While in the past many people relied on Botox, or botulinum toxin, to treat the effects of aging, such as wrinkles and facial lines, there has been a pivot in the last 10 years to another form of dermatological procedure designed to accomplish the same goal. Dermal fillers are now a common skin resurfacing treatment utilized by many cosmetic dermatology practitioners to reduce the visible effects of aging on the facial skin.
While Botox deadens the nerves in the affected tissues and thus relaxes and softens them, dermal fillers are injectable compounds that are inserted behind the wrinkles or lines. The additional volume temporarily fills out the wrinkles and creases, diminishing their appearance. Dermal fillers are a common tool used by providers of the best skin resurfacing in San Diego, CA, and they offer an effective alternative to other more rigorous procedures. Keep reading to learn a few facts you should know about dermal fillers and their usage.
Dermal Fillers Aren’t New
Dermal fillers are currently en vogue as a tool to reduce the appearance of aging, but they have been used in practice for much longer than many would expect. In fact, rudimentary dermal fillers were used as far back as the 1800s, when mineral oil and paraffin were injected to improve facial imperfections. However, given the risks of the procedure and the potential for severe complications, the practice fell out of favor in the 1920s until being perfected, modernized, and resurrected in recent years.
Dermal Filler Composition Varies
There are both natural and synthetic injectable fillers currently used for dermal filler procedures. Natural substances, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and fat cells, can be used to get the desired effect during a dermal filler procedure. There are also synthetic compounds that are manufactured that can provide similar results, such as polymethyl-methacrylate, liquid silicone, or calcium hydroxylapatite. Regardless of the filler type, most dermal fillers provide temporary results that must be reinstated through repeat treatments.
Dermal Fillers Are Versatile
While the primary usage of dermal fillers is to fill in wrinkles and lines on the face, there are many other approved uses for the procedure. Other uses for dermal fillers include lip plumping, enhancing facial contours, improving recessed scars, reconstructing minor facial deformities, and decreasing the shadow found beneath the lower eyelids. Dermal fillers don’t have to be used on the face only. For example, there are approved procedures for using them to make hands look more youthful.
Dermal Filler Can Stimulate Natural Collagen Growth
One of the benefits of dermal filler usage is that it can help the body begin to self-treat the area where the fillers were initially used. While collagen depletion throughout the body is a normal byproduct of the aging process, dermal fillers have been shown to reduce the rate of depletion. In some cases, the fillers spurred the growth of new collagen.
Dermal Filler Side Effects Are Rare
While not unheard of, side effects to dermal filler procedures are quite rare. Because the body simply absorbs the innocuous materials approved for use as dermal fillers, there’s little risk of infection or complication from the minimally invasive procedures. However, when side effects do occur, they tend to be quite severe. If the dermal filler is injected directly into a blood vessel, there can be serious complications. Also, there is a slight risk that the procedures can introduce bacterial infections to the affected site. Therefore, it’s important that those who seek dermal fillers only undergo procedures performed by licensed professionals.
If you’re looking for a way to restore your youthful appearance by ridding yourself of lines and wrinkles, consider dermal fillers for their wide range of benefits. To learn more about dermal fillers, contact Academic & Aesthetic Dermatology Consultants at (858) 292-7525.
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