As long as I can remember, I’ve had that saggy cheeks and not so prominent chin. Even as a child, the area under my deep-set eyes was “sunken in,” which made me look constantly tired. Worse still, as I approached my 30s, I noticed that the hollow area extended downwards to the top of my cheeks, making them look depressed instead of plump and full. Since my trusty concealers could only work so much magic, I decided to get a professional diagnosis from a doctor months ago. She explained that due to the natural loss of volume caused by collagen breakdown, the lines appeared deeper as I aged.
I also learnt that this loss of volume is the villain behind other common skin woes such as sagging and the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles. My doctor’s recommendation: dermal fillers. When correctly injected into the skin, dermal fillers basically act as Add to dictionary that fill up the sunken areas and fine lines from within.
In addition, they can also be used to add definition to features. For example, fillers can help to heighten a low nose bridge, create the appearance of higher cheekbones, or turn a “flat” chin into a V-shaped one. Or, you could get fillers in a variety of different places around your face to mimic the results of a mild facelift!
I decided to take it slow and settled for hyaluronic acid-based fillers to “plump” up my cheek and chin area. The results I noticed almost immediately were fuller-looking cheeks that made me looking more youthful, and eye circles that appeared lighter and much less obvious. I loved that the results were instant, while being subtle and natural-looking at the same time.
I did experience a little soreness and swelling around my upper cheek area for three to four days, but this may vary from person to person. Due to my darker complexion, I barely noticed any bruising.
One thing worth mentioning: you must keep your eyes open during the injections (blinking is allowed), which is a relatively squeamish experience if you’re trying fillers for the first time (or if you’re scared of needles!). That being said, the discomfort I felt during the injections was surprisingly bearably, thanks to the numbing cream used beforehand.
All things considered, the treatment was well worth it for me, given that the results lasted for about a year (again, this varies from person to person). In fact, I was so thrilled with the results that I was more than happy to get my laugh lines filled in a few months after my initial treatment.
One of my many readers who asked me about dermal fillers
If you’re thinking of exploring dermal fillers for your skin concerns, here’s everything you need to know before taking the plunge.
#1 Most common filler types
The two most common types of fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers and synthetic fillers. The former is used to plump up fine lines and leaves skin looking smooth and supple. The results can last from six months to a year. The latter, synthetic fillers, are made using substances that are not naturally present in the body, like Poly-L-lactic acid or Calcium Hydroxylapatite. These fillers can last one to two years.
The two most common types of fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers and synthetic fillers. The former is used to plump up fine lines and leaves skin looking smooth and supple. The results can last from six months to a year. The latter, synthetic fillers, are made using substances that are not naturally present in the body, like Poly-L-lactic acid or Calcium Hydroxylapatite. These fillers can last one to two years.
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers help to stimulate collagen production and require about three to four spaced-out treatments for optimal results, while Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers are normally used to fill in deeper lines and wrinkles.
#2 Risks
Although fillers are largely considered to be suitable for most skin types, every aesthetic procedure carries a risk of an allergic reaction. In some cases – when injections may not have been administered correctly – patients can also experience tiny bumps under their skin, or a bluish skin discoloration at the injection site, known as the Tyndall Effect. These side effects can either be temporary or permanent. Taking this into consideration, we’d recommend only getting filler treatments from board-certified, experienced dermatologists in a medical setting.
Although fillers are largely considered to be suitable for most skin types, every aesthetic procedure carries a risk of an allergic reaction. In some cases – when injections may not have been administered correctly – patients can also experience tiny bumps under their skin, or a bluish skin discoloration at the injection site, known as the Tyndall Effect. These side effects can either be temporary or permanent. Taking this into consideration, we’d recommend only getting filler treatments from board-certified, experienced dermatologists in a medical setting.
#3 Consultation
Your doctor will begin by assessing your facial features before recommending the suitable type of fillers and their placement. At this point, your doctor should also let you know about any potential risks, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need, before deciding to go ahead with the treatment. This is also a great time to get a quote for the price of your treatment. Once you’re ready to go, your face will be cleansed thoroughly (try to avoid wearing heavy makeup to your appointment) and a topical numbing cream will be applied on the injection site. The whole process of cleansing and numbing can take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Your doctor will begin by assessing your facial features before recommending the suitable type of fillers and their placement. At this point, your doctor should also let you know about any potential risks, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need, before deciding to go ahead with the treatment. This is also a great time to get a quote for the price of your treatment. Once you’re ready to go, your face will be cleansed thoroughly (try to avoid wearing heavy makeup to your appointment) and a topical numbing cream will be applied on the injection site. The whole process of cleansing and numbing can take about 30 to 45 minutes.
After the numbing process, your doctor will wipe off the cream and begin injecting. Some patients still feel some discomfort during this process, despite the numbing cream. You can expect to feel a pinprick-like sensation when the injection is made, along with some pressure and discomfort underneath your skin when the filler itself is being injected. Do note that there are some areas that are more sensitive than others, including the sides of the mouth (where smile lines occur), the lips and the tip of the nose, but this can vary depending on each patient’s pain tolerance.
#4 When to book your appointment
Right after your filler treatment, it’s completely normal to experience swelling, soreness, and even slightly bruising at the injection site, although some patients may not experience all three. These side effects are temporary and should gradually wear off within one to three weeks. If you’re got a big event coming up, it’s best to get your treatment done a month in advance, just to be safe! Your doctor should also ask you to return for a review about two weeks after the treatment, so make sure you leave some space in your schedule for that.
#5 Maintaining your results
You’ll be advised to refrain from intense exercise and facial massages at least two weeks after the treatment, as these can affect the metabolism and placement of your fillers. To make your fillers last longer, you should also avoid sun tanning or spending too much time in the sauna, as high heat levels can speed up their metabolism. Last but not least, wear sunscreen daily to preserve your fillers (and to slow down other signs of aging!)
(Note: The price of fillers typically start from about $280 or Php14,000 per vial (the number of vials used will depend on the size of the area that needs to be treated; your doctor can give you an estimate prior to your treatment.)
*Disclaimer: Before committing to any aesthetic procedure, you need to sit down with a medical professional to ascertain which treatments are best suited for your interests. This personal review does not represent a professional diagnosis.
xoxo, Blair
Sounds like god-sent for skin woes. I have given it some consideration myself, truth be told. Looking at your photos, though, I'm scared just seeing the needles!
ReplyDeleteHahaha it wasn't bad at all. Because of lidocaine, you won't feel the needle!
Deletewould you believe i had a couple done before in the past? derma fillers..
ReplyDeleteOhh how's your experience?!
DeleteI don't know if I could do it, but your face does look amazing! How often do you have to do it?
ReplyDeletexo,
Suzanne
Mine, I did it yearly :D
Deleteyou looks awesome!! but is that pain not :(
ReplyDeleteNot at all. The dermal filler have lidocaine, which makes my skin feeling numb. I didn't felt any pain :D
DeleteCan't agree with you more. Really make sure the doctor is certified. Because serious side effects can include blindness for nose filler
ReplyDeleteI agree! Better do your own due diligence before signing-up, even its sponsored :D
DeleteI am glad this is working for you, you are looking happy :)
ReplyDeleteYou look great after the filler injection. I would be terrified to try injections. I tried Fillerina Dermo-Cosmetic Filler Treatment with no needles/injections. This is the link to my blog post. https://yeelinda.blogspot.my/2017/12/fillerina-dermo-cosmetic-filler.html
ReplyDeleteWow fillers with no injections?! Awesome! I will read it :D
Deletei dont think I have the guts to do it. But no pain no beauty..hehe
ReplyDeletehahaha so true. am not so sure if I can take the most painful, like having giving birth :D
DeleteI have always wanted to try it but it scares me a little, need to make sure I find the right doctor first!
ReplyDeleteI agree, and it is recommended that you are comfortable with your doctor.
DeleteI might try this at some point. I just don't want to go overboard and look plasticy that so many do in Los Angeles. But I would like to get rid of wrinkles!
ReplyDeleteOh this won't make you look too plasticky :) But I never tried this on my lips.
Deleteauchh..kene cucuk tu ngeri..hehee...
ReplyDeleteahahaha nope it is not painful.
DeleteI know that I couldn't do this. Especially while awake. My anxiety would kill me.
ReplyDeleteOhh I think you can also do this while sleeping, but you will miss that excitement, and adventure.
DeleteWithout a doubt, a little research goes a long way. I think it's nice that you're sharing your experience and how the procedure usually goes. It's really important that we understand and know what we're getting into.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison!
DeleteI think you look beautiful both before and after. Interesting to see this done though... I have never gotten a behind-the-scenes looks like this before.
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you! I got a permission from my doctor to record this session. Not all clinics allow it.
DeleteI have never had these before, but they sound awesome. Not sure I can handle the pain lol.
ReplyDeleteOh of course you can :)
DeleteHaving a labor is something I can't deal :)
Thank you so much for going in depth about dermafillings it is really interesting to get to know more about them. Not sure I would be brave enough!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah!
DeleteYeah not all can do it. But something that is worth considering especially when we came to that age. The needle is very small and thin. But if its like a vaccine needle, OMG I wont!
Great Dermal Fillers review. Wow this looks amazing, but I'm not sure if I have the guts to have all those needles on my face.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jay.
DeleteI don't know if I have more guts to have it in my lips, like Kylie Jenner!
I don't think I would have the courage to have this done. I am curious if you have a photo of what it looked like before to see the difference?
ReplyDeleteI do! Check this post for the links of my previous treatments :)
DeleteI don't think I can do it. It looks so painful because of the injections. LOL!! But you look fresh and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shub!
DeleteYour face does look amazing! How often do you have to do it? It sounds like just what I need!
ReplyDeleteOh I do it yearly!
DeleteI am so glad that this is working out for you. It looks like you can handle it. I do not like pain and I hate needles. Those are the thinks keeping me from trying it. Maybe one day I will get the nerve to try it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe because I have higher tolerance with pain. But not for bigger needles!
DeleteIt's the first time I hear about it. I have to look into it in my country as well. I
ReplyDeleteLet us know if you have it!
DeleteAlthough I have never thought about having this kind of procedure done, I like to learn more about it and how it works. Sounds like you're very happy with the results!
ReplyDeleteYes I am!
DeleteLooks like an interesting treatment. Good luck on maintaining it. I'll keep on checking your blog for the updates.
ReplyDeleteThank you Emmanuel!
DeleteI love that you took actual pictures. It's crazy that you have to keep your eyes open!! I'm glad that the numbing meds work prior to injections.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know! Even I honestly felt a little tensed, but I don't want to missed this moment. :)
DeleteI'm glad you are content with you results. I used to think about things like this, but I am afraid of the needles!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Well like they say, no pain, no gain :)
DeleteIt's very interesting about fillers. I was unaware of them before. Although I can definitely sympathize with having that sunk in eye look and wanting to do something about it. You do look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks David! At first I was against it, then I realized geez I don't want to look old! So I tried and now I love it!
DeleteThe needles look scary for me..
ReplyDeleteSo yeah..i will go traditional way by using skincare...huahua...takes longer time but at least ok for a neddles freak like me
Yeah, you can have fillers when you are ready. Right now, skincare lah.
DeleteIt looks scary but it was really nice and interesting experience! Although I am not sure will I will be dare enough to try it, I agree some of your point esp consultation is really important!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon!
DeleteWah...l don't think l can do it..look like is not easy to do it...but you look more pretty
ReplyDeleteOh you can do it! It takes courage dear :D
DeleteI always wanna try this but still yet ready. You are really brave....
ReplyDeleteRacheal