Brief History of Dermal Filler
Injectable fillers were first developed in the 1800s. Medical professionals discovered they could extract fatty tissue from one area of the body and inject it into another to restore lost volume to facial defects and scars. It took years before another option was available to those who wanted volume correction but didn’t want fat sucked from one part of their body and injected into another area. Purified bovine (from cows) collagen was the first FDA-approved filler for cosmetic injection in the face in 1981. One issue with bovine collagen was that it did not last very long and another was some people had an allergic reaction to the product. In the years since many other injectable fillers have been developed for facial augmentation.
What is a Dermal Filler?
Many Injectable fillers contain primarily a component naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid, which provides immediate benefits by increasing volume and the skin’s retention of moisture, but more significantly has recently been proven to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production This naturally occurring substance adds volume immediately and is slowly dissolved over time by enzymes found in our body. Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible because they can be dissolved with injections of an enzyme if needed.
Other dermal fillers work by stimulating collagen production. They take more time for results to be visible because it takes a few weeks for the body to make a substantial amount of new collagen. These biostimulant fillers include Bellafill. Bellafill contains Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), an inert substance that stimulates your body to produce more of its own collagen in the area where the PMMA is placed. The body cannot break this substance down, so it is somewhat permanent.
Two other fillers that work primarily by stimulating collagen production include Sculptra and Radiesse. Sculptra has no bulking volume on its own and so does not give any immediate result, but effects can usually be seen within 6 weeks and can last a few years. Radiesse has bulk and so some immediate results can be seen. These products cannot be dissolved and so are not reversible.
Collagen production declines with age, usually 1% a year after the mid twenty’s resulting in coarse, wrinkled skin. Fortunately, dermal fillers can stimulate your body’s collagen production resulting in more youthful skin that is tighter, smoother, and more radiant. After receiving dermal fillers, you will look and feel younger. Moreover, one of the natural signs of aging is the loss of skin plumpness. Dermal fillers can be used to reverse this aging symptom by restoring the plumpness of your skin. The result is fuller cheeks, smoother skin, and fewer facial wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid, one of the main ingredients in most dermal fillers, is known to increase collagen and elastin levels. The more hyaluronic acid you have in your body, the younger your skin will appear and feel.
Here at L Aesthetics and Longevity, we take pride in performing subtle, artistic, and natural-looking filler treatments. Dermal fillers contain the same naturally occurring substances as your skin. This gives your skin a natural look and feel. We will not “overfill” your cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, or other areas and so others will notice your improved appearance. They probably will not be able to tell you’ve had work done.
Conclusion
Most dermal fillers, unlike some cosmetic enhancements, produce immediate results. The transformation process is not only immediate but also has little to no downtime. Many treatments can be completed in as little as 30 minutes during your lunch break or free time. Unlike surgery, which requires a period of rest, dermal fillers have few side effects. After receiving an injection, you can resume most of your normal daily activities. You might be asked to refrain from exercise for a few days, but usually no more.