What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin’s surface to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and contour the face. The most common type of filler is made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the skin that attracts moisture and contributes to skin elasticity.
The body naturally breaks down these fillers over time, which means their effects are temporary, lasting from six months to two years depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s metabolism.
The Science of Dermal Fillers: How Do They Work?
Volume Restoration: As we age, our skin loses collagen, elastin, and fat, leading to sagging, lines, and a loss of volume. Dermal fillers restore this volume by “filling” the area, effectively plumping the skin and pushing it upward, which smooths out lines and adds youthful fullness.
Moisture Retention: Hyaluronic acid fillers are especially popular because HA is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts and holds water. This property adds an additional layer of volume, creates a dewy appearance, and helps the skin retain moisture, which can enhance skin texture.
Techniques for a Natural Look
Achieving a natural look with dermal fillers is an art as much as a science. There are a few advanced techniques used by practitioners to enhance facial harmony without creating an overfilled appearance:
Microdroplet or Cannula Techniques: Rather than using a single injection of a large amount of filler, the microdroplet technique involves injecting small, precise amounts of filler in multiple areas. This approach creates a more natural, gradual result and allows better control over facial contours. The cannula technique, on the other hand, uses a fine, flexible tube rather than a needle, allowing for more even distribution and minimizing bruising.
Structural and Volumetric Approach: This approach considers the bone structure and natural lines of the face. Rather than focusing solely on filling lines, practitioners assess the facial architecture and use fillers to support underlying structures. This method helps to avoid the “puffy” or “overfilled” look that can result from injecting too much filler in one area.
The Long-Term Benefits and Risks of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a safe, effective way to restore youthful volume and enhance facial features. However, it’s essential to understand potential risks:
Temporary Side Effects: Common side effects like bruising, swelling, and tenderness are temporary and usually mild. Choosing an experienced provider reduces the risk of complications.
Long-Term Safety: Dermal fillers are temporary and broken down by the body over time, which means results will fade. HA fillers can also be reversed with hyaluronidase injections if necessary, offering additional peace of mind.
What areas can be treated with dermal fillers?
Common areas for fillers include the cheeks, lips, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, jawline, and chin. Some people also use fillers for non-surgical rhinoplasty. ( linking to the online courses )
What qualifications do I need to administer dermal fillers?
To administer dermal fillers you would need the following qualifications, NVQ Level 3 Beauty, 12 months needling experience and 6 months needling experience plus a Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology or higher.
How do I handle patient dissatisfaction with filler results?
If a patient is unhappy with their results, listen to their concerns and discuss options, which may include touch-up treatments or using hyaluronidase to dissolve fillers ( complications training course) if needed. Setting realistic expectations beforehand can reduce dissatisfaction.
How can I build confidence as a new injector?
Building confidence takes time and practice. Start by observing experienced injectors, practicing under supervision, taking additional training courses, confidence will come with experience and continued learning.
If you’re ready to take your aesthetics career to the next level and stand out from the crowd, then we would be delighted to tell you more about our Dermal Filler Courses available to you. Let us help you build the confidence you need to succeed.
Contact jake@enhance-me-aesthetics.com.
The Enhance Me Aesthetics Training Academy HQ is based Colchester, Essex, the expertise that drives our commitment to exceptional training and career development in aesthetics.
