In 2016, 2,600,868 people underwent soft tissue filler procedures. This represents a tremendous increase from the 652,885 completed in 2000. These treatments typically take only a little time and offer quick results.

If you’ve been considering fillers, you might have asked yourself, “Are fillers safe?” If so, continue reading to learn all about fillers.

What is a Filler?

Dermal fillers are often a gel-like substance that trained physicians inject underneath the surface of the skin. The surgeon places the filler in the specific location for desired cosmetic effects.

The FDA has approved several dermal filler products for use by cosmetic surgeons. The FDA divides them into categories according to the type of substance it contains.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Different kinds of fillers address different needs in performing an individual’s procedure. Your doctor can help you decide which filler will best address your desired results.

Hyaluronic Acid

This substance resides in your skin naturally. This acid keeps the skin plump and hydrated. These fillers are usually soft and gel-like. Over time, they absorb into the body.

Revanesse® VERSA™

This filler offers various treatment outcomes to provide a “lifting” effect for your face. This helps with minor corrections in small amounts. On the other hand, higher volumes are injected to perform a “Liquid Facelift.”

The “Liquid Facelift” provides an effective approach if you wish to have a more youthful appearance without surgery. The recovery time is not long. You will see decreased wrinkles and lines almost immediately.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

This filler also occurs naturally in the body. Bones contain most of the natural CaHA. The filler includes almost microscopic calcium particles floating in a smooth gel.

This gel is usually thicker than a hyaluronic acid filler. CaHA filler often lasts longer than hyaluronic acid as well.

The calcium in this filler helps stimulate natural collagen productions. This helps to defend against wrinkles and lines.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

This acid is safe for use in the body. Its scientific term is a “collagen stimulator.”

This means that it stimulates the skin to produce collagen, which smooths out wrinkles and lines.

After injection into the body, the substance breaks down over time. It continues providing the benefit of decreased lines and wrinkles by stimulating the collagen.

Even though it is a synthetic substance, it breaks down in the body. Many medical devices have used this product for years. This product, for example, is used in dissolvable sutures.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

This is another type of synthetic, biocompatible substance. PMMA isn’t new. The medical community has used this product for patient care during much of the past century.

PMMA comes in the form of a tiny ball or “microsphere.” This stays below the skin indefinitely to provide ongoing support. PMMA fillers contain collagen as well. This important substance provides structure and firmness to the skin.

What is the Purpose of a Filler?

Wrinkles result from the normal loss of volume under the skin with aging. The facial tissue thins out, causing lines around the mouth, eyes, and nose. This results in the cheeks and temples to appear more hollow.

Dermal fillers can prove useful in resolving and improving a number of cosmetic issues. Cosmetic benefits including:

• Smoothing out the lines around your nose and mouth
• Adding volume to sunken cheeks or temples
• Decreasing vertical lip lines
• Adding volume to your lips
• Smoothing chin creases
• Restoring and improving symmetry to facial features

How Are Filler Procedures Performed?

Understanding what to expect will help you relax and feel safe and secure during the procedure.

Pre-Treatment Consultation

Before treatment, your doctor will discuss your concerns and goals. He or she will review your medical history and examine the proposed treatment area.

If you are regularly taking any medication, you should disclose this with your doctor. This includes over-the-counter medicines and supplements.

It is also important to let your doctor know if you have any allergies or medical conditions. This allows them to make sure that you’re not at risk for complications.

The good new is dermal fillers do not involve surgery. Injections deliver the filler to the treatment site.

The Procedure

First, the area will be properly cleaned. Then you may receive a topical anesthetic that will numb the area. Next, your doctor will inject the specific amount of filler needed below the skin.

What is Recovery Like for Fillers?

Everyone has busy schedules today. It is important for you to understand how to plan around your procedure.

The recovery with simple injection treatment is short. You may experience some irritation at and around the treated site at first. This will resolve in a short amount of time.

You may experience some minor bruising and swelling as well. These changes should go away over the next few days. You may return to your normal routine right after treatment.

You may need to avoid exercise and strenuous activity for a day.

How Long Do Fillers Last?

With dermal fillers, you will notice smoothing and decreased wrinkles and lines almost immediately.

The length of the result time depends on the product used and the location of treatment. It can vary from about 6 to 18 months.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Physician?

Before you undergo any type of procedure, you need to make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Never hesitate to ask questions.

Here is a list of questions to get you started:

• How long have you been performing cosmetic procedures?
• Are you board-certified?
• What licenses and certifications do you have?
• How many procedures like this one have you done?
• Are the patients usually satisfied with their results?
• How often do patients have complications?
• Who will be doing the procedure?
• Do you have before and after photographs of your treated patients?
• What type of fillers do you use?
• What type of anesthetic will be used?
• What will the recovery be like?
• Will there be bruising, swelling, or other obvious signs of the procedure?

Having all your questions answered helps to ease your mind. You will feel completely prepared to have your procedure.

Are You Interested in Fillers?

Our center offers state-of-the-art treatment in a comfortable, convenient, and private setting. We designed our facility with inviting décor, spacious consultation rooms, and an in-office surgery center. If you are traveling from out of town, we have arranged special rates at nearby hotels.

Over the past eight years, Dr. Elizabeth has performed over 4,000 facelifts.

If this article helped answer your question, “Are fillers safe?” then continue reading through our site. Contact us today for more information and let’s discuss your options and treatment together.