Skincare and cosmetic medicine have evolved over the years. At one time, Botox was the go-to anti-aging treatment. More recently, dermal fillers have increased in popularity. For the most part, people don’t know much about what fillers are though. So, here are a few facts (and debunked myths) about fillers.
1. Dermal fillers have been used for more than 100 years
That’s right! Dermal fillers were invented by a surgeon in the 1800s. Doctors experimented with using Vaseline and paraffin for injections in soft tissue. These practices continued into the mid-1920s when doctors looked to change the formula after several complications. The first fillers could leave people’s faces disfigured.
2. Some fillers are natural
There are two types of fillers derived from natural ingredients: collagen and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Nowadays these two ingredients are so popular that they are used even in hydrating foundations. Collagen-derived fillers gained approval by the FDA in 1981, while hyaluronic acid-derived fillers were approved in 2003. Both substances can be found naturally within the body.
Collagen fillers can be taken from humans or bovine (cows). Surgeons are also able to use your own body fat as another kind of natural filler. They simply harvest it from somewhere else on your body. Other fillers may contain synthetic material, such as liquid silicone. Synthetic material cannot be broken down by the body, so these results may last longer.
3. Results are usually temporary
The results you get from dermal fillers won’t last forever, especially if you go with more natural dermal fillers. Eventually, your body will break the substance down, like it would anything else. However, there are semi-permanent injections available that will last longer. Some studies have shown that adding Botox with your filler treatment can help results last longer as well.
4. It is hard to overdo fillers
As you get older, it is true you may require more fillers to get the desired results. To overdo it and “look plastic” would take nearly 10 injections at one time. Most surgeons won’t inject more than four at one time though. So, it is hard to overdo it and damage your skin.
5. Fillers are for more than your face
Fillers are used to help reduce wrinkles and pump up the skin. Most people think this is only for your face, but it can be used to renew your hands and even earlobes.
6. They aren’t FDA-approved for certain body parts
Although the FDA has approved the use of fillers on your earlobes, hands, and face, it isn’t approved for other body parts. The FDA has not given its approval for the use of dermal fillers in the breasts or buttocks. Both areas are common places for patients to inquire about. On top of it not being approved by the FDA, it would also take a tremendous amount of filler to get the desired result.
7. The procedure is rising in popularity
In 2015, dermal filler procedures were the second most popular non-surgical medical procedure. More than 2.4 million people had a filler treatment that year and, increasingly, more men are looking to have the procedure done.
Lastly, if you are looking for someone to perform this procedure on you, be sure you are visiting a licensed aesthetician. You can do this by performing a quick Google search, like “New York fillers,” and research licensed facilities near you. Of course, always discuss any healthcare decisions with your primary care physician before moving forward to ensure it is the best choice for you.
