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Debunking the Top 10 Dermal Filler Myths

June 5, 2023


What are Dermal Fillers? 

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the skin to restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They are commonly used in cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate the face and provide a more youthful appearance. 

The most common component of dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps add volume to the face and lifts the skin. These fillers work by replacing the volume that we lose with age, restoring a youthful facial contour.

 

What are Dermal Fillers Used For? 

Wrinkle Reduction 

Dermal fillers can be used for wrinkle reduction by filling in the lines and creases on the skin’s surface. There are different types of wrinkles, and dermal fillers can effectively target certain types:

  • Static Wrinkles: These are wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest. Dermal fillers can be injected into these lines to fill them in and make them less noticeable. Common areas for static wrinkle treatment include the nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines, and vertical lip lines. 

Lip Augmentation 

Dermal fillers are commonly used for lip augmentation to enhance the size, shape, and definition of the lips. They can provide a fuller and more balanced appearance to the lips, creating a more youthful and attractive look. Lip augmentation with dermal fillers is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help address various concerts, including: 

  • Thin Lips: Some individuals naturally have thin lips or experience age-related volume loss in the lips. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume and plump up the lips, making them appear fuller and more prominent. 
  • Lip Asymmetry: Many people have lips that are uneven or asymmetrical in shape. Dermal fillers can be strategically injected to balance and improve the symmetry of the lips, creating a more harmonious appearance. 
  • Lip Contour and Definition: Dermal fillers can enhance the contours of the lips, defining the borders and creating a more defined Cupid’s bow (the double curve in the middle of the upper lip). This can enhance the overall shape and attractiveness of the lips. 
  • Vertical Lip Lines: Over time, vertical lines may develop on the lips, also known as smoker’s lines or lipstick lines. Dermal fillers can be used to fill in these lines and smooth out the lip surface, reducing their appearance.  

Facial Contouring 

Dermal fillers are commonly used for facial contouring to enhance or restore volume in specific areas of the face, creating more balanced and defined facial features. Facial contouring with dermal fillers can help address various concerns, including: 

  • Cheek Augmentation: Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the cheeks, creating a more lifted and youthful appearance. By enhancing the cheekbones and restoring lost volume, fillers can improve facial symmetry and provide a more sculpted look. 
  • Temple Enhancement: As we age, the temples can lose volume and appear hollow. Dermal fillers can be injected into this area to restore volume and create a smoother transition between the forehead and the cheeks. 
  • Chin Augmentation: Fillers can be used to add definition and projection to a weak or receding chin, improving the balance and proportion of the face. This non-surgical chin augmentation can help achieve a more harmonious facial profile. 
  • Jawline Enhancement: Dermal fillers can be strategically injected along the jawline to provide better definition and contouring. This can help create a more defined and chiseled jawline, enhancing the overall shape of the face. 

Scar Revision

Dermal fillers can be used for scar revision to help improve the appearance of certain types of scars. While fillers cannot completely eliminate scars, they can help minimize their visibility by filling in the depressed or hollowed areas, making the scar less noticeable. Dermal fillers can be effective for the following types of scars:

  • Acne Scars: Dermal fillers can be used to fill in atrophic or depressed acne scars, such as ice-pick scars, rolling scars, or boxcar scars. By injecting fillers into these scars, the depressed areas can be raised, making the skin surface smoother and improving the overall texture of the skin. 

 

10 Common Myths about Dermal Fillers 

#1 All Dermal Fillers are the Same 

This is a common misconception, but it is important to understand that all dermal fillers are not the same. There are various types of dermal fillers available, and they differ in composition, properties, and applications. Here are some key points to consider: 

  • Composition: Dermal fillers can be made of different substances, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. Each filler type has its unique properties and characteristics. 
  • Mode of Action: Different fillers work in distinct ways. For example, HA fillers attract and retain water to add volume, while calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates collagen production for long-term results. 
  • Durability: The longevity of results varies among different fillers. Some may last six to twelve months, while others can provide results for a year or more. The durability depends on factors like composition, injected area, and individual metabolism.
  • Specialized Applications: Certain fillers are specifically designed for particular areas or concerns. For example, Volux is a filler specifically designed for chin and jawline areas.

#2 Dermal Fillers Will Make Me Look Like a Different Person

While this is a widespread misconception about dermal fillers, it is important to understand that when administered by a skilled and experienced healthcare professional, dermal fillers are intended to enhance your natural features rather than completely change your appearance. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Subtle Enhancement: The goal of dermal fillers is typically to provide subtle and natural-looking results. Skilled practitioners aim to achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance while preserving your unique facial characteristics. They work with you to understand your aesthetic goals and tailor the treatment accordingly. 
  • Individualized Treatment: Dermal filler treatments are highly customizable. The amount of filler used and the injection technique can be adjusted to achieve the desired outcome. A reputable practitioner will consider your facial proportions, symmetry, and overall harmony to ensure the results are balanced and natural-looking. 
  • Gradual Adjustment: At SkinDC, we focus on a conservative approach during the initial treatment. This approach allows for careful monitoring of the results and ensures that the outcome is in line with the patient’s expectations. 
  • Facial Harmony: Our skilled injectors have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and strive to enhance facial harmony. They consider the balance between different features, such as the lips, cheeks, and jawline, to achieve a cohesive and balanced result. The goal is to bring out your best features and create a more youthful appearance without drastically altering your overall look. 

#3 Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins are the Same

It is important to understand that dermal fillers and neurotoxins are two distinct types of cosmetic treatments with different mechanisms of action and applications. Here are the key points to consider in debunking this myth:

  • Composition and Mechanism of Action: Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the skin to restore volume and add structure. Neurotoxins, on the other hand, work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. They block nerve signals, preventing the muscles from contracting and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, particularly those caused by facial expressions. 
  • Primary Applications: Dermal fillers are primarily used for adding volume, enhancing contours, and reducing the appearance of deep folds. Neurotoxins are primarily used to address dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements, such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. 
  • Targeted Areas: Dermal fillers are commonly used in various areas of the face, including the cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. Neurotoxins are typically used in specific regions of the face, such as the foreheads, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows, where muscle contractions contribute to dynamic wrinkles. 
  • Longevity and Maintenance: The effects of dermal fillers generally last several months to a year or more, depending on the type of filler used. Neurotoxins typically provide results that last around three to four months. 

#4 Getting Dermal Fillers is a Plastic Surgery Procedure that Requires Ample Downtime

Dermal filler treatments are minimally invasive and typically do not require extensive downtime. These injections are non-surgical treatments performed in the office. Unlike invasive plastic surgery procedures, dermal filler treatments generally require minimal downtime. Most individuals can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. One of the benefits of dermal fillers is that results are often visible immediately after the treatment. You can see the initial effects of increased volume or improved contours right away, although there may be some initial swelling that can temporarily affect the final result. 

#5 The Filler will Stretch out the Skin 

This is a common misconception and you are not alone if you have ever wondered this. The truth is when dermal fillers are done correctly by an experienced injector, they add volume to restore a youthful facial contour. Dermal fillers also stimulate fibroblasts which results in increased collagen and elastic production. This leads to decreased skin laxity and your skin is less likely to sag. Once your body absorbs the filler, skin laxity will return to its previous condition. 

#6 Dermal Filler is Permanent and Irreversible

No, dermal fillers that SkinDC uses are not permanent and irreversible. Dermal fillers are designed to be temporary in nature. The duration of the effects varies depending on factors such as the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. Generally, the effects of dermal fillers can last anywhere from several months to a year or more. HA fillers, those made with hyaluronic acid, can often be partially or completely reversed if necessary. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to break down the HA filler, allowing it to be dissolved and reabsorbed by the body. This provides some level of flexibility and control over the results. 

#7 Dermal Fillers Can Replace a Surgical Facelift

Although fillers are a great way to add volume and can help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they cannot replace the results of facelift surgery. Facelifts are best for patients with severe laxity. They tighten and remove excess tissue and sagging skin. Furthermore, dermal filler results only last 6 to 18 months, but facelift surgery results can last 10 or more years. 

#8 Once You Start, You Can’t Stop 

It is not true that once you start receiving dermal fillers, you are obligated to continue indefinitely. Dermal fillers offer temporary results, and it is entirely up to you to decide whether to continue with the treatments. The duration of the results from your filler varies depending on the type of filler used, the treatment area, and individual factors. Over time, the filler gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body, leading to a return to your pre-treatment appearance. 

#9 Fillers are Dangerous and Have Many Side Effects 

While all medical procedures carry some degree of risk, dermal fillers, when administered by qualified professionals, are generally considered safe and have a low risk of significant side effects. All of the fillers available at SkinDC are FDA-approved, which means they have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. These fillers have demonstrated a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness 

#10 Anyone can Perform Dermal Filler Injections

There are many spas, physicians, nurses, and dentists that are now offering dermal fillers. However, the truth is that it takes an experienced injector to give patients optimal results while maintaining safety protocols. SkinDC’s master injectors continue their education and training to make sure each patient receives the highest level of care and natural-looking beautiful results. 

Schedule your cosmetic consultation with one of our providers today to see if dermal fillers are right for you!