Are you curious about Botox or other dermal fillers? If you have questions about dermal fillers and how they work, it may help you to understand the basics to determine if this type of treatment is right for you.
How Popular is Dermal Filler Therapy?
It is extremely popular in places like North America where it is more common than cosmetic dentistry It is not restricted to women only, more men are using this treatment now than in the past. Most people have heard of this treatment so it is well-known just about everywhere.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin into areas like the folds of skin around the nose, tiny lines around the mouth, and other areas of the face to plump up and fill in those areas smoothing wrinkles away.
In past years, services like these could only be performed by plastic surgeons — or dermatologists. With new technology and training in these areas, these services are now performed by medical estheticians working in the doctor’s office.
Botox, on the other hand, is used to immobilize certain facial muscles to reduce the muscle movements that cause wrinkles. It is often used with dermal fillers as a complete treatment. The Botox restricts muscle movement and the fillers smooth and plump the skin making it appear younger and firmer.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Typically, the results last around six months but may last a bit longer depending on the patient. They all work differently and some are designed to be temporary and others are more permanent. The risks with temporary fillers are limited because they seldom last longer than 18 months so if you don’t like the effects you just wait until it wears off.
Products like Juvederm and Restylane are at the top of the list for most popular fillers today since bovine collagen requires allergy testing in sensitive individuals. These products are comprised of Hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance that diminishes with age, and dermal fillers with it plump the skin giving it a natural appearance. Most often they last from 6 to 12 months and are used for a variety of facial lines and wrinkles.
Patient Concerns
Many patients are familiar with the names of these products and may already be using some of them. The concerns about side effects are minimal and have been very mild. There are few instances of problems since the effects wear off within 12 months with no permanent changes to the facial structure.
Doctors who offer dermal fillers like this can substantially increase their patient loads and their revenues by offering this service. They are required to go through an additional training course and be certified to administer it and the benefits are well worth it.