Fillers continue to grow in popularity around the country as more and more Americans seek ways to maintain their physical health and improve their aesthetics. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2.6 million dermal filler injection procedures took place in 2018 making it the second most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure in America right behind Botox. [1]
Benefits of Fillers
Filler procedures have become so popular because there are several benefits:
- Filler procedures are typically quick, with some procedures only taking as little as 15 minutes.
- The results are immediate. While you may have to wait for some swelling or redness to disappear, the results of fillers only take hours or days to become apparent.
- There are non-permanent options. Temporary fillers are some of the most filler options available. This means if you don’t like the results, you can stop at any time and the effects will eventually wear off depending on the type of filler you have chosen to use.
- They are non-invasive and typically only require a topical anesthetic — and any anesthetic is administered at all — and provide immediate results with little to no downtime.
- At the same time, while the results of fillers are also not typically as drastic as plastic surgery, fillers offer patients many options and uses. They can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, smooth out lines around your nose and mouth, restore volume to your cheeks and lips, smooth out a crease in your chin, enhance the symmetry among your facial features, such as your nose.
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Types of Fillers
There are several different types of fillers available to patients and what you will use depends on the type of results you are looking for — and whether you want a temporary aesthetic change or something more permanent. The provider administering your fillers will walk you through your options during your consultation.
The options include:
Temporary Fillers
- Collagen-Based Fillers: This was the first filler available for wide use on the market. These fillers replenish your skin’s natural collagen and smooth facial lines and wrinkles. They can even some types of scarring. [3]
- Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers: An injectable of hyaluronic acid — a naturally occurring substance and primarily used to promote fullness and volume — can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and facial folds and to add structure and volume to your face and lips. [4]
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite: This filler is typically injected deeper under the skin than other temporary fillers. It is often used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, pre-jowl sulcus, and chin lines. It is not used on your lips or for lines around the mouth or under the eyes. [5]
- Semi-Permanent Fillers: These are soft tissue fillers that can be used to fill deeper lines. The results of these fillers vary, but last longer than temporary options, although some touch-up work may be necessary.
- Permanent Fillers: If you are looking for a more permanent filler option, they are available. These fillers are composed of collagen polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). These fillers are thicker and firmer than temporary fillers and are not biodegradable. They are typically used on deep wrinkles, acne scars, and nasolabial folds. These filler options will not be used for areas around the eyes or use in the lips. [6]
Side Effects of Fillers
It is important that you only use fillers that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and work with a licensed professional. This will help reduce the potential for any side effects. However, side effects from dermal fillers are rare and most occur shortly after you receive your injection and will go away with two weeks. [7]
According to the FDA, the most common side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Itching
Some of the less reported potential side effects include:
- Infections
- Lumps and bumps
- Discoloration or change in pigmentation
Like with any procedure, there are higher risks that you should be aware of before getting any fillers. According to the FDA, some of the higher risk side effects include scarring, blurred vision, partial vision loss, and even blindness if the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. You could also experience an allergic reaction that requires emergency medical help. [8]
It is also important to note that the FDA does not recommend fillers for use by those under the age of 18 or by women who are or may be pregnant or for women who are breastfeeding.
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How Long Will My Results Last?
The results of your fillers will last different lengths of time depending on the type of filler injection you selected to receive. Some guidelines include [9]:
- Collagen-Based Fillers: These are temporary fillers, so results will last from two to four months.
- Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers: These are also temporary fillers and will typically last about six to 12 months.
- Semi-Permanent Fillers: Results will last between 12 and 18 months.
- Permanent Fillers: Results for these fillers can typically last about five or more years.
Your physician will be able to provide more information on the timeline for results during the consultation before your procedure.
How much do fillers cost?
The cost of fillers will vary based on which option you have selected. Typically, however, you pay by the syringe and that cost can range from $500 to $800 per syringe, although other variants play into that cost, including the location where you receive treatment. [10]
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sources:
[1] https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/taking-the-mystery-out-of-botox-and-dermal-fillers
[2] https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/injectables/fillers/
[3] https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-collagen
[4] https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/injectables/injectable-hyaluronic-acid
[5] https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/injectables/injectable-calcium-hydroxylapatite
[6] https://www.ravalmd.com/blog/should-you-get-permanent-facial-fillers
[7] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/filling-wrinkles-safely
[8] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/filling-wrinkles-safely
[9] https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/injectables/fillers/
[10] https://promdhealth.com/how-much-do-dermal-fillers-cost/