Written By: Dr Shuba Dharmana | Updated : September 25, 2014 2:09 PM IST
Our skin loses collagen and fat as it ages and other factors such as sun damage, smoking, poor diet, pollution, etc only add to the ageing process making it look wrinkly and saggy. Dermal fillers are non-surgical injections that restore the youthfulness of the face giving it the same appearance as before. Dr Shuba Dharmana, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Le'Jeune Medspa, tells us more about dermal fillers.
How do dermal fillers work?
Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid in a very purified form. This is used to build collagen that is lost from the ageing skin thus restoring volume, lifting sagging skin and plumping out the folds.
The hyaluronic acid filler is injected in to the layers of skin, in the folds after numbing the skin with a local anaesthetic cream. Areas that can be treated include:
These injections are not very painful when used with the numbing cream and you may feel only a slight discomfort. But the effects of the fillers last for 12-18 months and they help maintain younger looking skin. (Read: 3 secret anti-ageing potions revealed)
Cheeks
As we age, we lose volume in the cheeks. This, in addition to the effects of gravity causes the underlying tissues and the skin to droop giving rise to laughter folds. This volume in the cheeks can be regained with thicker dermal fillers that not only create a fuller, youthful lift giving high cheek bones but also correct the laughter lines.
Lips
The injections used in the lips will help accentuate the lipline, the cupid's bow area, the smoker's lines and to plump body of the lips. Depending on one's pain threshold, they may choose to have this with a local anaesthetic cream or have a set of numbing injections called 'dental blocks' given into the gums inside the mouth prior to the procedure. These injections given inside the mouth are relatively painless and are similar to an injection from your dentist before a tooth removal.
D colletage
We often overlook our d colletage, the most age revealing part of our bodies. It is the area comprising the neck, shoulders, cleavage. The skin around the cleavage is one of the first places women show their age. The skin is fine, thin and very delicate, and tends to show sunspots and lines easily with age. Women also tend to overlook this area when it comes to skincare, not realising they should be treating it with just as much care as their face. This area can be treated effectively with a slightly less viscous dermal filler like Juvederm Hydrate, Restylane Vital, Mesolis or IAL. You will have a series of tiny injections in the area after using a numbing cream and you will require three sessions and maintenance treatment once every three months.
Nose
Don't like the shape of your nose? You can correct it without surgery with this treatment. Fillers are used to non-surgically repair a crooked nose or build a higher nasal bridge. This non-surgical rhinoplasty performed with fillers lasts up to two years.
Hands
Hands, especially fingers show signs of ageing which can be corrected with the help of a filler that hydrates, lifts and plumps volume in to the sagging skin. (Read: Fight signs of ageing with this skincare routine: Tips by expert)
Possible side-effects
Due to the use of needle, there is likely to be some bleeding and rarely some bruising at the injection site. Redness and swelling may occur after the injection and this reaction may last for two weeks. There is rarely any discolouration of the injection site, nodules. But if these develop, report them to the practitioner as soon as possible so they can advise on the best course of treatment.
Though no preparation is required from the patient's end prior to the treatment, it is best to inform your practitioner about any medical condition you may have or if you are on certain medications like blood-thinning medicines for your heart. It is recommended to reduce any intake of alcohol 24-48 hours before the procedure.
Costs involved
The cost of a dermal filler treatment is determined on various factors such as the location of the clinic, the facility, the doctor, experience and skill of the doctor, the thickness of the filler, the brand, etc.
For example, the lines on the forehead or from the nose to the mouth need a filler that is less viscous than a filler which is used to build volume in the cheeks. So, depending on the thickness of the dermal filler, the cost of is determined. It can range anything between Rs 10,000-50,000 or more for a single syringe.
Remember, the result depends on the skill of the doctor, the amount of filler used, the skin type, etc. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive muscle movement may allow the filler to dissolve quicker than expected. Even so, the doctor needs to be skilled enough to perform the treatment. Often, this kind of facelift is perfected with practice. Going to an experienced and renowned doctor is your best bet. After all, your face is at stake. (Read: 10 tips to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing)
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