How can dermal fillers work for you

Dermal fillers, also known as soft tissue fillers, are used to rejuvenate the skin. As you age your skin can lose elasticity and structure, causing saggy skin and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can also help manage atrophic scars (depressed scars) by filling in the missing skin tissue. But if you are looking for a face lift or eye lift, dermal fillers may not be the best choice. It cannot give you the same results as surgery can give you. To know how dermal fillers can work for you, you must first understand a few things.

What is the structure of the skin?

Your skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue).

The epidermis

This is the outermost layer of your skin, which shields you from harmful environmental factors. It is mainly made up of keratin, a tough protein that creates the thickness of the skin and your hair and nails. Without this protective barrier, the body would quickly dehydrate. The epidermis also contains melanocytes that produce melanin, a pigment substance that gives your skin its color. It can also block the sun’s UV rays to protect your skin from sun damage.

The dermis

Just below the epidermis lies the second layer, the dermis. The dermis is made up of two proteins, collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential to give your skin it’s strength and texture. It also contains blood vessels, nerves and hair follicles. The dermis is where dermal fillers are most effective. Your dermatologist will inject dermal fillers into the dermis to tighten your skin, making your skin look younger and plump.

The hypodermis

The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer,  is a layer of fat and connective tissue that contains larger blood vessels and nerves. It also contains sweat glands, fat, and collagen cells. The hypodermis is responsible for conserving your body’s heat and protecting your vital inner organs.

What are dermal fillers?

As mentioned, dermal fillers can be used to help improve the look and feel of your skin. It can help manage your wrinkles, make your thin lips look fuller and improve depressed scars.

Combined with a local anesthetic, dermal fillers are injected into the skin to give your face a natural volume, making your skin look hydrated and youthful. Dermal fillers can be very helpful in those with early signs of aging. Dermal filler can add volume to contour the lips, cheeks and bridge of the nose. For smoothing and plumping lines and wrinkles, popular treatment areas include around the forehead, eyes, mouth, chin, neck and hands.

You are a good candidate for dermal fillers if you are in good health, don’t smoke and have a positive outlook on improving your appearance.

There are several different types of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are made up of soft tissue. Depending on the treated area and your condition, dermal fillers can differ in chemical makeup and degrees of softness. Softer fillers are used in the lips while harder fillers are used to enhance cheekbones. Some common ingredients found in dermal fillers include collagen, hyaluronic acid, polymethylmethacrylate with bovine collagen, poly-l-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite.

What are the complications of using dermal fillers?

The decision to use fillers is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of dermal fillers are acceptable.

Complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks may vary depending on the specific filler used. If there are complications, they can include the following:

Acne breakouts;

Bruising, swelling or bleeding from the injection site;

Damage to the skin that results in a wound and possible scarring;

Infection at the injection site;

Palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin;

Skin rash with itching;

Skin redness;

Under- or over-correction of wrinkles.

Dermal fillers can improve your skin. You should talk to your dermatologist to get a proper evaluation of your skin condition. Dermal fillers may only last for a few months but the risk for complications is lower than surgery.