Dermal Fillers 101: What to Expect, How Long They Last, and Who They're For
Want to achieve a youthful, refreshed appearance? Dermal fillers are a safe, effective, minimally invasive treatment option. At PHI Medical Aesthetics in Calgary, we offer high-quality dermal fillers for lip enhancement, facial rejuvenation, and overall skin vitality.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about dermal fillers: what to expect during your treatment, who the ideal candidates are, and how long they last. We'll even help you determine if dermal fillers are the right choice to achieve your anti-aging dreams.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and restore facial contours for a more youthful appearance. They're primarily made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps maintain moisture and elasticity.
Because they're composed of HA, dermal fillers provide instant, natural-looking results. They can be used to:
Plump up lips
Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines
Restore lost volume in the cheeks and temples
Enhance facial contours
One of the great things about dermal fillers is that they offer a non-surgical alternative to more invasive procedures. You can achieve noticeable rejuvenation without the need for surgery or extensive downtime.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a qualified and experienced injector. Our expert PHI injectors will go over everything you need to know in your consultation and assess if you are a good candidate for dermal filler.
Another reassuring factor is that hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This means that if you're unhappy with your results or if a complication arises, the filler can be reversed. Note: Hyaluronidase is only effective for hyaluronic acid-based fillers, not all types of dermal fillers.
Common side effects of dermal fillers include:
Swelling
Bruising
Redness
Tenderness
These side effects are typically mild and temporary, resolving within a few days.
Choosing an experienced injector with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy can significantly minimize these risks. During your consultation at PHI Medical Aesthetics, we'll discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have to ensure dermal fillers are a safe option for you.
How long does it take for a filler to settle?
After your dermal filler treatment, you may notice some initial swelling or bruising, which is perfectly normal. This usually subsides within a few days to a week. However, it can take up to two weeks for the filler to fully settle and integrate into your tissues, revealing the final, beautiful results.
During this settling period, the filler may feel slightly firm or lumpy, but this will soften as it settles.
How long do dermal fillers last?
One of the most common questions about dermal fillers is, "How long will they last?" The answer depends on a few factors, but most fillers last anywhere from six to 18 months, with some lasting up to two years.
Factors that influence how long fillers last:
Type of filler: Different fillers have different lifespans. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are popular and typically last six to 12 months. Other options, like calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, can last up to 18 months.
Injection site: Fillers in areas with more movement (like the lips) may break down faster than those in areas with less movement (like the cheeks).
Individual metabolism: Each person's body metabolizes fillers at its own pace.
Lifestyle: Smoking and excessive sun exposure can shorten the lifespan of fillers.
What happens when dermal fillers wear off?
As dermal fillers are gradually metabolized by your body, they will slowly break down and be absorbed. This process is gradual, so you won't see a sudden change in your appearance.
When the filler starts to wear off, you may notice a gradual decrease in volume or a return of fine lines or wrinkles. At this point, you can choose to have a touch-up treatment to maintain your results.
Even after the filler has completely worn off, your skin may still be slightly improved compared to its pre-filler state. This is because fillers can stimulate collagen production, which can have long-lasting benefits for your skin's health and appearance.
Who is the ideal candidate for dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a versatile treatment, but not everyone may be an ideal candidate. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provides some helpful guidelines for determining if you're a good candidate for dermal fillers:
Physically healthy: Being in good overall health is important for any medical procedure, including dermal fillers.
Non-smoker: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Positive outlook and realistic goals: It's important to have realistic expectations about what dermal fillers can achieve. They can enhance your appearance but won't completely change your looks.
Commitment to good skin health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine can help prolong the results of your dermal filler treatment.
In addition to the ASPS guidelines, here are some other factors to consider:
Those seeking lip enhancement: Whether you have naturally thin lips or have noticed volume loss due to aging, dermal fillers can create a fuller, more defined pout.
Individuals interested in non-surgical facial rejuvenation: If you're looking to reduce wrinkles, sagging skin, or hollowness under the eyes without surgery, dermal fillers offer an excellent option.
Those experiencing age-related volume loss: As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and volume. Dermal fillers can restore this lost volume for a more youthful appearance.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Dermal fillers are not t recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects on the developing fetus or infant are unknown.
At PHI Medical Aesthetics, we conduct a thorough consultation to assess your individual needs and determine if dermal fillers are the right solution for you. We'll discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have to create a personalized treatment plan.
What to expect during your dermal filler treatment
We want you to feel comfortable and informed throughout your dermal filler journey.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during your treatment:
Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with one of our experienced practitioners. We'll discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. We'll also examine your facial anatomy to determine the most suitable filler type and injection technique for your needs.
This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the procedure.
Pre-Treatment Care
Before we begin the injections, we'll apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to minimize any discomfort. We want you to feel relaxed and at ease throughout the process.
Injection Process
Once the numbing cream has taken effect, we'll carefully inject the dermal filler into the targeted areas using a fine needle. We'll explain each step as we go, so you know what to expect. The entire injection process typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
After your treatment, you may experience some mild swelling or bruising, which is perfectly normal and usually subsides within a few days. We may apply ice or a cold compress to the treated area to help minimize swelling.
We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you achieve the best possible results. There's minimal downtime, so you can generally resume your normal activities right away.
We'll also schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and answer any questions you may have.
Facial Rejuvenation with Dermal Fillers in Calgary
Dermal fillers are a versatile tool for achieving natural-looking facial rejuvenation. At PHI Medical Aesthetics in Calgary, we offer a wide range of dermal filler treatments to address various signs of aging and enhance your natural features.
Here are some of the ways we can use dermal fillers to rejuvenate your appearance:
Lip enhancement: Create fuller, more defined lips for a youthful and attractive pout.
Nasolabial folds (laugh lines): Soften the appearance of nasolabial folds, those lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Under eyes (treats bags, dark circles, and hollow under eyes): Rejuvenate the under-eye area by reducing puffiness, dark circles, and hollowness for a refreshed and well-rested look.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty: Refine the shape of your nose without surgery by using dermal fillers to smooth out bumps or asymmetries.
Loss of volume in cheeks or jawline: Restore youthful contours to your cheeks and jawline for a more defined and balanced facial profile.
Why choose PHI Medical Aesthetics for facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers?
At PHI Medical Aesthetics, we love helping people like you achieve their aesthetic dreams! Our friendly and experienced team is passionate about making you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin. We have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics, and we're committed to creating a personalized treatment plan that's perfect for you.
We know that everyone is unique, which is why we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We'll take the time to get to know you, listen to your concerns, and understand your goals. Together, we'll develop a plan that enhances your natural beauty and helps you achieve the results you've always wanted.
Ready to explore the possibilities? We'd love to chat! Book a consultation today, and let's discuss how dermal fillers can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. We're here to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way. We can't wait to meet you and help you feel amazing!
