Filler injections are widely used to improve facial problems, from removing acne scars and wrinkles to streamlining the shape of the chin. There are several types of fillers that you can choose from and adjust to your goals for this injection. What are the types?
Not only improving facial skin problems, fillers can also be used to add volume to the lips. This method is done by injecting a certain liquid into the problematic face. Therefore, this procedure is often referred to as a filler injection.
Know Some Types of Filler Injections
There are several types of fillers and each type contains different ingredients and is able to provide different effects. The following are some of the commonly used types of fillers and their characteristics:
1. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of the skin that wears off with age. In filler injection procedures, hyaluronic acid is available in both natural and synthetic forms.
There are several characteristics of this type of hyaluronic acid filler, namely:
- Rarely causes allergic reactions
- It comes in a gel form with a slightly thicker texture
- Injections are made in the right or left corner of the mouth and lips or fill in the hollows under the eyes
- If the results are not as expected, this material can be neutralized with an injection of the hyaluronidase enzyme
- Can last for 6–12 months
2. Collagen bovine
Collagen is a type of filler that is believed to be the best of all types of fillers. Collagen bovine derived from cowhide specially processed with the following characteristics:
- The price is more affordable and more effective
- Allergy testing must be done before injection, because this material can trigger an allergic reaction
- Injections need to be done 2-4 times a year, because the body will naturally break down collagen
In addition, there is also a type of collagen that is grown from human cells. This type of collagen is much less likely to cause allergic reactions than bovine collagen, so it does not require an allergy test beforehand.
However, filler injections still need to be repeated every 3-6 months. Human collagen is known to be more expensive than other types of collagen.
3. Body fat (fat grafting)
This method is performed using a small amount of fatty tissue taken from one part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Furthermore, the fat tissue will be processed and processed first, then injected under the surface of the facial skin. The characteristics of the fat filler are as follows:
- It is known that there are minimal allergic reactions, because the injected material comes from within the body itself
- The results can be permanent, although it varies from person to person
- It takes more than one injection of filler to see the results
4. Artificial polymer
Another type of filler is an artificial polymer. This filler is known to last up to two years. Once injected, the polymer material will stimulate skin cells to produce collagen.
Polymer type poly-L-lactide (PLLA) has been widely used in medical procedures and is non-toxic. There are also polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which was used as an adhesive for bone surgery before being used as an injection filler.
5. Calcium hydroxyapatite
This type of calcium hydroxyapatite filler is known to last up to one year. This type of filler is usually used to fill in areas that require large volume injections, such as the cheeks and chin.
Please note that calcium hydroxyapatite is made of minerals that can strengthen bones. These minerals are incorporated into small particles and dissolved in a liquid to then be injected into the patient.
6. Permanent fine tissue
This type of filler is widely used to smooth wrinkles around the mouth. This filler that uses fine tissue is known to not require repeated injections, because it can be absorbed by the body easily.
This type of elastic filler makes the skin firm and smooth, so the user looks younger. However, the effectiveness of filler injections depends on the quality of the filler used, the area of the face treated, and the reaction of a person's body to the filler.
The filler injection procedure usually lasts 60 minutes. First, the skin will be injected with a local anesthetic. Next, the doctor injects filler under the surface of the skin or on the area of the body that needs to be treated. Some filler injections need to be given several times separately.
Risks of Filler Injections on the Body
All medical procedures generally have risks, as well as filler injections. The following are some of the side effects of filler injections on the body:
- Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site
- Allergic reactions, depending on the filler used
- Bruising or bleeding
- Small bumps appear under the surface of the skin and are usually permanent.
- Tyndall effect, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin.
Injecting fillers that are not done properly or using unsterilized tools can cause infection or blockage of blood vessels. This condition can cause blindness and death of skin tissue that causes permanent damage to the skin.
How to Minimize the Side Effects of Filler Injections
To minimize the risks that may occur, there are several things that you need to pay attention to before undergoing this procedure, namely:
Choose a trusted place
Make sure you do filler injections at an official beauty clinic or hospital. Pay attention to the appropriateness and cleanliness of the place as well as the safety of the equipment used before you decide to undergo this procedure.
Do a filler injection procedure with a dermatologist
Make sure the practitioner who will treat you is a dermatologist who has undergone special training. This can be proven by the presence or absence of legal certification. Do not be fooled by certain titles that are not obtained from official training.
Avoid buying over-the-counter fillers
Currently, there are several types of fillers that are sold freely. Even though it is easy to obtain, indiscriminately using fillers can be dangerous and have a bad impact on facial skin, especially if it is not carried out by a doctor who does have the competence to carry out this action.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience severe pain, white patches appear around the injection area, muscle stiffness, visual disturbances, difficulty walking and speaking, confusion, or severe headache, after undergoing filler injections. The doctor will perform an examination and treatment according to your condition.