In part 2 of our 3-part facial rejuvenation series, we look at dermal fillers – the second most popular non-invasive cosmetic technique to transform faces.
Injectable dermal fillers do more than just smooth and tighten the skin. This facial rejuvenation technique aims to change the contours of the face for a more youthful appearance.
Substances used in dermal fillers
Made from naturally occurring gels, dermal fillers are injected under the skin to fill facial creases and expression lines, create fuller lips and plump hollow cheeks, and improve the appearance of recessed scars.
Collagen used to be the injectable gel of choice, but today, hyaluronic acid is more popular. Fat extracted from another part of your body can also be used but is less popular for reasons we’ll look at later.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in the human body. It helps to cushion and lubricate joints and is found in connective tissue, eye fluids and the skin. 50% of HA found in the body is in the skin.
NV Hyaluronic Acid ECO consists of encapsulated sodium hyaluronate, as the raw material is a well-known ally for treating skin and chemically damaged hair. Sodium hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid sodium salt, a glycosaminoglycan and long- chain polymer present in many organisms, particularly in the eyes and umbilical cord, and it is used on the skin for wrinkle filling and hydration.
Nano Hyaluronic Acid, can be incorporated into formulations for the skin, acting as antiaging, promoting wrinkle filling and moisturizing action, as well as on chemically treated hair, where it acts reducing the porosity, making the hair strands brighter, hydrated and improving their elasticity.
The substance is revered by the beauty industry not just because it makes the ideal dermal filler but because of its ability to hold moisture. HA can hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it the best skin moisture-storage tank available today.
How long do dermal fillers last?
That all depends on the filler. HA fillers last 6-12 months, while fat is taken from your body and can sometimes last for a few years. However, the flip side of fat fillers is the body may reabsorb it, so may not make the distance.
Fat fillers can also set a person back thousands of dollars, where the asking price of a single unit of non-fat filler is around $600-$800.
Are dermal filler injections painful?
Yes, although the pain differs depending on a person’s pain threshold and the area being filled.
Treatment involves a small filler injected under the skin with a fine needle.
When treating the nasolabial folds – the creases running from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth – a short-term burning sensation is felt. Most clinics, however, will offer a topical anaesthetic cream to numb the face.
Lip augmentation usually requires an injectable anaesthetic, as the pain is unbearable for most people.
Do dermal fillers have any side effects?
Like most treatments, you will want a reputable clinician to reduce the risk of complications. Common side effects of dermal fillers include bruising, infection and allergic reaction. However, difficulties can be more significant if the clinician accidentally injects the stuffing into a blood vessel.
Read part 1 | botox and part 3 | chemical peels of our Facial Rejuvenation series.
Image courtesy of eluxemagazine.com/