Skin rejuvenation is an important aspect of our health. As we age, our skin experiences various changes, such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, blemishes, etc. This is why many of these aging symptoms can be alleviated by using techniques such as dermal fillers. 

In this blog, we shall explore what dermal fillers are and whether or not there is any downtime associated with dermal filler injections.

What are dermal filler injections? 

Dermal filler injections are compounds injected into the skin to fill specific places like facial lines and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, a compound produced naturally in the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain skin moisture and texture, contributing to the production of collagen and elastin that help to keep the skin tight and smooth. 

Given its natural benefits, dermal filler injections contain this compound to enhance the skin by adding volume to areas such as lips or cheeks, thus rejuvenating the skin. Dermal fillers are widely used for procedures, like lip augmentation, wrinkle reduction, cheek enhancement, correcting cheek and jawline volume loss, under-eye treatment, nasolabial folds, and facial contouring. 

Is there any downtime associated with dermal filler injections?

According to a study published in the scientific journal, Frontiers in Surgery, hyaluronic acid is a very useful compound used for skin enhancement. As it is a medical procedure,  it is a minimally invasive procedure with very little downtime. 

However, like every other medical procedure, there are some risks involved with dermal fillers, too. Some of them are listed below:

Common risks 

As dermal fillers are essentially injections, there may be localized redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site that normally occurs right after the procedure. These usually fade away in a day or two. Other common risks may include: 

  • Rashes or itching
  • Pain or tenderness at the treatment site 
  • Difficulty in performing manual activities, particularly if dermal filler has been injected around or at the back of the hand, such as gripping, lifting, or fine motor tasks. 

Occasional risks 

Sometimes, there may be other risks associated with this procedure, although these happen very occasionally. These may generally take a longer healing period, such as: 

  • Allergic reaction
  • Inflammation or swelling at or around the treatment site due to infection or other procedures 
  • Sores or bumps at the injection site
  • Very rarely, necrosis (death of tissues at or around the treatment area) due to accidental injection into blood vessels 
  • Open wounds

These risks seldom occur. However, any side effects may emerge later- like, weeks, months, or years later. This is because the fillers typically last between 6-18 months on average. 

Eligibility criteria 

How to know if you are eligible for the procedure or not?- First, you need to consult an authorized dermatologist or esthetician, who can guide you through the process. By talking to your esthetician, you discuss your skin type, check if you have any allergies or not, and whether the procedure will suit you or not. 

Apart from that, you should keep in mind and inform your esthetician if you had other prior procedures done, including dental work and other skin enhancement procedures. This is so that you can plan your dermal filler sessions accordingly, giving enough healing time to the previously done procedures. You should follow this even if you have been vaccinated just before your planned dermal filler session. 

Conclusion

Dermal filler injections are a straightforward and minimally invasive treatment compared to other skin procedures. The process is relatively convenient and requires only a few sessions to achieve the desired results, making it an accessible option for enhancing appearance with minimal downtime.

It is essentially important to discuss the entire treatment procedure with a medically approved dermatologist or esthetician to discuss any potential risks associated with the treatment. You should also consult if you have any allergies or have had a recent procedure that requires a healing period to minimize risks. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What are dermal filler injections?

It’s a safe and easy procedure that is done by injecting hyaluronic acid in the targeted area to fill in fine lines or wrinkles, to enhance a more voluminous and fuller look.  

  • Are there any side effects of dermal filler injections?

There are very few side effects, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness, after the treatment. You should ask your esthetician about the aftercare process.  

  • What are the eligibility criteria for dermal filler injections?

You should avoid it if you have recently done other skin treatments or dental processes done to allow some healing period before starting with dermal filler sessions.