What are Dermal Fillers?

Many people are dreaming of having plump, youthful, and smooth skin. There are many procedures and products that can help you achieve these. One of those is through dermal fillers. These are injectable treatments that are easy to get, long-lasting, and designed for subtleness. Dermal fillers are also safe, provided that you do enough research and go to a reputable doctor for it.

Aside from giving people youthful skin, dermal fillers are also being used by dentists for smile transformations. If you’ve been hearing about dermal fillers and want to know more about them, you’re in the right place. Today, we are going to tell you more about what dermal fillers are and how they work.

Dermal Fillers and How They Work

Dermal fillers are small gel injections that are usually made of hyaluronic acid. These fill in wrinkles and as well as add volume to soft tissue. These can be applied to different areas of your face, including the parts around the eye, on your cheeks, mouth, and jawline. They basically restore lost volume to your face and plump areas, making deep-set lines smooth.

This procedure is done to make the skin look younger. As we age, our bodies stop producing collagen and elastin, which both contribute to the youthful look. Therefore, to prevent your skin from looking old, dermal fillers are one of the best ways you can try.

Dermal fillers can last from 6 months up to 18 months, depending on how your body reacts and which hyaluronic acid is used. You might also wonder if it has side effects. Well, it has temporary side effects, which are completely normal after facial injections, such as redness, tenderness, and swelling. These usually occur immediately after the needle injection but are only mild to moderate, and they disappear shortly, usually after a few days after the procedure.

While dermal fillers are being injected, you might feel a slight discomfort. But it can be minimized by applying an anesthetic cream before the treatment.

Different Types of Dermal Fillers

There are also several types of dermal fillers. Here are some of the most common types:

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

This is usually found in human bones. It is a mineral-like compound that is often used to enhance the fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours. It is great for moderate to severe creases like nasolabial folds and frown lines. It can also improve volume in areas of facial wasting. This type is produced biosynthetically. It means that there are no animals or animal products used in its production.

This is perfect for those with sensitive skin because no skin testing is required for it. It is also known to produce a very natural result with a very rare occurrence of side effects. This was first used in dentistry and reconstructive surgery, having a long safety record.

Hyaluronic Acid

This can be used to improve the skin’s contour and reduce depressions in the skin due to injuries and scars. This is great for redefining lip border, acne scars, cheek depressions, frown lines, facial scars, and smoker’s lines. It is a natural substance found in the body. This substance is also often injected into the aching joints of people with arthritis to comfort pain and provide extra cushioning.

Polyalkylimide

This is a semi-permanent dermal filler that is usually used by plastic surgeons for different purposes. It can be used to treat deeper wrinkles, to plump thin lips, to enhance cheekbones and the jawline, to replace facial volume lost due to aging, and to treat facial wasting from HIV medications.

This is also safe and has aminimal reaction to human tissue. It is also radio transparent and won’t interfere with x-rays. A single procedure can inject a large volume to the face. It can also be removed if needed.

Polylactic Acid

This one is a synthetic dermal filler that is injected into the face to make the body produce collagen. It is known as a stimulator. It is a non-toxic substance that has been used for many years. It is best for filling the lines caused by laughing, for plumping thin lips, and for treating nasolabial folds. However, this dermal filler does not produce immediate results. Meaning, results will appear slowly over a period of a few months.

Polymethyl-Methacrylate Microspheres (PMMA)

This is a semi-permanent dermal filler which is usually used in treating medium to deep wrinkles, folds, and undulations. It can also be used to fill out bumpy scars and to enhance thin lips. This is a more permanent solution to facial wrinkles. It also has been used for many years in permanent surgical implants. However, you will need a number of injections to create volume. It can also take about three months to see its full effects.

How Do Dentists Use Dermal Fillers?

A certified dentist can also administer dermal fillers the same way that a doctor can. However, dentists have a different goal in mind. When a person visits a dentist for dermal fillers, it is often because they are looking for a smile transformation. This process includes extensive teeth and gum work, like tooth replacement or bone grafting. After these, some patients might notice fine lines and wrinkles around their mouths, hence, wanting dermal fillers.

Why Should You Visit a Dentist for Dermal Fillers?

It is believed to be advantageous to visit a dentist for dermal fillers because they are responsible for the original smile transformation work. With this, you can ensure that you’re in good hands, as the dentist is very familiar with your smile and the surrounding areas. It makes the treatment easier for your dentist and more comfortable for you. It is also advantageous for you as you no longer need to go from your dentist to a different doctor for multiple appointments.

Dentists who offer dermal fillers are trained and certified to do so. Therefore, you do not need to be afraid that a dentist may not be capable of administering them the same way as a plastic surgeon would. However, not all dentists can do it, as it requires training.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are indeed one of the great and safe ways to have youthful and wrinkle-free skin. However, before having one, you should check with a doctor first. Even though dermal fillers are considered safe, there are still a few reasons why you should not do it, such as if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or battling a sinus infection.

We hope the information we shared here helped you in further understanding what dermal fillers are and how they work.