What to Know Before Your First Filler Injection
With continuous advancements in technology, the role of online platforms in our daily lives has become undeniable. Whether it’s sharing a photo or checking in to a place, everyone wants to look their best. If you’re experiencing issues such as a double chin, wrinkles, or deep lines on your face, it can affect your confidence in social situations and daily life. These concerns can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender, and they are often influenced by lifestyle habits and the natural aging process.
But don’t worry! Filler injections can help restore a smooth, youthful, and refreshed appearance. Filler not only fills in deep lines and wrinkles but also helps retain moisture in the skin, leaving your face looking plump and glowing. It’s a fantastic way to reverse signs of aging and prevent further wrinkles in the future.
While many people use fillers to combat wrinkles, they are also popular for reshaping facial features. Some of the most common areas where fillers are used for facial contouring include the chin, temples, and forehead. Before the procedure, the doctor will assess your facial structure to ensure the most flattering results and a natural-looking enhancement.
In short, fillers offer a safe and effective way to enhance your facial appearance and boost your confidence, giving you that youthful glow and refreshed look you’ve been wishing for!
What is Filler?
For those considering their first filler injection but still unsure of what it is, this section will explain the basics in a way that’s easy to understand. Filler, also known as Hyaluronic Acid (HA), is a substance that mimics a natural component of our body. It is specifically designed to replace lost collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are essential for skin structure, especially as we age.
As we age, our skin loses collagen, causing it to become thinner and lose its elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Filler is a way to combat this natural process, filling in wrinkles and restoring volume to areas of the face that have lost definition.
Where Can Filler Be Injected?
Filler can be used to enhance several areas of the face. Here are some of the most common and effective places for filler injections:
- Under the Eyes: As we age, the bone structure under the eyes changes, leading to hollowness and sagging skin. Injecting filler here can rejuvenate the under-eye area, making you look younger and more refreshed.
- Chin: Filler in the chin can help create a more symmetrical and balanced face. If you’re looking for a more defined “V-shaped” face, chin filler can provide results that resemble chin surgery, without the need for an invasive procedure.
- Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines): These deep lines can make you appear older. Filler can help plump these areas and restore a youthful, smooth appearance.
- Lips: If you’re looking to enhance your lips’ volume, shape, or smooth out lines around your mouth, lip filler is an excellent choice. A small amount of filler can make a significant difference in your lip shape and the overall balance of your face.
- Temples: Hollow temples can make the face appear sunken or uneven. Filler can add volume to this area and improve the overall symmetry of your face.
- Forehead: Filler can help smooth lines and restore volume to the forehead, making the face appear more youthful without the need for surgery.
- Nose: If you’re looking for a more defined nose without undergoing surgery, filler can be used to enhance the shape and contour of your nose, creating a natural-looking result.
Benefits of Filler Injections
Many people may already know the benefits of injecting Hyaluronic Acid fillers. In this section, I will clearly explain the advantages of HA to help you better understand. So, let’s take a look at the key points:
- Helps fix sagging skin, wrinkles, and deep folds, as well as improves facial symmetry.
- No recovery time, no visible scars, and immediate results.
- FDA-approved and highly safe, ensuring no allergic reactions and no residue left in the body.
- Can be naturally absorbed without harm, and can be re-injected repeatedly.
- Targets the problem areas directly, with clear results after the procedure.
- Ideal for delicate areas that require precision, such as under the eyes and nasolabial folds.
Which Filler is Best? And How Long Does It Last?
As we know, there are various filler brands available. But which one is the best? It’s important to note that the choice depends on the area being treated, as no single filler brand or model is suitable for all areas and skin types. When you visit a beauty clinic, the doctor will assess each case and choose the appropriate filler brand and model for you.
Today, there are several high-quality fillers available, each with different features, including the area of application, product stability, texture, and duration. Here are some popular brands:
Filler Brands and Their Durations
- Juvederm (from the USA)
- Juvederm Ultra Plus: 12 months
- Juvederm Voluma: 18 months
- Juvederm Volbella: 12 months
- Juvederm Volift: 12 months
- Juvederm Volite: 8-12 months
- Juvederm Volux: 18-24 months
- Belotero (from Switzerland)
- Belotero Intense: 18 months
- Belotero Volume: 18 months
- Belotero Revive: 6-9 months
- Hyabell Filler (from Germany)
- Hyabell Lips: 9 months
- Hyabell Basic: 9 months
- Hyabell Deep: 12 months
- Hyabell Ultra: 15 months
- Restylane (from Sweden)
- Restylane Perlane Lyft: 12 months
- Restylane Vital Light: 6-12 months
- Restylane Vital: 12 months
- Restylane Volyme: 18 months
- Restylane Defyne: 18 months
- Restylane Refyne: 12 months
- Restylane Classic: 12 months
- Restylane Kysse: 12 months
- Definisse (from Italy)
- Definisse Restore: 12 months
- Definisse Core: 18 months
Are Fillers Dangerous?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Hyaluronic Acid as one of the safest substances, and it is widely used in the medical and beauty industries. It is fully biodegradable, leaving no residues, and poses no danger to the body.
Many people wonder whether fillers are dangerous. To clarify, the safest and most FDA-approved filler is Hyaluronic Acid.
In the medical field, filler refers to any injectable material, which can be classified as follows:
- HA (Hyaluronic Acid): A widely used, safe substance that fully dissolves without any residues left in the body.
- Collagen (from animals): This is less commonly used now due to some patients experiencing allergic reactions or swelling.
- Transplanted Fat: This involves fat injections, suitable for patients who need large amounts, such as 10-20 cc.
- Biosynthetic Polymers: A type of liquid silicone that does not dissolve, leaves residue, and is unsafe and unapproved by FDA and Thai FDA (FDA in Thailand).
In Thailand, several genuine Hyaluronic Acid fillers are approved by the FDA. However, when choosing a filler, it’s important to have a certified doctor assess and select the appropriate filler based on the treatment area, for both safety and the most natural-looking results.
Conclusion:
In summary, filler injections are not dangerous or high-risk procedures. However, patients must choose clinics that use authentic, FDA-approved products and ensure that a skilled doctor performs the procedure. Your beauty can be carefully managed without the need for risky choices.
Is Injecting Fake Fillers Dangerous? Let’s Find Out
First, let’s start by understanding what fake fillers are. Fake fillers are low-cost products that do not meet standards, are illegally imported, and are not FDA-approved. These fillers do not dissolve and can leave residues inside the body.
Injecting fake fillers is extremely dangerous. It can cause allergic reactions, inflammation, infections, swelling, redness, uneven skin texture, and hardened lumps. In severe cases, patients who have received fake fillers may even experience tissue necrosis or blindness.
If you’ve already injected fake fillers, don’t worry—it can be corrected. The only way to remove them is through surgery or scraping. That’s why it’s crucial to choose FDA-approved fillers to ensure both safety and natural beauty results.
How to Spot Safe, Authentic Fillers?
Now that you understand the dangers of fake fillers, let’s talk about how to recognize a safe, authentic filler. To ensure safety when choosing a filler, here are some signs to look out for:
- Check the FDA Registration Number on the Box.
- Ensure there’s a Thai-language label on the packaging.
- The Lot Number on the box, packaging, stickers, or vial should match.
- You can verify the Lot Number by calling the importing company.
Where Should You Get Fillers? Why The Vogue Clinic is a Great Option & What to Consider When Choosing a Clinic
If you’re someone struggling with sagging skin, wrinkles, or deep folds on your face, you might be considering getting fillers at a beauty clinic but are worried about safety. Today, we have some tips for you to help choose the right beauty clinic. Before making a decision, it’s important to research the clinic thoroughly and choose fillers that are FDA-approved. So, how can you evaluate a beauty clinic? Let’s find out!
Expertise of the Doctor
The first thing you should consider is the doctor performing the procedure. Look at the doctor’s track record, which you can find from real customer reviews, the doctor’s experience, professional certifications, and consultation. A skilled doctor will be able to explain the procedure, offer detailed advice, and instill trust, ensuring you feel comfortable with the process.
Credibility of the Beauty Clinic
The clinic should be trustworthy, well-established, and follow proper standards. The medical team should be qualified, and the equipment and tools used for the procedure should be clean and sterile.
Equipment for the Procedure
To ensure safe results after the filler injection, the clinic must use modern, sanitized, and sterile equipment. This is crucial to avoid complications and ensure the procedure is performed safely.
Customer Reviews, Prices, and Promotions
Choosing a beauty clinic based solely on low prices may result in unsatisfactory results or worse, complications. So, before deciding where to get your fillers, ask to see real customer reviews and check for clear pricing and available promotions. This will help minimize risks and ensure you get the best value for your money.
If you’re unsure where to get fillers in Chonburi, we recommend The Vogue Clinic. Our clinic is led by highly experienced doctors who use the latest, sterile equipment and offer only FDA-approved fillers. Plus, we have countless positive reviews from real customers, ensuring you’ll get both beautiful and safe results.
Procedure Steps
Here’s an overview of what to expect during the procedure:
- Consultation: The patient should first consult with the doctor to assess the concerns and areas needing treatment.
- Filler Recommendations: The doctor will suggest the best filler brand and the appropriate amount for the concerned areas.
- Cleansing: The face will be cleaned thoroughly, including the removal of makeup, especially in the injection area.
- Verification of Filler: Before the injection, the doctor will open the filler box in front of the patient, allowing them to verify that it’s authentic.
- Ice Application: To minimize discomfort, an ice pack will be applied before the procedure. The filler itself also contains a numbing agent.
- Aftercare: Once the filler is injected, the doctor will provide aftercare instructions to ensure the filler settles properly and lasts longer.
Preparation Before Getting Fillers
To ensure a smooth procedure and reduce potential side effects, it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Here are some key steps to prepare for your filler treatment:
- Study the Fillers: Make sure to research the types of fillers commonly used for different areas of the face. This helps reduce risks post-procedure.
- Choose a Reputable Clinic: Look for a clinic with good reviews and proven expertise to guarantee that the doctor is skilled.
- Avoid Certain Medications: Avoid taking aspirin or certain vitamins before the procedure.
- No Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol 24 hours before the procedure.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from activities that increase blood circulation before the treatment.
How to Take Care of Yourself After Getting Fillers
Self-care after getting a filler injection is just as important as preparation before the procedure. By strictly following the doctor’s advice, you can reduce potential risks and help maintain the results of your filler treatment for a longer period. Let’s take a look at how you should take care of yourself after getting fillers.
Post-Filler Care:
- Swelling and Redness: It’s common to experience some swelling and redness after the procedure. Don’t worry, as these symptoms will gradually improve and disappear on their own.
- Pain Relief and Anti-Swelling Medication: Follow your doctor’s advice and take the prescribed pain relievers or anti-swelling medications as directed.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and to support the healing process.
- Avoid Cold and Heat: For the first 48 hours, avoid exposure to both cold and hot environments. This includes saunas, hot showers, and cold compresses.
- Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Refrain from consuming alcohol, spicy foods, fermented foods, and anything that could potentially irritate or cause inflammation. Also, avoid food that requires exposure to heat (like hot foods directly on the stove).
Possible Side Effects After Filler Injections
It’s important to know that side effects can occur after a filler treatment, although they don’t happen to everyone. By understanding potential side effects, you can be less worried if they happen. The severity of side effects varies from person to person, but all of them can be managed. Here are some common side effects to watch out for:
Side Effects During the Procedure
- Bruising: This is not dangerous and is caused by tiny blood vessels near the injection site being damaged. It results in a bruise, but don’t worry—it will gradually heal over time.
Early Side Effects
- Swelling and Redness: Some swelling and redness may appear right after the procedure. This is normal and will subside within a few hours to a few days.
- Lumps or Unevenness: Sometimes, fillers may cause temporary lumps or uneven surfaces. These should smooth out with time.
- Acute Infection: Rarely, an infection may occur shortly after the procedure, especially if the treatment site was not properly cleaned or sanitized.
Long-Term Side Effects
- Pus or Fluid Accumulation: If the filler used is of poor quality or not FDA-approved, it can cause pus or fluid buildup, indicating an infection or reaction.
- Lumps and Swelling: In some cases, long-term swelling or lumps may form. This is usually due to an allergic reaction or infection.
What is Filler Dissolution? Who is it Suitable for?
Typically, hyaluronic acid fillers (genuine fillers) that meet safety standards are naturally absorbed by the body over time. The rate at which they dissolve can vary depending on the brand or type of filler used. However, if you wish to accelerate the dissolution process, Hyaluronidase, an enzyme, can be used to dissolve the filler completely—100%. This method allows the filler to break down quickly, and your skin can return to its original state. After the filler has dissolved, if the patient wishes, they can opt to get more filler injections.
If someone feels unsatisfied with the result of their filler treatment, or if they experience swelling, lumps, or areas that feel firm to the touch, they may consider filler dissolution.
What is Filler Scraping?
Filler scraping refers to a more invasive procedure performed when a filler is unsafe or cannot naturally dissolve. This typically happens when the filler causes unwanted side effects, such as swelling, inflammation, lumps, or drooping. If left untreated, it can lead to the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). In such cases, scraping the filler out may be necessary to avoid further complications.
To summarize, filler dissolution using Hyaluronidase is a non-invasive option for those who wish to reverse the effects of their filler treatment. Filler scraping is a more invasive procedure typically reserved for cases where there are complications or when the filler has caused significant issues. Both options should be discussed with a qualified medical professional to ensure safety and desired results.