For those wanting to take their anti-aging, skincare routines to the next level, knowing what fillers in skincare are is a handy place to start. A term thrown around often, fillers are yet another procedure we can engage to help prevent and alleviate signs of aging including wrinkles and a lack of volume to the skin. Here, we look at the key points to know when uncovering what fillers are when it comes to skincare.

What are fillers in skincare?

Fillers are a synthetic or naturally occurring substance injected into lines, folds and tissues in the face to assist in decreasing the appearance of wrinkles. This restores fullness to the face, which often decreases as we age. Injectables can also be called dermal fillers, implants, wrinkle fillers and soft-tissue fullers, often employed to ease smile lines,, pump cheeks and correct acne scars. 

Most fillers are absorbable, meaning they offer temporary results lasting from months to a few years, depending on the product and the person. Some, however, are marked as permanent and can last several years. 

There are four commonly used fillers, including: 

Hyaluronic Acid

A gel-like substance found naturally in the body, we all know the abundant benefits of hyaluronic acid. It is frequently used to plump up skin, adding volume to places like the cheeks and smoothing wrinkles around the eyes, lips and forehead. 

As the body reabsorbs hyaluronic acid over time, results will generally only last up to 12 months. 

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

CaHA uses calcium, adding it fo a gel that is then injected into the skin. The gel is made of a thicker consistency than hyaluronic acid, meaning it is better suited to deep wrinkles. 

Poly-L-lactic acid 

A biodegradable acid, this helps to stimulate the skin’s collagen production rather than filling the wrinkles. This allows a firmness across the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. 

Poly-L-lactic acid is also used to treat deep wrinkles and increase the volume where fat has been lost. As its results can last up to two years, it is considered a semi permanent filler. 

Autologous fat injections (fat grafting)

This is a more invasive type of technique than those mentioned above. Fat grafting takes fat from other parts of the body and injects it to the face for filling. It is typically removed initially through liposuction, and requires sedation. Fat grafting also requires a recovery period of up to two weeks, but provides long-lasting results. 

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

PMMA consists of tiny balls and collagen that work to plump the skin. The filler is considered permanent, as results last five years. 

What are the common side effects of fillers?

As with all skin care procedures, there are some common side effects of fillers to note prior to having the treatment done. Your specialist will inform you of this prior to undergoing the treatment, and they include: 

• Redness 
• Swelling
• Bruising 
• Itching 
• Rash 
• Localised Pain 

These symptoms tend to occur around the site of the injection and should clear within one-to-two weeks. 

How can you prepare to have fillers?

While facial fillers are generally safe, taking these steps can help ensure your safety:

While side effects are often unpreventable, there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety and that your procedure goes ahead without any major hitches. Ensuring you are engaging the services of a licensed, well-trained medical professional, dermatologist and/or plastic surgeon to inject the filler is the first step, and ensuing the procedure is carried out in a medical setting – not in a home or mall – is the second. 

It can be handy to ask the provider about their experience with the type of filler chosen, and ensure that you never purchase fillers online. Fillers should be un unopened and labelled syringes. 

Like all procedures, ensure you have informed your health professional of any medications and supplements you take as some may interact with ingredients that can impact your blood’s ability to clot properly. 

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