Dermal filler ingredients, techniques, and uses have become more advanced since the launch of Botox in the late 1980s. Botox is still a reliable skin filler that’s a staple of any good cosmetic treatment centre, but there are now alternatives available which broaden the possibilities of injectable filler uses.

There are over 30 cosmetic fillers available in Canada, which means you’re sure to find one to suit your needs. Some offer a very subtle lip plump, and others can reshape your nose. While fillers won’t ever replace plastic surgery, the non-permanent effect makes them highly attractive to people who want to continue looking good – without going under the knife.

If you’re considering dermal fillers to improve your appearance and regain your self-confidence, there are some important things to know first. Let’s take a look at the ten things you need to know about facial fillers before you book a consultation.

Ten Things to Know About Dermal Fillers

1. No Unnatural Chemicals

In Canada, cosmetic fillers are only permitted with bio-compatible ingredients. That means they include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or collagen. You’ll never find ingredients such as silicone in a dermal filler used in Canada.

2. Vegetarians can Use Dermal Fillers

Some dermal fillers are vegan-friendly, including Juvederm, which is the most popular filler in Canada!

If you’re concerned about whether your chosen filler connects with your diet and lifestyle needs, have a chat with the treatment centre who will be able to recommend the best dermal filler for you.

3. Choose Your Effect

You can choose the amount of filler you have injected at each treatment session to make sure you’re getting the look you want.

A good cosmetic treatment centre will always recommend that you start small and work your way up. Doing this means you can build up to your desired look without having to worry about risking ‘trout pout’.

Dermal fillers are so subtle and natural now that you can look like the best version of yourself. You don’t need to go for exaggerated features unless that’s the look you want.

However, you will find that people start to compliment you on how good you look – and you might not be able to resist telling them why!

4. Less Bruising and Little Pain

The needles used for injectable fillers are so small that bruising is minimal. A good technician will be able to plump your lips or reduce your fine lines with little visible bruising at all.

During your treatment session, a numbing gel with lidocaine is on the injection site area. This minimizes any pain from the needle piercing the skin and will wear off shortly after the session has ended.

5. Fast Recovery Times

The injection sites will feel sore for a day or two, but the pain is easily handled with some over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. You can also use ice compresses on the injection sites for a few minutes each hour to reduce any swelling.

Even larger filler procedures, such as re-shaping a nose, will have a minimal recovery time compared to plastic surgery.

6. Dermal Fillers can be Reversed

Non-permanent facial fillers such as Juvederm are reversible. The use of bio-compatible ingredients means dermal fillers can be dissolved if you don’t like the results. Dissolving the fillers does mean additional injections to get the treatment to the filler site but this will feel just the same as when you had the fillers put in.

7. The Effects Wear Off

Non-permanent dermal fillers are exactly that: not permanent. They do, however, last a very long time. Depending on the filler you choose, you may need another session six months to two years from your first injection.

The fact that dermal fillers wear off make them ideal for first-timers and for those who just need to look their very best self for an important event such as a wedding.

It’s also worth remembering that many people who try non-permanent cosmetic fillers with the intention of using them just once will return for more as they love how it looks so much!

8. You Don’t Have to Wait Until You Have Fine Lines

Choose cosmetic fillers as a preventative option before you start to see wrinkles. Filling areas prone to fine lines, such as the forehead, eye area, and nose-to-mouth lines, before wrinkles show, will help you to look your best for longer.

9. Fillers Aren’t Just for Plumper Lips or Wrinkles

Dermal fillers can be used for a range of treatments. If you’re unhappy with something about your appearance, speak to a cosmetic filler specialist to see if your problem is suitable to fix with injectables instead of surgery.

10. Dermal Fillers Aren’t Cheap

If you find a ‘really great deal’ for dermal fillers that sounds too good to be true, then it is.

It’s not just the ingredients of the facial filler that you’re paying for. The experience of your technician is absolutely vital to making sure you are happy with the results, that you minimize pain and bruising, and you reduce the risk of complications.

A cheap dermal filler deal is one to stay away from, as the ingredients may not be the highest quality or the person performing the treatment may have less experience.

Just as you wouldn’t want the high-school intern doing plastic surgery on you, it pays to find the best dermal filler specialist in your area to make sure you are happy with the results.

The Side Effects of Facial Fillers

Facial fillers have received some bad press. Yes, there are some possible side effects or reactions, as there would be with any cosmetic or medical procedure.

However, the occurrence of bad reactions is minimal and are often found linked to an inexperienced therapist.

A good treatment centre will talk you through all of the possible side effects, such as longer lasting numbness or the risk of allergy, before you go ahead with any treatment.

Questions to Ask Before Getting Dermal Fillers

If you’re still wondering whether dermal fillers are right for you, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you sigh when you see your reflection?

• Do you wish your Instagram filters worked in real life?

• Have you found your face changing with age?

• Are you comfortable around injections?

• Does plastic surgery interest but intimidate you?

• Do you want to keep looking your best?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to book a consultation and find out which cosmetic filler could be best for you to be your happiest, best self.