Cosmetic fillers have many different uses and names. Some popular names for them include face fillers, dermal fillers, wrinkle fillers, fast facelifts and more. Whatever you want to call them, they have the same intention, to reduce the signs of ageing. Fillers are a cosmetic alternative to surgery and come with some great results with little downtime.
Why do we get wrinkles?
During our youth, our skin has plenty of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid and this gives it a fresh healthy look as it helps to keep the skin tight. They do this by creating spongy and firm meshwork under the surface of the skin. However, over time we lose these components and the underlying mesh loses strength. This leads to sagging, wrinkles and fine lines beginning to show.
Cosmetic fillers can be used to help plump up the meshwork and tissue under the skin and this helps to shrink wrinkles. Once again the skin takes on a smoother, firmer and younger look.
What are cosmetic fillers?
The range of filler substances continues to grow making them a popular choice to combat ageing signs such as:
- Wrinkles;
- Fine lines;
- Crow’s feet;
- Sagging skin;
- Laughter lines;
- And more.
Some of the main types of cosmetic fillers used include Belotero, Restylane and Juvederm.
Belotero:
Belotero is one of the cosmetic fillers used in injections and it has a hyaluronic acid-base. It is generally used to eliminate fine lines and severe folds on the skin and is mostly used on the cheeks, lips, nose, around the eyes and the chin. The results are seen almost immediately and results generally last for between 6 to 18 months.
Restylane:
Restylane is another choice of cosmetic filler and it is generally used to help get rid of the lines commonly seen under the eyes and also helps to reduce hand wrinkles. This filler also works well when smoothing lines out around the mouth and the lips and helps to plump up lips. It can also give volume to cheeks. It is a good choice of filler for any larger areas and areas that require some volume. The results generally last between 6 and 12 months depending on the area treated.
Juvederm:
Juvederm is another of the cosmetic fillers that are hyaluronic acid-based. There are different types of Juvederm, all of which help to reduce facial ageing signs. The type most suitable is determined by the doctor and depends on which region you want to target. The filler targets regions such as the cheeks; it fills out wrinkles and lines that form around the nose and mouth and is also suitable for lip enhancement.
How long do fillers last, do they have to be repeated?
How long the fillers will continue to provide results is going to depend on many factors, this includes the type used and the area where the filler was used. As a general rule, you will continue to see results for several months and up to one year.
You can have the cosmetic fillers repeated to continue giving you younger-looking skin, think of them as top-ups. Repeated injections have been shown to stimulate the natural production of collagen, which is needed to reduce lines and wrinkles.
Why do cosmetic fillers have a hyaluronic acid base?
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body. It aims to bind water in the body along with giving the skin its volume, providing lubrication to the joints and helping to shape the eyes.
However, as we grow older the content of hyaluronic acid in the skin loses its capacity to be able to store water. This leads to the skin losing moisture and volume. As the skin loses moisture it becomes thinner and drier and is unable to regenerate as efficiently as it used to do. Along with this, the loss of volume allows for sagging skin, which leads to wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid is used as the base in many types of cosmetic fillers in the form of a clear gel. It is injected under the skin and helps to rejuvenate the skin which helps to plump it back up, add volume and smooth out the skin. This results in fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
Are there any side effects with cosmetic fillers?
Cosmetic fillers are far less invasive than having cosmetic surgery but you may still have some side effects following treatment.
While they are rare side effects include some redness, bruising and/or swelling where you had the filler injected. Another side effect is the possibility of the filler showing as tiny bumps underneath the skin. However, this will generally improve over time.
Where cosmetic fillers can be used:
Cosmetic fillers containing hyaluronic acid can be used to provide various results. Where and which type the doctor recommends depends on the area being treated. The difference between the filler used is the size of particles used in the filler, the quantity and the active ingredient.
Smaller particles are used to help get rid of superficial lines, while fillers with larger particles are generally used when dealing with deeper wrinkles, skin folds, restoring volume and in the lips.
One of the most common uses of cosmetic fillers is on the face. Fillers can be used to good effect on areas such as:
- The dark hollows under the eyes;
- The jawline to contour and redefine sagging jawlines and to restore volume;
- Enhance a weak jawline;
- Plump up the lips and add volume;
- Reshape the nose;
- Reduction of crow’s feet;
- Reduce frown lines;
- Smooth out smile lines;
- Reduce acne scars and other scars;
- Fill in wrinkles and lines on the face.
In summary:
Cosmetic fillers can be a great alternative to going for plastic surgery to regain a more youthful look. However, never be tempted to have the treatment outside of a professional clinic. Here at Hansplace, we undertake your treatment in a clinical setting performed by a doctor. This is essential as not all wrinkle fillers are suitable for every type of wrinkle.
To ensure the best results for your needs the doctor will assess your needs and suggest the best treatment plan and filler possible, along with providing all the information you need to know about your treatment.
