treatments to maintain the desired effect. You must follow all surgeon aftercare instructions to achieve the best results and reduce the risk of complications. Remember that everyone’s body reacts differently, and healing experiences may vary.
How Long After Dermal Fillers Will You See the Final Result?
You will usually see the final results of dermal fillers within a few days to a few weeks. This time frame can vary depending on the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors such as skin type and age. You may see some effects of dermal fillers immediately after injection. However, these initial results may not be the final result due to swelling and possible bruising. Swelling and bruising, if any, are most common in the first 48 hours. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
For best results, you should follow the aftercare instructions the specialists provide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are concerned about your effects or experience any complications.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
The cost of dermal fillers varies greatly depending on several factors, including the type of filler, the amount you need, and the location of the treatment. In general, the average cost of dermal fillers is around $850. However, if more than one treatment area is involved, or if specialists use a combination of substances to inject (such as fillers plus Botox), they can cost up to $4000.
Different types of fillers have different price ranges. For example, fillers from hyaluronic acid (such as Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Perlane, Restylane, and Belotero) typically cost about $684. In addition, the price of dermal fillers per syringe usually ranges from $600 to $1000. The total fillers depend on the treatment area and individual goals. It is important to note that maintenance treatments can increase the total cost over time.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Dermal Fillers Procedure Performed?
The price of dermal filler procedures can vary significantly from one country to another and even in different regions of the same country. Several factors influence the cost of dermal filler treatments, including the local economy, cost of living, demand for cosmetic procedures, and regulations governing medical aesthetics.
For example, India has a growing cosmetic surgery industry, and dermal filler procedures are generally more affordable here than in Western countries. Turkey has also become a popular medical and cosmetic tourism destination, offering competitive prices for various aesthetic treatments, including dermal fillers. Conversely, Brazil is known for its advanced cosmetic surgery industry, and dermal filler procedures are relatively affordable here compared to other countries. Here is the price of dermal fillers by the country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $400 to $1000 |
| Brazil | $200 to $600 |
| China | $300 to $800 |
| Japan | $350 to $900 |
| South Korea | $300 to $800 |
| India | $150 to $500 |
| Argentina | $250 to $700 |
| Mexico | $250 to $700 |
| Germany | $350 to $900 |
| Turkey | $200 to $600 |
| Colombia | $200 to $600 |
| Italy | $350 to $900 |
| France | $350 to $900 |
| Spain | $300 to $800 |
| Taiwan | $300 to $800 |
| Venezuela | $100 to $300 |
| United Kingdom | $400 to $1000 |
| Netherlands | $350 to $900 |
| Egypt | $200 to $600 |
| Peru | $250 to $700 |
| AVERAGE COST | $100 to $1000 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a skin specialist for personal guidance.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37395390/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26081021/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jdv.13977
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00143.x
