There doesn’t seem to be any end in sight to the popularity of nonsurgical cosmetic treatments such as dermal filler injections. The appeal is understandable — fillers and other injectable treatments require little to no downtime, produce immediate results, and cost less than other procedures. Our Dallas dermatology practice offers a range of products that can address virtually any concern a patient may have.
Even as the popularity of fillers continues to increase, many people have questions about what exactly they are and how to ensure they get the desired results. Below, I discuss some good things to know before scheduling an appointment to get fillers:
Find the right provider: While any licensed provider can legally administer fillers, you’ll want to seek out a highly-trained provider working directly under a board-certified dermatologist for the best results. Our physician assistant, Jennifer Scheiderich, recently spoke with us about injectables.
They’re for more than wrinkles: To be sure, injectables reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the nose and mouth. But a filler such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® can improve the contours of sunken cheeks, and other fillers are used to lift and smooth nasolabial folds. We can also address concerns about thin lips, acne scars, and even mildly sagging skin with fillers.
Expect slight bruising and swelling: Yes, filler injections are considered a no-downtime treatment. Some patients, though, are surprised to learn that some noticeable swelling and bruising is normal afterwards. Patients who may be self-conscious about these side effects may want to take the rest of the day off of work after their treatments, or schedule the injections for the end of the day. Some residual swelling and bruising may last for a few days, depending on the filler used, but will resolve on its own.
Results can be reversed: This also surprises many of our patients. It’s true for fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA) — which are the majority of fillers used. JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® fillers are all made with HA. By injecting hyaluronidase into the treatment area, the filler can be dissolved and then naturally absorbed by the body.
Fillers last longer than you think: Some of the most advanced fillers that have received FDA approval in recent years are clinically proven to last between 1 and 2 years. Virtually all fillers last at least 6 months, and many of the most popular fillers last a year to 18 months.
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