Dermal fillers post
Five years ago, if you wanted to change the shape of your nose, the projection of your cheeks, the angle of your chin, the size of your bust, or the perkiness of your butt, your best option was to opt for surgical implants, which come in all shapes and sizes, textures and materials.
Of course, fat transfer for augmentation was also another option, but results would be determined by several factors such as the purity of the fat cells extracted for transfer, including the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure, to name a few.
However, medical innovation is constantly progressing and it is no surprise that now, for a simple augmentation procedure, some may see the use of implants declining somewhat.
What if you just want a minor tweak of a feature? What if you don’t like the idea of surgery? What if you don’t have two weeks to take off for recovery? What if you can’t afford the cost of the surgery?
Well, there might just be a more valid solution to your woes — fillers.
Fillers first saw popular use to ‘fill’ soft tissues that lacked volume, be it due to aging or just the unfortunate circumstance of genetics or disease. Cosmetically, fillers were used to restore or provide volume such as to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours on the face, soften facial creases and wrinkles, and even improve the appearance of recessed scars.
Over the years we have seen the introduction (and sometimes departure) of many popular filler substances in the aesthetic market – silicon, collagen and hyaluronic acid are some of the names we are more familiar with.
Silicone as a filler has been banned worldwide due to serious ill effects and complications while collagen injections are rarely used these days as they could cause an allergic reaction. Which leaves us with hyaluronic acid – which today is a common substance used in most popular fillers.
Fillers can be temporary or permanent. Temporary fillers (common brands include Restylane, Juvederm and Esthelis) usually last between six to nine months before being reabsorbed by the body, hence repeat treatments will be necessary, while permanent fillers (common brands include Bio-Alcamid and ArteFill) usually last a few years and do not require more than one follow-up treatment.
Permanent fillers have some risks and complications associated with them. One of the main issues with permanent fillers in the past was migration of the injected substance over the years due to the effects of gravity. However, this problem has been addressed by several medical companies that have introduced the use of new substances, as well as incorporated new technologies into the manufacturing of the product so that the permanent filler does not migrate, and can even be removed if the patient is not happy with the results.
Fill me up!
Today, the use of fillers for augmentation of facial and other body parts such as the breasts and buttocks have become a legitimate alternative to implants. Having said that, fillers were already one of the more sought after and popular minimally invasive procedures before augmentation came into the picture.
Fillers have improved with time and are now more stable, safer and can last longer. Because they are so easy to administer, patients like the fact that they can get such nice results with virtually no down time and swelling.
This plus point makes fillers a suitable option for augmentation – especially if surgery is not your thing.
Fillers can be administered in your plastic surgeon or dermatologist’s clinic and doesn’t require hospital stay – another big plus point as hospital stays also mean more cost. Performed under local anaesthesia, the procedure generally takes between 15 to 30 minutes (or longer if a larger volume is to be injected in areas such as the breasts or buttocks). Another big plus of opting for fillers over surgery is that the injection sites bear no scars, unlike surgery, where scarring can be an issue due to incisions.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients can resume normal activity immediately after. However, do expect mild swelling or bruising, temporary numbness or redness, and an “over-filled” appearance to the treated area until swelling subsides, which could improve within a matter of hours or a few days, depending on the individual.
For now, the procedure is popular for breast augmentation; the procedure has even been dubbed the lunch hour “Boob Jab”. Patients can literally come in during their lunch hour, complete the procedure and return to work without feeling anything other than more self-confident about their new subtle but effective change.
This new technique uses gel-like fillers such as Macrolane or Restylane, that is injected into the breasts in the planes between the breast and muscles – which helps give the breasts an extremely natural-looking augmentation. It leaves no scar, the breast feels absolutely natural and there’s virtually no pain and no downtime.
The good age-old technique that used periphine or silicone bore risks. These included scarring in the armpits and nipples, forming lumps and becoming infected. As these are permanent treatments, in the long-term they cause other complications such as tender nodules and pain.
During the time the injected material is in the body, collagen regeneration and water retention is stimulated in the cells. This is good as collagen helps plump the skin and water retention in the cells does the same. This temporary filler lasts up to two years, where it will shrink and disappear, after which, patients will have to go back for a top-up treatment.
Many patients are now choosing this option for augmentation over implants, as it is relatively painless and is a less extreme alternative, allowing them to subtly target specific areas without necessarily increasing a cup size or telling their friends that they’ve had something done.
This new breed of patients want little changes rather than the standard implant that is round and protrudes quite obviously. Fillers are a good option for patients who have floppy breasts, or those who want to go from an A-cup to a B-cup. This technique also works well for patients whose breasts are starting to deflate.
There are limitations, however. The maximum enlargement one can achieve with this technique is one cup size. This is because a large volume would need to be used, and can end up costing quite a bit.
To achieve a ‘push-up bra’ look, 60cc of filler is usually injected, and to go up a cup size, about 100 to 150cc will be required. This procedure is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding, however, as there is engorgement in the breasts during this time and this can cause some tenderness.
Another attractive feature about this augmentation option is that the patient has the control to say “when”. During the usual breast implant surgery, most patients are asleep and have absolutely no control over what the surgeon is doing.
Bottoms up
The technique can also be used on buttocks in the same way. Aside from just enhancing the contour of the buttocks to fill up specific defects or depressions, many patients also attempt to achieve the desirable Jennifer Lopez firm and round look.
The volume of product that can be injected varies per session according to the kind of treatment required. Fillers are administered in large volumes, using up to 10 vials per treatment.
The procedure for breast and buttock augmentation is generally the same. When it is over, patients are sent home with a course of antibiotics to avoid any infection, as well as a prescription for anti-swelling medication to keep any inflammation down. Mild painkillers are also prescribed if the patient feels any discomfort, though this is rare.
There are no ideal candidates for filler injections and anyone may be treated. However, the surgeon would consult the patient in at least two or three sessions prior to the procedure. Doctors would speak to the patient about what was motivating them (to have the procedure) and what they expect out of it. Additionally, as some fillers have contraindications, your surgeon should also perform a clinical evaluation prior to the procedure to avoid complications.
Technology is heading towards providing longer-lasting fillers, and where they don’t react negatively with the body. But longer lasting does not mean permanent.
While some might recommend you try temporary fillers first to see if you are happy with your new look before you opt for permanent fillers, surgeons should stick to non-permanent fillers. Permanent fillers should only be used by very experienced specialists. If the filler is injected wrongly for whatever reason, it is impossible to remove and it will give long-term recurrent complications.
The decision to have fillers for augmentation of body parts is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Being beautiful pays off, especially when the procedure is done well.
But whatever reasons an individual may have in deciding to have fillers performed on their breasts, buttocks or face, it is important that they realise it is not designed to completely change their look, though it will definitely enhance their appearance and produce a number of positive effects.
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