Having skin free from signs of ageing, attractive lips, or modifying the shape of the nose is the dream of many women. However, many are afraid of surgical plastic interventions, complications or not achieving the expected results. With the development of techniques used in the field of plastic surgery, filler injections have become a common procedure recently used to improve the appearance of the face and lips. Nevertheless, some women still feel hesitant. In this article, we will learn more about some common questions regarding filler injections, their results, why they are done, and what are the types of filler injections. Follow us to find out.
What is a filler injection?
Filler injection is a non-surgical plastic treatment to enhance skin youthfulness by restoring volume or plumpness to the face and lips. It works by filling in lines, wrinkles, and skin folds.
What is in filler injections?
Filler injections usually consist of hyaluronic acid and other natural substances that are naturally present in the human body. Therefore, there is no concern about using these filler types, as they do not cause any allergies after injection.
What are the types of filler injections?
Type 1: This type consists of hyaluronic acid and other acids naturally present in the body. It is one of the most commonly used types, and its side effects are rare. It is considered a temporary type in terms of results, as its effects fade away within a few months, and injections can be repeated every few months to maintain the results.
Type 2: This type of injection contains synthetically manufactured materials and provides long-lasting results that may last for a year or two in some cases. However, it should be noted that materials with such long-lasting effects have negative side effects that increase to some extent if not applied correctly. Therefore, doctors do not recommend getting this type, as it consists of synthetic components that may cause allergies and other undesirable side effects.
Type 3: It involves the application of animal collagen, but after conducting an allergy test.
What are the uses of filler injections?
- Enhancing the cheeks or lips.
- Filling the under-eye area.
- Modifying the nose.
- Getting rid of nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and cheeks).
- Eliminating acne scars.
- Enhancing facial volume and rejuvenating it.
- Defining the sharp edges of the lips and giving them a plump appearance.
- Highlighting facial features and symmetry.
- Smoothing wrinkles and expression lines on the face.
How is filler injected?
A filler injection session typically takes less than half an hour. Initially, Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in plastic surgery, body sculpting, and natural hair transplantation, applied some local anaesthesia to the area to be injected. Then, after the anaesthesia takes effect, Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy proceeds to inject the filler into the desired area. Finally, he wipe the area with a clean cotton pad to ensure that no substance leaks into other areas of the face. At the end of the procedure, you can leave Dr Ahmed Mekkawy's clinic and start recovering at home. You can also resume your daily activities immediately, avoiding strenuous physical exertion for a few days only. You have to avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods and apply a high-factor sunscreen. Additionally, avoid applying facial exfoliants or undergoing chemical peels for several days.
What are the complications resulting from filler injections?
Complications are not common, but the side effects can include the following:
- Inconsistency or asymmetry.
- Bleeding.
- Appearance of bluish discolouration in the injection areas.
- Itching sensation.
- Movement of the injected material from its original position.
-Redness.
- Skin rash.
- Swelling.
However, you can avoid these complications by choosing a skilled filler injection specialist like Dr Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in plastic surgery, body sculpting, and natural hair transplantation. Dr Ahmed Mekkawy possesses the skill and expertise, having performed numerous filler injection sessions for many patients with remarkable results. Dr Ahmed Mekkawy is always keen to determine the appropriate procedure for your case to achieve the best results.
What are the side effects of filler injections?
There aren't many side effects associated with this type of injection, except for some mild swelling and bruising resulting from the injection session that can be controlled with cold compresses. Some individuals may experience numbness, but this sensation disappears within a few days. Dr Ahmed Mekkawy can prescribe mild pain relievers to overcome the discomfort caused by swelling and bruising.
Is an autologous fat injection considered a type of filler?
Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy explains that autologous fat injection involves using fat extracted from the body through liposuction from areas with localized fat deposits. The extracted fat is then processed, purified, and filled into syringes for injection into the desired areas for the treatment of wrinkles or augmentation purposes. Autologous fat injection shares similarities with filler treatments in addressing wrinkles and augmenting body areas. Therefore, autologous fat injections can be considered a natural filler that can be used safely.
What is the difference between filler and Botox?
Dr Ahmed Mekkawy explains that Botox is a protein substance extracted from a type of bacteria, and this substance works to relax the muscles. Later, this property began to be used to treat wrinkles and reduce the rate of their appearance on the face, where the surgeon injects specific areas of the face as the forehead, jaw, or around the eyes, to relax the muscles of these areas; so the wrinkles in them disappear, and the rate of their appearance decreases in the future. As for the filler, it adds fullness to some other areas of the face, such as lips, cheeks, and under the eye, in addition to the treatment of some wrinkles and stimulating the skin to produce natural collagen during the injection session.
When do the results of filler injections appear?
The results of filler injections appear almost immediately, but the final results may take several days or several weeks, depending on the type of filler injected. Some types of fillers naturally stimulate the production of collagen in the skin before they take effect. The results of the filler also last for several months, and then re-injection is done to maintain the results, although when the results of the filler begin to disappear, they disappear gradually and do not disappear suddenly.
Now that you know the answers to some common questions about filler injections, have you ever thought about getting filler injections? Do you want to have more youthful-looking skin? For more information about filler injections, contact us or book a consultation appointment with the best plastic surgeon in Egypt, Dr Ahmed Mekkawy, a plastic surgery, body sculpting, and natural hair transplant consultant who will help you choose the most suitable procedure for you.
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in cosmetic surgery, body contouring, and natural hair transplantation.