Understanding Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are bio-compatible material used for facial aesthetic treatments and are injected into the skin to smooth facial wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead and to enhance lips. Dermal fillers in Nashville can be used to revitalize and add volume to the skin, instantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines with a natural look. The result of a single treatment can be seen almost instantly and can last between 6 to 9 months. 

Each year a growing number of plastic surgeons and dermatologists in Nashville are offering to patients advanced non-invasive techniques using a mix of dermal fillers to gently lift and contour facial features. These new types of cosmetic procedures, frequently named Liquid Facelift, are becoming a popular alternative for the traditional surgical facelift. 

A wide range of dermal fillers are available to patients looking to slow down the aging process without undergoing surgery. Broadly, dermal fillers can be divided into 4 basic categories: autologous fat, collagens, hyaluronic acid, and synthetic. There is no ideal filler, nor can a single filler meet every patient’s expectations and wishes.

The most common dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, some of them are made from the patient’s own skin cells, and others work stimulating collagen production gradually over time to renew volume and fullness.

Patients, who want to skip this complexity of human fat, can opt for the synthetic fillers. Several options of synthetic fillers are available which include collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite and polylactic acid. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are natural compounds also found in a human body, which makes them the most commonly used synthetic dermal fillers.

The procedure is relatively safe and although it can occur side-effects and complications are rare. Topical anesthetic cream or local anesthetic via injection may be used for patient’s comfort. Some products are already mixed with lidocaine, this serves as mild local anesthetic making the treatment more comfortable.  The injections take a matter of minutes and in most cases patients can return to their normal routine immediately. Treated areas remains soft and liquid can be felt inside the area for a few days. Patients are instructed for protecting the area of filling from any external pressure as it may change the position of filling.

It is important for the patient to know that dermal fillers are quick-fix but at the same time temporary. The fillers get absorbed by the body over time and the patient may require to have another filling to maintain the same look.