For those who are new to cosmetic injections, dermal fillers and botulinum toxin are 2 totally different substances with different mechanisms of action.
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator and paralyses/relaxes a muscle.
Dermal fillers have a mechanical type of action that doesn’t affect the facial muscles.
Most commonly used dermal fillers in the world are made of Hyaluronic Acid: a sugar complex with an affinity for water. We, in our body, have a naturally occurring hyaluronic acid within our soft tissue such as our skin.
Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are manufactured in the laboratory under a specific cross-linked technology to give a different level of viscosity and longevity. Making it a versatile product for tissue augmentation.
Whether is to plump a crease, volumise lips or cheeks, define a jawline, correct an asymmetrical feature, restore volume loss that comes with ageing and even lift sagging parts of the face, dermal fillers have revolutionised cosmetic medicine.
Dermal fillers serve 3 functions within limits:
Beautification: plumper lips or cheeks, contouring, define a jawline or a cheekbone
Restoration: replace volume in flattened cheeks, hollowed temples or around the mouth, lift jowls and mouth corners. Give back support and strength in a thinned skin from age and sun damage
Correction: pre-existing facial asymmetries, receding chin, lack of cheekbones, some dented scars can also be improved.
They are overall considered safe and effective and reasonably long-lasting. They certainly can be the magic wand, the wow factor.
Another underrated use for dermal filler is as a skin booster! Injected in a superficial plane, it will provide additional hydration and plump your actual skin rather than a facial feature.
In moderation and administered gradually, dermal fillers look natural. A dramatic effect can also be possible.
But there are the disasters
Pre-existing anatomy not respected and facial proportions not respected, and you have a look so odd, people will stare at you for all the wrong reasons.
Hollywood, are you listening…? Unfortunately, that “waxy” alien look widely mediatised has created a stigma and doesn’t reflect the actual results which come after a correct facial assessment with a skilled practitioner.
By far the most common “bad job” with dermal fillers is lips! It’s everywhere. Why?
Too much product used
Practitioners listening to their client’s requests for more despite not being suitable
Instead of achieving more lips surface, the lip projects forward like a duck bill
Here, in my opinion, the elegance has been replaced by a “cheapened, overdone“ kind of appearance. Surprisingly, many people request this particular look.
(Some people don't suit big lips)
Recently at Platinum, we have had a few enquiries about a relatively new treatment on the market referred to as “microfiller”. This treatment is designed to inject the skin deep with a cocktail of goodies such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, vitamins and peptides via microneedles. A promising skin treatment designed to reach a deeper layer of the skin to deliver active ingredients. However, as this particular hyaluronic acid isn’t crosslinked, it doesn’t remain within the skin as an actual “dermal filler”.
With so much advancement and technology within this industry, we are provided with loads of options. A multidimensional approach to aesthetic rejuvenation including prevention (ie. sunscreen) is far more effective than focusing on one particular wrinkle.