What are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

Sooner or later, all of us start to notice visible signs of aging when we look in the mirror. As our skin grows older, it tends to lose some of its elasticity, which can result in wrinkles, fine lines, sunken cheeks, sagging skin, and beyond. Maybe you have heard of dermal fillers as a non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation and you are wondering what are dermal fillers and how do they work?

 There are plenty of ways to address these signs of age, including cosmetic surgery. However, not all patients are willing or able to have surgery. Some don’t want to deal with the anesthesia, while others simply don’t have the time for surgery followed by a prolonged recovery. 

You’re in the right place. CAMI Med Spa is the leading provider for minimally invasive anti-aging treatments, including dermal fillers and facial fillers, and an excellent resource to help you better understand dermal fillers and how they work.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, also known as soft tissue fillers, are injectable medications that can produce some anti-aging effects. They represent a fast, effective, and non-surgical way to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and to gain an altogether more youthful appearance.

There are many potential uses for dermal fillers, but some of the most common ones include:

  • Adding volume to shallow or sunken contours
  • Plumping up the lips
  • Softening the appearance of facial wrinkles, creases, and fine lines
  • Minimizing the visibility of recessed scars

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

There are many different dermal fillers brands on the market today, and while they differ in some regards, most of them employ hyaluronic acid, which also naturally occurs in the body. Hyaluronic acid gives fillers a natural “plumping” effect, allowing them to literally “fill in” your wrinkles or to restore volume in places where you have lost it.

Some dermal fillers will also trigger fresh production of collagen and/or elastin, which will help your skin to regain some of its natural elasticity.

How Long Do Fillers Last?

Generally speaking, soft tissue fillers are a popular alternative to plastic surgery, and it’s not hard to understand why. Getting fillers does not require anesthesia, and it does not leave any incision scars. A single in-office filler treatment can last just 20 minutes, and there is little or no recovery time required.

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The downside is that dermal fillers won’t last forever. Depending on the patient and depending on the type of dermal filler used, the results can last anywhere from half a year to a full year and a half.
Note that returning for maintenance or “touch-up” injections can help you extend the effects of your filler treatment.

Do Dermal Fillers Ruin Your Face?

If you’ve never had dermal fillers before, it’s only natural to have some questions about their overall safety. You might even worry about whether fillers can have an adverse and permanent impact on your facial appearance.

While there are some risks associated with the overuse or misuse of fillers, including long-term stretching of the skin or the lips, these risks are mostly confined to amateur or off-label use. If you have your dermal fillers injected by a skilled, professional skincare specialist, you don’t have to worry too much about a long-term disaster.

What are the Side Effects of Dermal Fillers?

Even when you have your fillers professionally administered, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Different patients react to fillers differently, and occasionally the side effects may be a bit more extreme.

The most common side effects of dermal fillers are swelling, pain, redness, bruising, and/or itching around the injection site. Usually, these symptoms are mild, and they should resolve on their own within a couple of days.

Though less common, there are some more advanced side effects, including infection, lumps and bumps, and permanent discoloration of the skin. Always be sure to talk with your doctor in advance about potential risks and side effects.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers in Charlotte, NC

If you’re looking for a way to achieve a more youthful facial appearance without the need for surgical intervention, dermal fillers may be a good option, as well as Botox. And if you live in the Charlotte or Huntersville, NC area, we invite you to consider getting your injections from CAMI Med Spa Huntersville.

A good place to start is by scheduling a consultation, so we can talk you through different treatment options. To schedule your dermal filler consultation appointment, contact the CAMI team at your convenience.