If you’ve looked in the mirror lately only to wish you could shave a few years or more off, you might be wondering what your options are. After all, not everyone wants to “age gracefully” and accept wrinkles and other signs of aging so readily.
If you’re looking for a change, but the risks of cosmetic surgery aren’t something you relish, you might consider something less invasive like dermal fillers. Let’s take a look at what dermal fillers are, how they differ from Botox injections, and what you might consider using them for.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, also known as injectable fillers, are cosmetic treatments often used to help reduce the signs of aging or resolve other minor problems with the skin. They can also help fill in areas of the face that look sunken over time due to a loss of underlying fat and skin elasticity.
They’re used by injecting a substance—such as hyaluronic acid in the case of Juvéderm—beneath the skin to plump the area up. Depending on the filler material used, results can last several months to a year.
How Do Injectable Fillers Differ From Botox?
Botox, a botulinum toxin, works by using a form of bacteria to “freeze” muscles to prevent wrinkles or creases resulting from expressions. It also has medical uses, such as to treat migraines and stop muscle spasms.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, don’t use any form of toxin. And they aren’t intended to impede muscle movement that would affect your ability to form facial expressions. Instead, they’re injected just below the skin to fill in wrinkles or other skin abnormalities from beneath.
What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
Here are some conditions injectable fillers might be able to help with, without the need for more invasive and more expensive cosmetic surgery:
- Fill fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the forehead and around the mouth
- Plump thin or thinning lips
- Fill under eye areas or other areas of the face that can become recessed with aging
- Fill in indented scars resulting from acne or injuries
Are Injectable Fillers Right for You?
Before deciding to get dermal fillers, you should discuss your options with a medical professional. Make sure you don’t have allergies to any of the ingredients in the filler you hope to use. Other side effects of facial fillers are temporary numbness, swelling, the potential for lumps, and bruising.
While dermal fillers might have fewer risks of complications than cosmetic surgery, remember that these treatments do still have risks. You should also remember injectable fillers can be good temporary options to reduce signs of aging or reduce the appearance of certain kinds of scars. But if you want to maintain your new look, then you may need regular treatments, which makes cost another consideration.
If dermal fillers sound like a good option for you, the next step is to contact a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or licensed aesthetician in your area for a personal consultation.
