What are Facial Fillers?
Facial Fillers
Facial fillers are mostly liquid implants used to replace tissue lost from beneath the skin. As we age our tissues lose fat, bone, moisture, and elastic fibers that help us look youthful and attractive. Prior to the discovery of compatible facial implants, surgery was the only option.
How Long do Fillers Last?
Types of Fillers and Expected Results
There are now several injectable fillers available to replace lost facial volume without aggressive surgery. Hyaluronic Acid products such as Restylane and Juvederm, are the most versatile as they can be injected in most tissues with predictable results. Depending on the treatment area and each person's metabolism, the treatment effect can last from 4 to more than 12 months. Hyaluronic acid attracts water and helps hydrate the tissue while replacing lost volume. This makes lip augmentation especially attractive in cold, dry climates where chapped lips are commonplace. They also have a unique property that allows the product to be dissolved with an enzyme (hyaluronidase) in the very rare instance of an undesired outcome.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Facial Fillers?
Side Effects and Recovery Time
Serious side effects from these fillers are rare, but common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising and pain. You may also not be a good filler candidate if you form keloids (hypertrophied scars) or are prone to infections. To minimize injection discomfort, we have fillers with lidocaine available, use a very small injection needle, and apply cold packs during the procedure as well as after. As risk of bruising is a potential with fillers and implants, patients should refrain from alcoholic beverages or ibuprofen-like medications for a couple days before the procedure. Current blood thinner use or other medication may also be a potential contraindication to having fillers.
What to Expect
Consultation
More details about filler options and the best filler for you will be discussed at facial fillers your appointment. Common areas of treatment include nasolabial folds (lines next to the nose), marionette lines (lines next to the chin), Cheekbone augmentation, and lip augmentation. As every person has different concerns, the treatment goal of one person may be completely different than someone else. Meg discusses the filler options in great detail before you decide what treatment is best for you.
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