What Fillers are?

Dermal fillers are injectable materials which are widely used in the field of aesthetic dermatology. Their main ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is a mucopolysaccharide and is a major component in the composition of many tissues in our body, including human skin. With aging and under the influence of many factors the concentration of  hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin decreases  which gives the face an aged  and tired look. Except recovering the normal hydrobalance of the skin, hyaluronic acid stimulates the fibroblasts to produce their own collagen. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin thanks to its ability to bind large amounts of water on a cellular level. The hyaluronic acid also gives the skin a youthful and smooth look and increases its elasticity.

What are dermal fillers used for

Dermal filler injection is the most popular non-surgical method widely used in the field of aesthetic facial corrections. The underlining is placed on the wrinkle filling,  modulating and lifting of the soft tissues of the face:

• Filling deep wrinkles in the temporal and forehead area
• Eyebrow lifting
• Correction of sunken areas under the eyes (tear trough deformity)
• The 8-point lift by Dr. Mauricio de Maio
• Modulating the cheekbones and cheek lifting
• Filling nasolabial folds
• Non-surgical nose-job
• Smoothing smoking wrinkles and marionette lines periorally
• Lip augmentation and lip contouring
• Modulating the chin
• Improving the contour of the lower jaw area
• Correction of asymmetrical areas in different parts of the face
• Correction of scars, including acne scars

About the procedure and what to expect after it?

Before the procedure there is a consultative examination on which the patient will be fully informed about the specifics of the procedure.  The nature of the problem will be assessed together with the possible treatment options, expected results, post-procedure behavior and follow-up consultations in order to track and/or make further correction if needed. Achieving the desired result does not exclude the combination of different types of fillers with a laser procedure and a  radiofrequency therapy or other type of manipulations that use injections such as Botox, mesotherapy, skinboosters.

The procedure is entirely injectable as the depth of injection depends on the treated area, the desired result and the type of the filler. Most of the fillers contain a local anesthetic, which makes the injections in the different areas of the face completely painless. Because of the high sensitivity of this area the lips are treated after applying a topical anesthetic cream.  After the procedure patients can immediately return to their normal daily routine.

The effect is visible immediately after the procedure, the final result, however, is expected in about 14 days. Patients are advised to drink more water because of the ability of hyaluronic acid to bind water molecules in its composition. After the procedure red spots and swelling may appear in the treated areas but they will subside the next 2-3 days.