Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. When it’s injected as a dermal filler, it binds to water molecules in the skin, adding volume and giving the skin a more youthful and plump appearance.

Dermal Fillers can be used to:

• Create volume in hollow areas of the face or lips

• Fill in, lift, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the face

• Enhance facial balance

• Improve the smoothness and elasticity of the skin

• Increase volume at the back of the hand

While not all signs of skin aging can be reversed, dermal fillers can help you counteract some of these changes.

Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face, including the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes. They can also enhance the shape and definition of the jawline and chin.

The procedure is typically performed in a dermatologist’s office or clinic, and takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The process is minimally invasive, and there is minimal downtime.

Dermal fillers can be used to target a specific area, but the treatment approach always considers the full face to ensure a more natural result.

A unique benefit of dermal fillers over other cosmetic treatments is that, if you are unhappy with your results, the treatment is reversible using an enzyme that is injected to break down the hyaluronic acid used in the fillers.

The fillers act as a support layer beneath the skin.

Fillers can contain various ingredients depending on their intended area of use and duration; however, at WMC we utilize fillers containing hyaluronic acid (HA) due to its efficacy in cosmetics applications and its safety profile.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body that aids in the retention of water in the skin, creating a hydrated, plumper skin tone. The fillers can restore a youthful appearance by filling in lines and wrinkles.

Creating volume and improving the overall smoothness

Fillers can also create volume and improve the overall smoothness and elasticity of your skin. The treatment produces rapid results with minimal recovery time and long-lasting effects.

Hyaluronic acid-containing fillers are versatile and effective for treating mild to moderate cosmetic concerns; in addition to the effects of the injected hyaluronic acid in improving skin tone, recent research also suggests that the injections may even stimulate the body to produce collagen, adding an additional dynamic to the rejuvenating treatment.

Different types of fillers are recommended depending on the area of the skin that requires treatment. The injection technique used is also dependent on the area and the issue being treated.

Injection techniques include tunneling, serial puncture, radial fanning, and crosshatching; these techniques produce different effects and are carefully selected to produce optimal results. A consultation with one of our experts will help you determine which type of filler is best suited to you.

The most common side effects are swelling redness, and bruising, which typically resolve within a few days. More serious complications, such as infection or allergic reactions, are rare but can occur.

It’s important to note that dermal fillers should be administered by a qualified and experienced professional to avoid complications. Different dermal fillers have different properties and are used for different purposes. It’s important to do research and consult with a professional to find the right type of filler for your needs.

Also, not all fillers are approved by FDA, so it’s important to know the origin and safety of the product before use.

In conclusion, Dermal fillers offer a non-surgical solution to add volume and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, with minimal downtime, and with a high satisfaction rate among patients. Dermal fillers are a widely used cosmetic treatment, and there is a significant amount of research on their safety and effectiveness.

Studies have shown that dermal fillers are a generally safe and effective treatment. But as with any medical treatment, there are some risks and potential side effects, and the effects are not permanent. Therefore, careful consideration of these factors should be taken before deciding to undergo the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dermal filler is the best?

The best filler depends on the area you wish to treat. A complimentary consultation with one of our cosmetics experts will help you determine the best filler type for your desired results.

How long do the results last?

Several factors contribute to how long the results last, including:

• Type of filler used

• Area treated

• Lifestyle

• Age

• Skin type

On average, the effect can last from 6 months to 1.5 years.

What is the consideration for dermal fillers?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar in the body.

When administered by a qualified medical practitioner, it is well accepted by the skin; however, like with any medication or medical procedure, it is essential that all factors are considered to ensure that your treatment is both safe and effective.

What to do in your initial consultation?

1. In your initial consultation, it is very important to fully disclose your medical history and any medications you are taking; this is especially significant if you have allergies to hyaluronic acid, gram-positive bacterial proteins, other fillers, or certain types of anesthetics.
2. Other essential information to share with your medical practitioner includes whether you have a possible pregnancy, untreated epilepsy, a bleeding disorder, a history of severe scarring, an autoimmune disease, a recurring sore throat, rheumatic fever, or porphyria, as well as if you are taking an anti-coagulation medication or an immunosuppressive medication.

Adverse reactions can include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, bumps, loss of sensation, headache, and difficulty performing activities. Major complications can occur if the product is unintentionally injected into a blood vessel, including vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, and temporary or permanent scarring.

If you experience signs of stroke, unusual pain, or a white appearance of the skin, contact a healthcare practitioner immediately. Please note that these side effects occur in a small percentage of patients, but are serious consequences to consider.

What can I expect during the treatment?

• Dermal fillers are delivered through fine needles into specific areas you wish to target.
• During the procedure, you may feel some pinching and mild discomfort due to the needle. However, many dermal filler formulas include lidocaine, an anesthetic, to minimize discomfort.

Additionally, our clinic offers the option of undergoing the procedure with a nitrous oxide delivery system to further ensure your maximum comfort.

Is it painful?

Your comfort is of primary importance to us! It is important to remember that each of our patients is unique, with different levels of pain tolerance and varying levels of anxiety going into a medical procedure.

In addition to a lidocaine analgesic that is integrated into many of the fillers that we offer, our clinic offers the option of undergoing this procedure with a nitrous oxide delivery system.

With this system, you are able to control how much and how frequently nitrous oxide is delivered using a mouthpiece that administers a 50/50 gas mixture containing nitrous oxide and oxygen; which means maximum relaxation and minimum discomfort.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas, decreases anxiety, increases the sense of overall well-being, and inhibits the transmission of pain signals during a procedure. This analgesic is safe, effective, and, better still, you are able to drive yourself home following your treatment!

What can I expect after the treatment?

You may experience some redness and swelling in the area of injection; however, for most patients, this resolves within 24 to 48 hours.

You may also see some bruising, which typically resolves within 5 to 7 days.

Is there scientific research to support this treatment?

A study of dermal fillers published in October 2020 in the Journal of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Global Open found that “when used appropriately, fillers can provide dramatic and safe results for aging patients with mild skin laxity and mild-to-moderate volume loss.” However, the study also stressed the importance of ensuring that you undergo treatment from a knowledgeable and qualified professional in order to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure. (Akinbiyi T, Othman S, Familusi O, Calvert C, Card EB, Percec I. Better Results in Facial Rejuvenation with Fillers. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(10):e2763. Published 2020 Oct 15. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002763).

Works Cited

Akinbiyi T, Othman S, Familusi O, Calvert C, Card EB, Percec I. Better Results in Facial Rejuvenation with Fillers. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(10):e2763. Published 2020 Oct 15. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002763.
Repinski, Karyn. July 28, 2020. Restylane: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/restylane#pros-&-cons.
Ricevuto, Julie. Dermal fillers: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/dermal-fillers.
Sánchez-Carpintero, D. Candelas, R. Ruiz-Rodríguez. Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). Volume 101, Issue 5, 2010,Pages 381-393. doi.org/10.1016/S1578-2190(10)70660-0.