If you’re looking into getting facial fillers, you definitely aren’t alone. Fillers have become one of the most popular minimally invasive aesthetics procedures available. Their rise has been dramatic. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, use of fillers soared from 1.8 million procedures in 2010 to 2.6 million in 2016. When you add in the numbers for BotoxⓇ, the final result is almost 10 million aesthetic injection treatments per year.
Despite being such a popular treatment, there are still many myths and falsehoods out there about facial fillers. Many people have been told rumors about the safety, impact, pain, and frequency of this procedure. These misrepresentations have real influence when they discourage a good candidate from undergoing a treatment that could help boost their confidence and self-esteem. Use this blog to help you separate fact from fiction.
Ever feel like your skin could use a little boost? If so, you may be a good candidate for facial fillers. At Enrich Family Practice, we can help you get the more youthful, radiant skin you deserve. Maria Cole, FNP and the rest of our team will make sure you receive top-notch family medicine care.
It’s easy to see how this myth was created. On a macro level, fillers and Botox are similar. Both are advertised as anti-aging, and both are injected into the face. That’s where the similarities end, however. Facial fillers add contour and shape to the face. Fillers can be used in a variety of ways, including:
Conversely, Botox is targeted at eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.
The two also contain completely different substances. The vast majority of fillers are either collagen or hyaluronic acid. These two chemicals are naturally made by your body. The filler just provides an extra boost of the naturally occurring substance. Botox is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause paralysis. When used properly, this toxic material helps relax the muscles. When the skin pulled by muscles doesn’t contract, lines fade and disappear.
Fillers don’t use the same needles you associate with shots and vaccines. In fact, many are done with microcannulas, which are basically very blunt needles. Additionally, you can opt to have a local anesthetic applied before injection. This numbs the skin and should help avoid the pain of a needle prick. If you ice the injection site area afterward, you should be feeling great in no time.
As for bruising, some slight bruising occurs with most injections. You can prevent the majority of swelling by applying a cold compress and keeping your head elevated. Most bruising and/or swelling is easily concealed with makeup.
This is true, but probably not with the frequency you expect. All fillers break down over time, but the filler and its placement are key to how often you’ll be heading back to see us. Collagen fillers typically last four to six months. When it comes to hyaluronic acid, you’re looking at six months to two years, depending on where the filler was placed. No matter which way you go, you won’t need to come in more than three times a year.
You’ve probably seen the horror stories of patients who come out of a procedure looking like they just boxed nine rounds. This is why getting your fillers done by a trained medical professional is so important. At Enrich Family Practice, we know the medicine behind fillers and what they do inside the body. We’ll make sure that your fillers have you looking youthful and refreshed.
Ready to try facial fillers for yourself? Come see us at Enrich Family Practice. Call or message our Odessa office today.
