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Dermal Fillers 101: Everything You Need To Know

November 14, 2022

Dermal fillers are an extremely popular cosmetic treatment that can be done for anti-aging and rejuvenation. There are two common goals are achieved with dermal fillers: (1) enhance facial features and/or (2) restore lost volume. Dermal fillers can be done alone or in conjunction with other skin treatments such as Dysport/Botox, chemical peels, facials, etc.

By: Kaitlyn, NP

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What are Dermal Fillers?

Hyaluronic Acid based Dermal Fillers are comprised of three main ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid
- Hyaluronic Acid comprises the majority of dermal fillers. It is a naturally occurring substance in the body that keeps the skin healthy, plump, and hydrated. As we age we unfortunately lose Hyaluronic Acid. This causes the skin to become more elastic, stretchy, dehydrated, and less smooth. To combat this change, skincare companies will include Hyaluronic Acid in most moisturizing products.
Lidocaine
- A small amount of Lidocaine is added to dermal fillers to make the treatments more tolerable.
A small amount of preservative.
- If no preservative was added, the body would naturally break down and metabolize the Hyaluronic Acid within 6 hours. By including a preservative, the patient can see filler longevity up to 9-12 months.

Image of an employee's hands holding a dermafiller applicator

Why Choose dermal fillers?

There are many reasons why a patient may choose dermal fillers. One of the most common reasons is that they are a safe, non-surgical option for the more mature patient searching for facial rejuvenation. Patients may choose to forego surgery due to the risks and downtime. For patients with a busy lifestyle, surgery just may not be an option.

Another reason to use dermal fillers is for younger patients who have minor volume loss and would benefit from one or a few syringes

Lastly, dermal fillers are simply the best option for particular areas of the face such as the under-eyes, lips, and chin.

What are common areas to treat with dermal fillers?

Dermal filler can be used to enhance larger areas such as the cheeks and chin or smaller, refined areas such as the under-eyes, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lips. Dermal fillers should not be placed in crow’s feet lines, forehead lines, or lines on the bridge of the nose.

There are many different types of fillers that can be injected so it is important to speak with your provider about the areas you desire to be injected. Even though a lot of areas of the face can safely be injected with dermal fillers, they may not be FDA-approved areas.

What kind of results can you expect from dermal fillers?

At Atalo Aesthetics, our injectors take pride in creating balanced, natural results for every single patient. We want our patients to appear refreshed after a dermal filler treatment, not overdone. Ducky, plump lips are a trend of the past and we have no desire to offer that service here. When seeking dermal filler treatments from providers, it is important to review their before and after photos and vocalize your goals to ensure you and your provider are on the same page.

What ARE the PRE-CARE and AFTERCARE?

By preparing for your treatment, you may be able to avoid or decrease the risk of side effects such as bruising and swelling. For forty-eight hours prior to your injections, it is best to avoid alcohol, blood thinners (if approved by a physician), fish oil, anti-inflammatories, and high-sodium foods. Arnica Montana gel can be applied to the treatment area or Arnica Montana sublingual tablets can be taken multiple times a day for 48 hours leading up to the treatment.

After the treatment is complete, Arnica Montana should still be used and an ice pack can be applied to the treatment area for five minutes every hour. It is important to note, prominent swelling may be visible for 48 hours post injections. A small amount of swelling may stay present for up to four weeks, therefore, full results will not be visible until four weeks post-treatment. It also takes four weeks for the filler to fully settle and integrate into your tissue.

Schedule A Free Consult or Book Your Treatment!

Overall, dermal fillers are an incredible treatment option with safe and beautiful results. If you have more questions about dermal fillers, reach out to a trusted local provider to book a consultation. Here at Atalo Aesthetics, all consultations are complimentary! If you’re local to the Cincinnati, OH area then fill out our appointment request form and we’ll be in touch. One of our providers will sit down with you and answer any dermal filler questions or concerns you might have!

You can also learn more (including pricing) on our Dermal Fillers treatment page here.