How to Get Natural-Looking Results With Dermal Fillers

It’s not uncommon for an image of huge, dreaded “trout lips” to come to mind when you think of dermal fillers. That’s why educating patients and gaining their trust is important in a personal consultation. Dr. Diane Wong, a cosmetic physician and owner of Glow Medi Spa shares what you really need to know about dermal fillers.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are medical products that are injected into the tissue to fill lost volume and enhance features. There are many areas of the face that can be injected with dermal fillers for aesthetic enhancement. The most common areas to treat are the lips, cheeks and nasolabial folds, as well as under the eyes. There are various types and brands of dermal fillers available in Canada. The most popular are Juvederm and Restylane, which are made of hyaluronic acid, a natural starch/sugar that makes up our tissue. They are made in a lab from non-animal products and have a high safety profile when injected properly. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and last anywhere from nine to 24 months, depending on the filler used and where and how they are injected.

What are the benefits of dermal fillers?

Fillers can help people look less saggy, less tired and less drawn without any surgical intervention. It can make them look brighter, fresher and more vibrant. When dermal fillers are injected well, they look and feel very natural. Women enjoy their rejuvenated appearance with zero downtime, so they don’t have to tell anyone that they had a cosmetic treatment. (In search of tighter skin? These are the new skin treatments that actually work.)

Why do some people look scary after filler treatments?

Unfortunately, sometimes a patient or injector chooses to go beyond a person’s natural contours so much that it looks unnatural, distorted or distracting. Some trends and fads may be the culprits in these overexaggerated features, such as huge lips and overfilled cheeks. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and even reversible, so there may be little discretion for some people to follow these trends because the results are not permanent.

However, the majority of people prefer a more natural appearance. When they see these exaggerated features, they rightly become fearful of dermal fillers. Rest assured, those beautiful, natural results are not only possible but also expected for many experienced cosmetic physicians. Choose the provider that you feel will respect your preferences.

What do I need to know before treatment?

Regulations for cosmetic injections vary from province to province. Ensure that you have had a thorough consultation and are comfortable with your treatment provider. Choose one who meets all the requirements in your jurisdiction. Although they’re rare, complications can occur and be treated by a qualified physician who has the knowledge, expertise and therapeutic medications to employ. (Wondering if it’ll hurt? Here’s how to cope with cosmetic procedure pain.)

Avoid having injectable treatments done at a Botox party or non-medical facility. Choosing the cheapest place or injector may not be the wisest decision. Costs vary, but they are often reflective of the level of service and the quality of treatment provided, so beware.

But before you take the plunge with the needle, learn more about the pros and cons of injectable fillers.