What are Facial Fillers/Injections?
Most commonly collagen – a gel-like substance derived from purified animal tissue, and fat – which is harvested from the patient’s thigh or abdomen and then injected to plump up facial areas or “fill” wrinkled areas (see also Botox). Facial fillers can also include calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid.
Ranging from a temporary to a long-lasting solution, facial fillers are administered through facial injections on specific areas of the face. There are various types of fillers available as each one is designed with one or several purposes, but a qualified professional can help you determine which facial injections are right for you. Depending on the individual and the number of areas being treated, filler injections can take about 10 to 20 minutes per session.
Luckily, facial fillers don’t require a large amount of downtime. Typically, directly following treatment patients can return to work and their normal activities, but this will vary depending on the individual and the type of injectable filler used. In some cases, for the first 24 hours after treatment, certain individuals will be instructed to refrain from excessive heat or sun exposure, and strenuous activities.
Why Use Facial Fillers?
It’s natural that as we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to sagging and wrinkles as the years of muscle movement (from smiling, chewing, speaking, squinting, etc.) and sun exposure contributes to the breakdown of skin tissue. However, skin can be rejuvenated through the use of filler injections. Facial injections can replace soft-tissue volume loss, raise scar depressions, enhance the lips (lip augmentation), and can help reduce or eliminate wrinkles. Injections can help create a younger look in the face by volumizing the folds and creases that have formed due to the loss of fat and collagen.
Common Side Effects of Filler Injections
Some of the common side effects of facial fillers/injections include:
