Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Fillers

woman undergoing cosmetic filler treatment

The number of people going under the needle has grown exponentially in recent years. According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, “approximately 13.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2020.”

The non-invasive approach, limited recovery time, and instant cosmetic outcome made dermal fillers a preferred option over other treatments, especially surgical interventions, say experts. But there is still a lot to weigh up before you get fillers.  

Keep reading to learn everything about cosmetic fillers, including their types, effectiveness, and longevity of the results. Alternatively, if you’re ready to take the next step, speak to our cosmetic filler specialists in New York (877-673-4818) about your beauty goals, and get the treatment done in our advanced facility.”

What are Cosmetic Fillers?

Commonly known as dermal fillers, these soft tissue fillers are substances injected into the skin’s dermis layer to restore the appearance of lines and wrinkles while improving facial contours.

Fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure for people looking to enhance their appearance without undergoing painful surgeries. 

There are several types of cosmetic fillers, and their contents typically depend on the purpose they are used for. Generally, most dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, collagen, and calcium hydroxyapatite, as they are safe for the skin. 

Unlike other methods, a doctor can perform cosmetic filler treatment in an outpatient setting or a medical spa eliminating downtime. The process is relatively quick and painless. Also, the patient can expect to see visible results instantly that can last for several months. 

Types of Injectable Fillers 

Dermal fillers come in various types and forms and can be made using varied ingredients for different skin conditions. The most common types used by specialists include:

Hyaluronic Acid or HA 

These are the most common type of filler used widely in the United States for treating various skin issues such as wrinkles and fine lines. The primary ingredient in these injectables is hyaluronic acid, and some substances are naturally found in the body.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are highly versatile, and doctors can recommend them if you want to treat worry lines, crow’s feet, and smile lines. The application of these fillers isn’t limited to improving the skin’s texture, but you can get them to redefine your lips or to get rid of scarring. 

In terms of the longevity of the results, you can expect them to last for up to 12 months, according to a case report published in NCBI.

Some renowned hyaluronic filler brands are:

  • Juvederm
  • Prevelle
  • Restylane
  • Belotero Balance

Calcium Hydroxylapatite or CaHA

The CaHa injectable dermal fillers are similar to a naturally-occurring mineral found in the human bones that enhances the volume of cheeks, plumps nasolabial folds (deep lines from nose to mouth), and plumps frown lines. 

Although anyone can get these fillers, vegans prefer them more because of the synthetic process and the absence of ingredients sourced from animals. Besides ethical benefits, this cosmetic filler curtails the chances of allergic reactions. 

People trust CaHA fillers for being safe and producing natural-looking results. There’s a misconception that the results of these fillers don’t last long, but quality dermal fillers like Radiesse can provide results for 12 to 24 months. 

✍️ Note: The life of the results depends on several factors, such as the severity of the wrinkles, and your practitioner can give more accurate estimates after assessing your condition. 

Polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA

If you have medium-to-deep wrinkles and furrows that aren’t treatable by HA dermal filler injections, the practitioner may recommend PMMA. The results offered by these cosmetic fillers are semi-permanent, and you don’t have to undergo multiple treatments frequently. 

The most commonly used PMMA brand is Bellafill, and it can help you by treating pitted scars, acne, nasolabial folds, and multiple lip issues. 

Since the results of polymethylmethacrylate have a better lifespan, the doctor will administer a fair number of injections to help you achieve desired results. 

Some practitioners in Long Island use PMMA with “threading,” a method to conceal the signs of injections. 

Poly-L-lactic Acid or PLLA

When your skin loses its ability to produce collagen, signs of aging appear. The PLLA injectable filler treatment solves this problem by stimulating collagen production naturally. The biodegradable filler dissolves in your body after a few days but generates results that can last up to 24 months. 

Because it triggers collagen, you may need to inject dermal fillers multiple times to stimulate the effects in order to achieve desired beauty results. 

Reputed practitioners in Long Island generally use these cosmetic fillers to treat a variety of beauty hindrances, such as laughter lines, thin lips, and nasolabial folds. 

The most commonly used PLLA filler brand is Sculptra, which is popular for its unique characteristics. However, the results take longer to show, but they last longer, eliminating the need to top up injectables after every few months. 

How Does the Cosmetic Filler Process Work: Initial Consultation and Final Procedure  

If you are planning to undergo an injectable gel treatment, knowing about the process can help you prepare for it. At Mark Medical Care, we’ve conducted numerous dermal filler treatments successfully. Below you’ll find all details about the process from beginning to end (recovery stage).

  • Initial Consultation 

The first stage of the dermal filler procedure is a thorough consultation where the practitioner understands your beauty goals and sets expectations. They will also examine your skin and ask about your medical history to determine the root cause. 

The practitioner may also mark your face using a marker to explain the injection site. Next, a team takes your pictures for a before and after comparison of your face. 

Make sure to ask doctors questions about the process and the life of the results.

  • The Treatment 

You can get cosmetic fillers in your practitioner’s office or medical spa, as it doesn’t require you to stay at the hospital. During the treatment, the healthcare professional cleans your skin or recipient area and then applies a cream or lotion infused with an anesthetic.

After the recipient area becomes numb, you start feeling more comfortable. Using a thin needle, the professional will inject a small amount of filler into your skin, and it’ll b painless. You’ll receive injections in several areas of your face depending on the results you want and the severity of the condition. 

Post the treatment, the doctor advises you about the dos and don’ts that you need to follow for faster recovery and greater results. 

What’s the Recovery Time After a Cosmetic Filler Procedure?

The recovery time is generally short, but it varies from patient to patient. Generally, the full recovery takes one to two days, and you can return to your regular schedule immediately after receiving the shot. 

In fact, most people schedule their cosmetic filler treatment during lunchtime hour and return to their work right after. Cosmetic fillers have fewer restrictions, but you should avoid vigorous or sweat-causing exercises until the filler settles into the skin and the swelling subsidizes. 

What are the Advantages of Dermal Fillers?

Cosmetic fillers are a great way to plump up your skin, smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and a natural glow. But there are even more benefits that you may not know about. Below are some exclusive advantages you get after receiving a filler shot. 

  • The Results are Almost Instant 

Most beauty treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections, can take several days or even weeks to show results, whereas dermal fillers can provide immediate results. Though the results won’t be significant initially, they quickly improve to enhance your appearance.

If you want to improve your skin for an upcoming event, cosmetic fillers can help you achieve the skin you’ll love to flaunt. 

  • Minimal Risk is There 

Dermal fillers carry minimal risk because the procedure is non-invasive. A practitioner administers the substance to your skin using a fine needle so there is less scarring and pain. It’s rare for patients to experience serious side effects after undergoing the treatment, which further reduces downtime.

Skilled practitioners at Mark Medical Care give you natural facial symmetry when you choose us for cosmetic filler treatment. Contact us today for an initial consultation, and schedule your appointment. 

  • The Results Last Long 

The lifespan of the results typically depends on the type and brand of the filler. However, studies have shown that these results can last around 6-18 months with proper upkeep. When you choose dermal fillers to improve your skin naturally, you’ve the options to choose the duration of results, and based on that, the professionals recommend fillers. 

  • No Recovery Time Required 

If you are regular at your favorite clinic, you can get the skin injection procedures done within 15 minutes. Cosmetic fillers are non-invasive, meaning no preparation or surgery is required. Furthermore, the process doesn’t need you to stay at the hospital for hours, and you can fit an appointment into your schedule anytime you want. 

If it’s your first time going under the needle, expect slight swelling, but it vanishes within a few days. 

  • They Can Minimize the Look of Scars 

Besides improving your skin’s appearance, hyaluronic acid and other naturally-occurring ingredients in cosmetic fillers can soften the scar tissues around the injection site. If you’ve had acne or other conditions that left scars on your skin, dermal fillers can be helpful.

One thing to note here is that these fillers can treat a wide variety of scars, but there are some limitations. Only a board-certified practitioner can decide if your scars can be masked by cosmetic fillers. 

  • They Can be Used with Other Treatments 

You might have heard about “taking only one skin treatment at a time.” But that’s not the case with dermal fillers. The combination of these fillers and Xeomin works well for eliminating deeper and more evident fine lines.

Moreover, some skin issues, such as crow’s feet, are difficult to treat using fillers solely, and a practitioner can use a combination approach to make your results appear quickly and last longer.

  • Fillers are Versatile 

No matter at what stage your skin condition is, the medical professional can adjust the filler’s dose accordingly to satisfy your goals. Additionally, dermal fillers are available in various formulations, including collagen, hyaluronic, and calcium hydroxylapatite, so there is a filler that’s right for almost everyone. 

The Risks and Complications of Cosmetic Fillers 

The non-invasiveness of dermal fillers reduces the risks and complications to a great extent. However, there is little room for risks, especially if the filler is administered by a non-certified practitioner or without assessing the patient’s skin condition. 

The complications can range from bleeding to pain and swelling. Most of these side effects are temporary and are manageable using over-the-counter medications. 

💡 An important note

If you experience any side effects after getting a dermal filler, it’s imperative to inform your doctor about it. Don’t take any medication without the medical professional’s knowledge, as it can affect the results. 

Who Should Avoid Getting Dermal Fillers?

Although these fillers are relatively safe compared to other aesthetic facial injection procedures, they are not suitable for everyone. Here are some conditions that make you unfit for this procedure:

  • Pregnancy 
  • The lactating period 
  • Autoimmune diseases 

However, in-depth consultation with a professional healthcare expert can tell you if you should undergo the dermal filler treatment or not. Also, you can get the underlying diseases treated or wait for the lactating period to get over to enhance your beauty using fillers. 

Achieve Your Aesthetic Goals with Mark Medical Care 

If you are tired of using oils and lotions to reverse the signs of aging, cosmetic fillers are a good option. They are minimally invasive, safe, and have fewer side effects, making dermal fillers a perfect option to fix crow’s feet, deep lines, and multiple skin issues. 

At Mark Medical Care, we thoroughly assess your skin’s condition to help you understand if fillers are suitable for you and how they can improve your appearance. 

Our board-certified practitioners have years of experience with injectables, and we use high-quality fillers that offer long-lasting results. Plus, our facility in Long Island is a genuinely world-class center where your vision for rejuvenated and supple skin becomes a reality.

Interested in cosmetic filler treatment? Contact us at 877-673-4818 for an in-personal consultation, or book an appointment by filling out this form.

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