As we get older, many visible signs of aging appear due to the loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin. Cheeks become hollow and facial tissues thin out, etching fine lines around the eyes, nose, and mouth as volume becomes diminished in these facial structures.

Facial fillers can be injected under the surface of the skin to fill or plump areas that have lost fullness and smooth wrinkles to restore a more youthful look. Lip fillers can improve the appearance of lips by enhancing their shape and adding volume for a fuller, plumper pout.

Cosmetic fillers started getting commonplace in the early 2000s as improved techniques and innovations fuelled their popularity. Unlike the downtime and high cost associated with surgery, fillers are minimally invasive injections.

If you’re considering facial fillers, here’s what to expect from this easy and accessible procedure.

Types of Filler Material

Fillers are gel-like substances. Hyaluronic acid is the most popular filler. This is a natural substance found in the body that helps cells retain moisture to keep skin hydrated and add volume. Hyaluronic acid fillers work for any skin type, even sensitive or acne-prone skin. They also contain antioxidant properties that add protection from pollution and free radicals. Most hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine, a numbing agent that minimizes discomfort during the injections and after treatment.

Other fillers include calcium hydroxylapatite, a type of calcium found in the body that helps stimulate natural collagen production to increase structure and firmness of the skin. It has a thicker consistency and works for deeper lines and wrinkles.

Polylactic acid is a collagen stimulator. This type of filler is a synthetic, biodegradable substance that doesn’t stay under the skin, but dissolves after a few days. It stimulates the body’s ability to produce its own collagen, building volume and smoothing lines in the skin. Effects appear gradually over a period of months. 

Where Are Fillers Injected?

There are essentially three problem areas that cosmetic fillers address: the upper face area that includes the forehead and eyes; the midface, including cheeks and around the eyes; and the lower face region around the mouth and jawline.

How Long Do They Last?

Fillers are temporary and absorbed by the body over time. Hyaluronic acid fillers last from 6 to 12 months. The consistency of calcium hydroxylapatite is thicker and will last 9 to 15 months. Polylactic acid can show results for up to two years and usually treats deep facial wrinkles or excessive volume loss.

What Is the Procedure Like?

First, the injection site is cleansed using an antibacterial agent. Then, a precise amount of filler is strategically injected under the skin. Each injection typically takes only a few moments.  

Depending on the number of areas treated, the procedure can take as little as 15 minutes or up to one hour. Afterward, you may feel slight tenderness for a day or two, but most people can resume their normal daily activities immediately. However, avoiding any exercise or strenuous activity for a day is recommended.

What Are the Risks?

Although fillers are considered to have minimal risks, there can be side effects. Rashes, itching, redness, bruising, and swelling are among the most common. Other issues include lumps or an asymmetric appearance, infection, and scarring.

Contact Us to Book an Appointment!

Whether you want fuller lips, fewer wrinkles, or an overall more youthful appearance, our nurse practitioner can help you achieve your desired look using hyaluronic acid fillers.

To find out more about cosmetic fillers or other treatments offered at The AHEsthetics Studio in Stafford, Virginia, call 540-686-1888 or contact us.