What are fillers?
Fillers, also called dermal fillers, are gel-like substances injected under the skin to add volume, reduce wrinkles and folds, and improve certain facial contours. The most commonly used fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin and helps retain moisture. Other types of filler may contain collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid. Fillers are often used for cosmetic purposes, such as filling the lips, smoothing nasolabial folds and restoring fullness in the cheeks.
How do fillers work?
Fillers work by filling areas where volume loss has occurred or where wrinkles and lines have formed. When fillers are injected into the skin, they fill the space under the skin, softening wrinkles and giving the face a fuller, smoother appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers, one of the most popular types, bind to water molecules in the skin, adding volume and hydration. The results of fillers are usually visible immediately and can last from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated.
What are the benefits of fillers?
Fillers offer several benefits:
- Immediate results: The effects of fillers are usually visible immediately after the treatment, with no need for recovery time.
- Improved facial contours: Fillers can help improve facial contours by adding volume to areas such as the cheeks, lips and chin.
- Minimally invasive: Fillers are a non-surgical option for achieving a more youthful appearance, with little to no recovery time.
- Treatment of wrinkles and lines: Fillers can effectively fill fine lines, wrinkles and folds, making the skin look smoother.
- Customisable results: Fillers can be tailored to the specific needs and wishes of the patient, with variations in the type, amount and location of the injections.
When are fillers a good solution?
Fillers are suitable for adults who want to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, volume loss or fine lines, without surgical procedures. They are also popular for filling the lips, improving facial contours and restoring fuller cheeks that have sagged with age. Fillers are a good option for people looking for subtle, natural improvements in their appearance with quickly visible results and minimal recovery time.
The difference between fillers and Botox
Fillers and Botox are both injectable treatments, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Whereas fillers add volume to the skin and fill wrinkles, Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox is mainly effective for treating dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow's feet, which are caused by muscle movement. Fillers, on the other hand, are used to address static wrinkles and volume loss. Both treatments can be used in a complementary way to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Risks and considerations
Although fillers are generally safe when administered by an experienced professional, there are some risks and side effects to take into account. Possible side effects include swelling, bruising, redness and infection at the injection site. In rare cases complications can occur, such as incorrect placement of the filler, which can lead to asymmetry or lumps under the skin. It is important that the injections are given by a qualified and experienced doctor to ensure the best results and minimise possible risks. Permanent fillers are no longer used in the Netherlands. All permanent fillers cause undesirable effects in the long term due to migration. That is why plastic surgeons affiliated with the NVPC have decided to stop using permanent fillers.
Conclusion
Fillers are an effective and versatile option for improving the appearance of the face by filling wrinkles, restoring volume loss and improving facial contours. The treatment offers immediate results with minimal recovery time, which makes it a popular choice for people looking for subtle, non-surgical aesthetic improvements. However, it is essential to have fillers administered by an experienced professional to achieve safe and satisfactory results.
Want to know more? Read more about fillers or lip fillers at Kliniek het Bolwerk.
