As we age we begin to lose volume in our face and our skin can begin to lose its elasticity. Both of these, along with a decrease in facial muscle volume lead to many of the visible signs of aging. Dermal fillers may be able to help reverse these signs of aging. Dermal fillers are a relatively common injectable cosmetic procedure used to soften creases, smooth lines, and recover lost volume in your face to help restore a more youthful appearance.
Despite dermal fillers being extremely popular, there are still many myths associated with this procedure. Below we will debunk 5 common myths associated with dermal fillers.
1. Dermal Fillers and Botox Are the Same
One of the biggest myths about fillers is that they are the same as Botox, this is not true. Dermal fillers are a soft, gel-like substance that is injected directly under your skin for the primary purpose of restoring volume in various areas of your face, whereas Botox is a neurotoxin that relaxes your facial muscles helping to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Both products are injected into areas of concern, but they affect the areas very differently, Botox and dermal fillers are often used in conjunction with one another to help patients with a more youthful appearance.
2. Dermal Fillers Are Permanent
Depending on the dermal filler used, the effects can last from six months to five years or more. There are different types of dermal fillers, those considered temporary fillers and others considered permanent. The most common dermal fillers generally last for a few months to a year. Additional treatments will be required to keep the effects lasting for a longer period of time.
3. Fillers Are Extremely Painful
Another common myth is that you will experience high levels of pain and discomfort while having the dermal fillers injected into your face. Depending on the types of injections received, you may not experience any pain at all throughout the procedure. Some individuals do experience a small amount of pain or sensation during and or after the procedure. This may include tenderness, and redness in the areas treated. The experience and skill of the injector also has a role to play in how you feel during and after your treatment. Some cosmetic doctors choose to use a local anesthetic to ensure that their patients do not feel a thing as they are being treated, however this is not common practice.
4. You Will Not Know How Long Fillers Will Last
The clinic is able to give you a range of how long the fillers will last based on the type of injection used. For collagen fillers, the effects normally last around 3 or 4 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be effective for as long as 12 months, whereas you can enjoy the effects of calcium hydroxyapatite fillers for about 18 months. Comparatively, Poly-L-lactic acid seems to have the most long-lasting effect as this filler can last up to 24 months.
5. Anyone Can Administer Dermal Fillers
Many salons and spas now offer dermal fillers for their clients, this has created a false expectation that any spa can offer the treatment. You shouldn’t accept dermal filler injections from anyone that isn’t an experienced and licensed medical professional, either a doctor or a nurse injector. This is because if administered incorrectly can lead to complications, from swelling, redness, pain and even misshapen areas on your face.
Dermal fillers are a great way to combat the signs of aging, they can be used to address a large range of common concerns such as lifting of cheekbones, volumizing lips, smoothing out lip lines and smoothing out under-eye circles. Just be sure to find a credible medical esthetic clinic with professional medical injectors.