Things To Keep In Mind For Successful Dermal Filler Treatments
In a recent article, we elaborated upon how to correct nasolabial folds & marionette lines using dermal filler (Read our article on Nasolabial Fold & Marionette Lines Using Dermal Filler).
In today’s article, we will help to educate you further on various tips and tricks to keep in mind for successful dermal filler treatment.
About dermal fillers
Dermal fillers have revolutionised the field of cosmetic dermatology. They have become a sought-after rejuvenation procedure as they offer a youthful, three-dimensional look with minimal downtime.
Dermal fillers are biodegradable, biocompatible, and 100% natural injectables. They are injected beneath the skin to restore volume, smoothen lines, soften creases, or enhance the overall facial contours. The most commonly used dermal fillers are made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid (Teosyal, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, etc.) They are temporary and reversible. With advancements in medical science and technology, some fillers can last for around twelve months.
Reducing the overall appearance of such age lines and wrinkles can be done by augmenting the soft facial tissues with the help of dermal fillers, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production over time. This helps to restore the overall youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Dermal fillers are suitable for patients who simply want to fill in areas of noticeable volume loss or smooth out the look of fine lines and wrinkles on their faces.
Hyaluronic acid filler is used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns on the human face and overall body, such as -
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The reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area
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The reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, including marionette lines, smile lines, and perioral lines
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Lip augmentation
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Cheek enhancement
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Chin augmentation
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Jowl correction
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Correction of age-related volume loss in the midface
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Correction of age-related volume loss under the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles or under-eye bags
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Volume loss in the hands
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Buttock augmentation
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Hip Dip
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Necklines
(Also read: Skin Booster Vs Dermal Fillers).
Tips for successful dermal filler injection
The overall aesthetic benefit for the patient with temporary fillers can be attributed to 90% technique and 10% substance.
Preparation and anaesthesia
At the beginning, the treatment area and surrounding skin are cleaned properly with antiseptics. A topical anaesthetic- ice, or local anaesthetic is then applied to reduce potential discomfort. An ink ‘tattoo grid’ is used to mark the area of treatment that would be helpful to guide the delivery of injections; this is then later removed with an alcohol-soaked swab after the completion of the whole medical procedure.
Correct injection technique
Dermal filler injection procedure should be performed under certified aesthetic practitioners who are trained individuals skilled to perform procedures with adequate knowledge about this treatment procedure and sound knowledge of skin anatomy. This is crucial because these fillers can cause allergic reactions and infections when injected into the wrong plane. Other risks of improper injection technique are swelling and lumpiness, and even severe side effects such as the death of skin cells and nerve damage.
The choice of the injection technique depends on the location of the treatment area, the filler substance, the needle's size, and the injector's experience. The various techniques include -
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Linear threading technique
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Serial puncture
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Fanning
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Cross-hatching
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Depot
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Fern
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Cone
The first four techniques are used commonly, whereas the last three are only used in particular situations.
At times blunt cannulae are also used, instead of sharp needles, to minimise the risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels.
During the cosmetic procedure, tiny amounts of dermal filler are injected just under the skin intermittently throughout the treatment area. Multiple injections are given based on the doctor’s assessment of the area that needs to be treated.
To ensure proper distribution of the filler and avoid any bumps and irregularities, the area of treatment is then gently massaged. This treatment usually lasts up to 12-15 months, during which scheduled follow-up sessions are advised to assess the clinical result.
Proper postinjection management
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Patients are advised to avoid heated places as much as possible during recovery. This is because prolonged exposure to heat tends to increase blood pressure significantly.
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Patients are advised to take adequate rest and not engage in strenuous exercise for at least 2-3 days after treatment because it may aggravate the inflammation and cause the skin to become highly inflamed.
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Patients are advised not to apply any cosmetic products such as any kind of makeup, tweeze, pick, rub, exfoliate, wax, use a depilatory or schedule a facial or cosmetic procedure such as facial massage and facials on a treated area(s) for at least a few weeks after dermal filler injection procedure to reduce the risk of redness or swelling.
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To ensure more effective results, the aesthetic practitioner recommends keeping the head elevated for at least a week. Sleeping with two pillows at night for the elevation of the head tends to help bring down the swelling.
About IIWAM training in dermal filler treatments
It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners undergo proper training in Aesthetic Medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits & risks of the Aesthetic procedure and steps to mitigate complications if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient. Our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects of skin rejuvenation with dermal fillers under our best Online Botox and Filler Training courses.
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What is the skin anatomy?
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What are the principles of the Dermal Fillers injection procedure?
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Which Dermal Filler would work best for skin rejuvenation treatment procedure?
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What are Dermal Fillers injection complications?
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How to avoid Dermal Fillers injection complications?
Apply for the best online aesthetic courses from IIWAM today.
About IIWAM Aesthetic Education
International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (https://www.iiwam.ac/education) is a private teaching institution that provides International Aesthetic Medical Certification programs for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners. Prof Dr Morthy, the course director for the Institute, is a key opinion leader for Aesthetic Medicine in the region, and a trainer for several teaching institutions.
The International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM) has academic affiliations with several countries, including Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India and Indonesia. With our insignia of “Be Certified & Be Recognized”, the Institute develops knowledgeable, skilled, and confident aesthetic practitioners of international repute.
IIWAM is the only Institute to have its Programs certified by City & Guilds of London, CPD Standards Office (UK) and European International University (Paris). IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider for Malaysian Medical Association.
IIWAM also offers Cosmetic Procedures and Stem Cell treatment at IIWAM Wellness Centre (https://www.iiwam.ac/wellness) that are safe, effective, and affordable.