The natural aging process presents challenges like skin sagginess and volume depletion, but advancements in aesthetics offer solutions to restore a more youthful and defined appearance.
In Malaysia, many are turning to dermal fillers to pursue a more youthful and defined facial contours. These fillers help improve facial proportions and boost self-esteem.
Thanks to the advancement in cosmetic technology, dermal fillers offer a safe and effective way to reduce the visible signs of skin aging.
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments commonly composed of a naturally occurring substance in your body called hyaluronic acid (HA). This facial rejuvenation treatment, also known as “liquid facelift”, restores facial volume, improves skin sagginess, minimizes deep skin folds, plump up lips, and keeps skin firm and young by restoring collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in your body.
Upon administration, you’ll notice immediate improvements in facial aesthetics that last for a long time.
How Does Dermal Filler work?
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Chronological aging is associated with a progressive bone resorption, fat pad repositioning as well as decrease in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which function in maintaining skin elasticity and tensile strength.
Our faces lose bone density, ligament elasticity, and fat volume as we age. This underlying shift creates folds and a sunken look, caused by collagen breakdown.
Dermal fillers function by providing support and volume restoration to
the skin's natural hyaluronic acid content by targeting these areas for volume enhancement and contour definition, contributing to a more lifted and youthful appearance with reduced skin folds.
What are the Benefits of Dermal Filler?
While dermal fillers are primarily recognized for their ability to reduce wrinkles and achieve a youthful appearance, they offer a wider range of aesthetic benefits.
These benefits include:
Restores Collagen and Elastin Production: Dermal fillers can trigger the body's natural production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin structure and elasticity.
Compatibility with other Combination Treatments: They can be effectively combined with other aesthetic procedures, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
Enhanced Confidence through Natural Results: By subtly restoring facial volume and reducing skin sagginess, dermal fillers can significantly improve confidence by delivering natural-looking results.
Improved Facial Symmetry: Dermal fillers can be also used to address minor asymmetries in the face, leading to a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Unlike surgical procedures, dermal fillers offer a non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation, minimizing risks and recovery time.
Cost-Effective Alternative: Compared to more extensive surgical procedures, dermal fillers can be a more cost-effective option for achieving desired aesthetic improvements.
Long-Lasting Effects: The treatment provides long-lasting results, with effects typically persisting for one to two years depending on the specific type of filler used.
Minimal Pain and Downtime: The non-surgical nature of dermal fillers minimizes discomfort as it is often managed with a topical anesthetic. It also allows for a quick recovery with minimal downtime.
Immediate Visible Results: Dermal fillers offer near-instantaneous results, allowing you to appreciate the aesthetic improvements right away.
Reduction of Skin Sagginess and Volume Restoration: As a primary benefit, dermal fillers effectively reduce skin sags and restores your skin volume by creating a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Thinking of pairing dermal fillers with another rejuvenating treatment? Explore this article on Profhilo treatment to see if it’s the perfect match for you.
What are the Types of Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers come in a variety of categories, primarily classified as either synthetic (man-made materials) or natural (leveraging substances already present within the body).
The following outlines the various types of dermal fillers available:
1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occuring sugar molecule that exists in almost all living organisms. It keeps skin hydrated and plump as it binds to water.
HA fillers are amongst the most popular types of dermal fillers as they are safe, effective, and provide natural-looking results lasting from 6 to 12 months depending on the treated area.
Some FDA approved HA fillers include:
Belotero
Restylane
Hyaluronidase, an enzyme, allows for near-instantaneous reversal of the effects should a patient experience dissatisfaction or complications.
Further enhancing their safety, these fillers boast excellent biocompatibility, minimizing the potential for unwanted reactions within the body.
2. Biostimulatory Filler
Biostimulatory fillers represent a novel approach within dermal fillers. They function by inducing the body's own collagen synthesis, leading to longer-lasting effects (18-24 months) compared to traditional fillers.
This approach fosters a more natural-looking restoration of facial volume.
Examples of these fillers include:
Sculptra
Ellanse
These fillers provide some initial plumping but mainly aim to trigger collagen growth, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
What Areas Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
To achieve the desired outcome, a nuanced understanding of filler properties and its areas of treatment is crucial to avoid any complications.
At Dream Clinic, our team of aesthetic doctors will ultimately determine the most suitable product and target areas for your individual needs.
Here are some common dermal filler application areas that we treat:
1. Brow Area and Temples
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Temporal augmentation with dermal fillers addresses age-related volume loss in the upper facial region, particularly in the periorbital area (above the eye) and the temporal fossa (deep temple).
This minimally invasive treatment can also elevate a ptotic brow (drooping brow) and remove visible signs of skin laxity for a rejuvenated appearance.
2. Chin and Jawline
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Chin and jawline augmentation using dermal fillers allows you to achieve various aesthetic goals including jawline definition (sculpting), chin projection (restructuring), jowl elevation (lifting), and correction of moderate to severe volume loss in the mandibular regions.
Some of the targeted areas are:
Chin apex (Mental tubercle)
Labiomandibular folds (Marionette lines)
Mentalis crease
Prejowl sulcus (Pre-jowl area)
The mandible (jaw area)
3. Lips
For patients seeking lip enhancement, dermal fillers offer a minimally invasive solution. Hyaluronic acid stands out as the preferred material for lip augmentation due to its versatility.
It allows for tailored treatment plans, addressing concerns like lip volume, definition, and asymmetry.
To achieve optimal results, the specific injection areas around the mouth include:
Vermilion border (lip edges)
Cupid's bow (upper lip curve)
Oral commissures (mouth corners).
Searching for more ways to achieve full, plump, and radiant lips? Read this insightful article on lip augmentation.
4. Cheeks
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Age-related volume loss in the malar region (cheeks) can contribute to a gaunt facial appearance.
With dermal fillers, volume depletion in the cheeks can be restored by replenishing lost collagen stores and enhancing zygomatic prominence (cheekbones), creating a naturally rejuvenated appearance.
Dermal filler placement for cheek augmentation typically targets the following anatomical regions:
Suprazygomatic area (above the cheekbones).
Lateral malar region (Outer cheek area ).
Mid-malar region (Central cheek area).
Zygomatic bones (Cheekbones).
5. Nasolabial Folds
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Nasolabial folds, also known as smile lines, are another area commonly targeted with dermal fillers. These horizontal creases extend from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth.
Filler injections in this region can effectively soften the appearance of nasolabial creases, promoting a more balanced and rejuvenated facial profile characterized by enhanced perioral volume (around the mouth).
6. Under Eyes
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Dermal fillers targeted at the under eyes area addresses a common aesthetic concern which are under eye hollows.
This treatment creates a more refreshed and youthful look by reducing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
The doctor or specialist will target these areas for filler injection:
Infraorbital region
Nasojugal groove (tear trough)
What is the Procedure for Dermal Fillers?
Here's a breakdown of the typical procedure for dermal fillers:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Facial Analysis
On your first visit, you'll meet with a certified aesthetic doctor to discuss your beauty goals, medical history, and expectations for dermal fillers.
To create a personalized treatment plan, a detailed analysis of your facial structure, skin characteristics (including tone and elasticity), and specific aesthetic concerns you wish to target, will be conducted by your doctor.
They will also capture photographic documentation of these treatment areas for future reference, and you will be informed about any potential risks and common side effects of the treatment.
Step 2: Treatment Preparation
Prior to injection, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed with a medical-grade antiseptic to minimize infection risk.
For patient comfort, various numbing approaches may be employed, including topical anesthetic creams, chilled instruments to reduce discomfort, or local anesthetic injections in specific cases.
Step 3: Dermal Filler Injection
Using either direct injection or cannula technique to deliver filler to the specific areas, the provider will inject the filler material into specific areas beneath the skin.
The amount of filler injected and the injection technique will vary depending on the desired outcome and targeted area.
The injection procedure is usually quick and swift for each targeted site whereby the entire procedure typically takes 15 to 60 minutes (also depending on the number of treated areas).
Step 4: Post-Treatment Care
You may experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites after the treatment, but these effects usually subside within a few days.
To optimize your healing experience and minimize side effects, your doctor will provide you with detailed post-treatment instructions. These may include:
Cold application: Applying cool compresses to the injection sites for a short period can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Activity restrictions: Avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure for a recommended timeframe can promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications.
What are the Side Effects of Dermal Fillers?
While every medical treatment has some considerations, dermal fillers are known for their safety and ease of use (Luebberding & Alexiades, 2012).
The good news is that the side effects are mostly temporary, including:
Mild itching or redness on face (effects are usually very brief and easily soothed with a cool compress or gentle moisturizer)
Slight swelling
Temporary bruising (appears after injection and usually fades within days or weeks)
Tenderness
We’ll discuss these possibilities in detail during your consultation and offer tips on minimizing them.
Here are Some Tips to Get The Best Results from Your Dermal Filler!
1. Preparation Before Treatment
Getting ready for your dermal filler appointment sets the stage for a smooth experience and optimal results.
To optimize your comfort, response to the treatment, and overall results, here are some pre-injection tips:
Always be transparent with your doctor: Disclose any medications, supplements, or allergies you have to avoid any complications.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to plump your skin and improve the effectiveness of the fillers.
Adjust your skincare routine as advised by your doctor: You may need to pause certain products like retinols or exfoliants for a few days to minimize skin sensitivity.
Get enough sleep: Getting a good night's rest before your appointment helps your body be in optimal condition.
Avoid excessive sun exposure: This can make your skin more prone to sensitivity and may not be ideal before the treatment.
Avoid intense workouts or exercise classes before appointment: Strenuous activity can temporarily worsen swelling.
Hold Certain Medications: For a smooth procedure and optimal results, avoid blood thinners, ibuprofen, and some supplements for a few days beforehand. Discuss any medications you take with your doctor during your consultation.
2. Aftercare
Taking care of yourself after your dermal filler appointment is crucial for maximizing longevity and minimizing side effects. Here's how to pamper your post-filler skin:
Cold Application: Utilize cool compresses for brief, intermittent periods on the injection sites within the first 48 hours. This can help reduce swelling and alleviate temporary discomfort.
Defer Makeup Application: Postpone applying makeup for at least 24 hours after the treatment. This allows the skin to breathe and minimizes the risk of infection.
Limit Strenuous Activity: Refrain from vigorous exercise or activities that induce excessive sweating for the first 24 - 48 hours. This temporary restriction allows the fillers to settle effectively within the designated treatment areas.
Maintain Hydration: Continue a regimen of sufficient water intake to promote optimal skin health and support the body's natural healing processes.
Minimize Manipulation: Avoid excessive touching, rubbing, or massaging of the treated areas. This can irritate the skin and potentially disrupt the filler placement.
Prioritize Rest: Ensure adequate sleep to allow your body to focus on optimal healing and recovery.
Sun Protection: Implement a daily sunscreen regimen (SPF 30 or higher) to shield your skin from ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure can accelerate the degradation of fillers and compromise longevity.
If you experience any unusual discomfort or side effects that persist beyond the expected timeframe, promptly contact our physicians for further evaluation.
Rediscover Your Youthful Glow With Dream Clinic!
Dermal fillers go beyond wrinkles, offering the potential to revitalize and enhance your appearance.
Choosing the right provider for your dermal filler treatment is the single most important decision to make in order to minimize complications and deliver natural-looking results.
At Dream Clinic, we take pride in our board-certified professionals using their expertise to deliver a safe and exceptional dermal filler experience.
Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals!
FAQ
How long do dermal fillers last?
The longevity of dermal fillers depends on several factors such as the types of fillers used, area of treatment, and individual factors (e.g., lifestyle and body metabolism).
Here’s a general breakdown its longevity based on the different dermal fillers:
Hyaluronic acid: 6 to 12 months
Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers: 12 to 18 months
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers: 2 to 5 years (stimulates collagen production)
How painful are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers often raise concerns about pain. However, they are often painless thanks to a numbing cream applied beforehand.
What happens to your face when fillers wear off?
As dermal fillers wear off, your face will gradually resume the form prior to undergoing treatment. There's no lasting damage, and your skin might even look better due to collagen stimulation.
However, follow up treatments are necessary if you want to maintain the results.
Can I use a dermal filler if I’m pregnant and lactating ?
1. The shift in hormones may interfere with blood flow and cause fluid retention.
2. Pregnancy and post-partum can also create changes in a woman’s skin and healing which means fillers are more likely to produce unanticipated outcomes.
3. Lack of studies and evidence.
This is why it is advised that pregnant and breastfeeding women postpone obtaining fillers.
References
Emer, J. (2019). Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Current Applications in Dermatology. Skin Therapy Letter, 24(5), 1-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31584784/
Luebberding, S., & Alexiades, M. (2012). Safety of dermal fillers. Journal of Drugs and Dermatology, 11(9), 1053–1058. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233332445_Safety_of_Dermal_Fillers
Trivedi, M. K., Kroumpouzos, G., & Murase, J. E. (2017). A review of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation. International journal of women's dermatology, 3(1), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.005
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