Are You Cut Out for Dermal Fillers?
The importance of looks is often something that is scoffed at in society. While some celebrities have started a trend of the no makeup selfie, other celebrities are going sans makeup entirely, such as Alicia Keys, Grammy winning R&B singer and host of the voice, who refuses to wear makeup—even on camera. The first thing that people notice about people is how they look and there is no getting around it. The way we look and present ourselves to other people can have a definite impact on our social interactions and careers. Just think about it, when going out on a date, if you look like a mess, you are not getting a second date. If you go to an interview wearing pajamas with makeup running down your face, and someone else with the same qualifications is also interviewing, but they look a lot better, or more put together, your competition is getting the job, not you.
No matter how hard we try to run away from the “beauty is everything” motto, physical appearance has a very solid impact on how we feel about ourselves and how other people view us. For some people, their physical appearance is something that is very important to them. For others, it isn’t something they are worried about. But, for those people who are concerned with changing, or enhancing, their appearance, dermal fillers is increasingly becoming the go-to cosmetic procedure for several reasons.
Over the last year, the number of patients seeking dermal fillers has increased by 8%. In America, that number is even more staggering at a 17% increase, with no indication of slowing down. With so many people seeking out cosmetic surgery, it is very important to know exactly what you are getting into before you sign a contract with just any doctor.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are like Botox in that they can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten the skin, plump up lips and create a more youthful appearance. Unlike Botox, dermal fillers aim to add volume by filling in the wrinkles and contour the face.
Some of the most common dermal fillers are Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane. People flock to dermal fillers because they are noninvasive and do not require any surgery or downtime. The result of these injections is also immediate and there are very few risks involved. These attributes have made dermal fillers one of the top cosmetic procedures in the United States.
One thing you will need to keep in mind is that only certified and licensed medical cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists can administer dermal fillers, or any injection. Because dermal fillers are a purely cosmetic enhancement, the injections are not covered by insurance, like most cosmetic procedures. This will run between $400-$800 depending on how much you want and the doctor you choose. Rates can vary greatly between states or even cities.
Who is a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are best suited for people who have mild signs of aging such as laugh lines, crow’s feet, slight bags under their eyes and other minor issues. People who are older, or have more advanced signs of aging, may need a more intensive plan to reverse, or slow down the aging process, such as a facelift or chin tuck.
If you are a non-smoker, young, and have a positive outlook on your health and beauty regimen, dermal fillers may be right for you. Because this procedure uses no anesthesia, there is almost no risk involved. The minor side effects of these injections is soreness, slight swelling around injection site, redness, and mild tenderness to the injection site. These all resolve within an hour or so, requiring no recovery or downtime. In fact, many women can get these procedures done over their lunch hour and go right back to work. There is a type of dermal filler procedure that uses your own fat to plump up and fill in lines, but this procedure can take a few weeks to heal completely.
There are a few more severe risks associated with dermal fillers, but these are very rare and usually only occur when people have an allergic reaction to the filler. Some of these reactions include scarring at the injection site, bruising, asymmetry of the face, skin rash, itching, redness that won’t go away and possible infections.
One thing all people interested in dermal fillers must remember is that this procedure is not permanent. You will need to go back to your plastic surgeon every few weeks to several months depending on the exact procedure you choose, to keep up with the look and results. This can get expensive for people since insurance is not able to pay and you need to keep this in mind if you plan on keeping up with the maintenance.
The Procedure Steps
Dermal fillers are a popular lunch hour errand for many women. The steps to the procedure are extremely quick and nearly completely painless.
- Mapping and Assessment- When you first enter the room a nurse that has been trained or the doctor will begin to examine your face and map out where the spots for injection need to be with x’s. They may even take before and after photographs (with your permission).
- Cleansing- The nurse will probably use an alcohol swab or other antibacterial agent to clean the injection sites of your face. This reduces the risk of infection.
- Numbing Agent- After your face is clean, a thin layer of topical numbing ointment may be put on your skin where the injection will take place. Some doctors will use a cooling agent instead of numbing, especially if you are expecting to go right back to work or anywhere else you wouldn’t want a numb face.
- Injection- The doctor will use a needle to quickly inject small amounts of the filler where needed. The filler will be massaged in. The doctor may fill some areas more than once to gain symmetry and consistency in your face shape.
- Clean up- As soon as the injections are done, you will be able to wipe your face off, check it out in a mirror, and be on your way!
Dermal Fillers are that easy and painless and the entire procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on the amount you are getting. If you are interested in dermal fillers, most cosmetic surgeons offer free consultations.
