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WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS ?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to create a smoother or fuller appearance, or both. The FDA regulates dermal fillers as medical devices.

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WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF:

Most dermal fillers are made of of hyaluronic acid,  a natural substance that the body eventually breaks down and absorbs. Thus, they are not permanent and may require additional injections to maintain the desired effect.

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BOTOX vs. DERMAL FILLERS:

Botox and dermal fillers are non-invasive cosmetic procedures that can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and combat the signs of aging. Dermal fillers tend to be less risky and last longer than Botox. Another advantage of dermal fillers is that some types are reversible. For instance,  hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be safely dissolved  with hyaluronidase injections. 

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HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?

The duration of effect can vary significantly depending on patient's age, the brand used, and the location of the injection site.  For example, dermal fillers might last for up to two years when used to add volume to the cheeks, but only six months when injected into the lips.

 

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TYPES OF DERMAL FILLERS:

  .   Hyaluronic acid, a biodegradable sugar that is naturally found  in the body;

·         Calcium hydroxyapatite, a mineral and a major component of bone;

·         Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable, synthetic material;

·         Non-biodegradable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads suspended in a solution that contains bovine (cow) collagen. 

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FDA-APPROVED USE OF DERMAL FILLERS:

     Dermal fillers are approved for specific uses in people aged 22 and older to:

·         Correct moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and skin folds

·         Increase fullness of lips, cheeks, chin, under-eye hollows, jawline, and back of the hand

·         Correct acne scars.

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FDA WARNINGS:

    .  The FDA has not approved injectable silicone or any injectable fillers for body contouring or enhancement;

​      . The FDA has warned against getting filler injected into the  breasts, buttocks, or spaces between the muscles because of serious injury -- pain, infection, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and even death.

​·         The FDA has not approved needle-free devices for the injection of dermal fillers and warns against using them to inject hyaluronic acid or other lip and facial fillers due to serious injuries and in some cases, permanent harm to the skin, lips or eyes have occurred.

​·         The FDA also warns against buying or using lip or facial fillers that are sold directly to the public due to potential contamination with chemicals and infectious organisms.

​·         FDA-approved dermal fillers are supplied by a prescription for injection by a licensed health care professional using a syringe with a needle or a cannula (a small flexible tubing with a blunt tip that is inserted under the skin).

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POTENYTIAL SIDE EFFECT: 

usually subside in days following the injection 

·         Bruising

·         Redness

·         Swelling

·         Pain

·         Tenderness

·         Itching

·         Rash

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LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECT:

 Inflammation such as swelling or redness may develop near the dermal filler injection site following viral or bacterial illnesses or infections, vaccinations, or dental procedures 

·         Raised bumps in or under the skin (nodules or granulomas) that may need to be treated with injections, oral antibiotics, or surgically removed

·         Infection

·         Open or draining wounds

·         A sore at the injection site

·         Allergic reaction

·         Necrosis (tissue death)

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 SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT:

The most serious but low risk associated with dermal fillers is accidental injection into a blood vessel to potentially cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness.  This underlines the need for an experienced medical provider. 

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WHAT FILLER PRESTIGE USES?

Our licenced providers are experienced and only use Hyaluronic acid-based (your body's naturally found sugar) fillers.

 

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INQUIRIES:

If you are considering  dermal filler injections, please contact us about the benefits and risks.