What are Injectables for the Face?
Injectables, also known as dermal fillers, for the face are gel-like substances injected underneath the skin to restore lost face volume and improve your appearance. This is a very popular facial rejuvenation treatment used by men and women to look younger without undergoing surgery.
Benefits of Injectables for the Face
Benefits of injectables for the face include:
- Softens deep skin lines formed around the nose and mouth
- Restores lost facial volume to the cheek and temple area
- Diminishes vertical lip lines
- Smoothens chin creases
- Improves facial symmetry
What are Injectables for the Face made from?
Injectables for the face are made from products used in cosmetic surgery and approved by the FDA. These include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a naturally occurring substance found in your skin. It helps keep the skin hydrated and plump.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite: This is a naturally occurring substance found in your bones. It is known to stimulate the production of collagen.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid: This is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance that has been used in dissolvable sutures.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): This is a dense synthetic, biocompatible substance that provides firmness and structure to the skin.
- Autologous Fat Injections: This is fat from your own body that is harvested by liposuction, which is then purified and injected under the facial skin.
Preparing for Injectables Filler Treatment
Specific instructions will be provided by your surgeon. In general, you should:
- Inform your surgeon about any health conditions, allergies, and regular medications as blood-thinning medications and certain supplements may need to be stopped 2 weeks before the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.
- Avoid the use of topical products, waxing, tweezing, bleaching, or hair removal cream on the area of the face to be treated 2 days before the procedure.
- Stop alcoholic beverages 24 hours before the procedure as it can cause skin dehydration.
- Avoid wearing makeup on the day of the procedure.
Injectable Filler Treatment
Treatment with an injectable filler will involve the following steps:
- The area to treated will be thoroughly cleaned.
- A topical anesthetic will be used to numb the injection site.
- The precise amount of the filler material will be injected strategically under the skin.
- The results of the treatment will be immediately noticeable.
- You can return to routine activities soon after the procedure.
Recovery after Treatment with Injectables for the Face
There may be mild swelling and redness after the procedure, but this is temporary and will go away within a few days. Application of an ice pack can help reduce symptoms. For autologous fat injections, outpatient surgery under general or local anesthesia will be performed to obtain the fat graft and about 2 weeks of downtime may be necessary.
How long do the Results of Treatment with Injectables Last?
This depends on the type of injectable used. Denser products that are injected into the deeper layers of skin have longer lasting effects. Hyaluronic acid injectables tend to last between 6 to 18 months. Synthetic injectables last longer as they are not absorbed by the body. Fat injections last for the most amount of time.
Risks of Injectables for the Face
Injectables for the face are very safe and have almost no lasting side effects; however, there is a minimal risk of skin bruising, swelling, or discoloration at the injection site. Less common side effects include lumps or bumps, skin discoloration and infection. Rarely, allergic reaction may occur. Talk to your doctor regarding side effects prior to the procedure.
