When you take a trip down memory lane right around the 2012 era, one thing sticks out like a sore thumb (or rather a swollen mouth): the voluminous duck lips. The rave of having the fullest, most overlined set of lips you could possibly imagine had a chokehold on us all. It’s hard to forget – with a slight cringe – the lengths we went through to achieve that perfect look. Even if it meant sticking your lips inside a bottle cap for 30 minutes until your face went partially numb. You just had to be there.
But despite the fading trend of huge duck lips, the concept of looking your best and flawless self stayed, and even shifted. Right now, we’re in the era of the “undetectable injectable” look. While it’s no 2012 duck lips, it’s the idea that something like filler can be used in even the smallest ways to enhance a look.
Dermal fillers have been around far before 2012, and continue to sweep the aesthetics industry. It also manages to be a constant topic of discourse on social media. Some of that discussion can be exciting, and some of it can be scary. Let’s explore what dermal fillers actually are, and how to use them for your benefit.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers (mostly known as just filler) are common injections used to address a wide range of concerns. Those areas of concern are targeted by different types of fillers and their chemical make-up. They are best categorized by the substance they contain, having four main types you should be focusing on:
Why Do I Need Filler?
Just like all aesthetic treatments, the reason for “needing” filler isn’t necessarily a complex one. It acts as a great way to help everyone both look and feel their absolute best. People get dermal fillers for a plethora of reasons; most commonly for things like restoring volume, smoothing out wrinkles, facial contouring, and more.
Ever heard of a “non-surgical” nose job? Yep, that’s filler. Nose fillers are popularly known as a less invasive alternative to surgical intervention, with much shorter recovery times. Why take up to a year to heal and see the full benefits from intense surgery when you can book a 30 minute filler appointment and see results in as little as a few weeks?
Before you wonder if filler is really all that, (or if anyone even bothers with it) the Cleveland Clinic has estimated that annually, nearly 3 million people choose to get dermal fillers in the United States!
Where Can Dermal Fillers Be Injected?
Here at It’s A Secret Med Spa, we do a wide variety of different filler placements. We offer some of the most well-known areas of treatment for dermal fillers, but also some hidden gems that you may not find online – but will definitely make a noticeable impact. Check out all the different types we offer, and what people are saying:
@kaylanashh Watch my lip filler heal after a week 🫶🏻 #lipfiller #filler ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) - Tommy Richman
@sayjayjohnson I bought cheeks lol @unfiltered aesthetics NYC #filler #botox ♬ original sound - Sayjayjohnson
@lindsforthegirls The difference is CRAZYYY. Stealing @jacimariesmith’s chinfluencer title bahahah but it was worth it #chinfiller #filler #injections #sideprofile ♬ original sound - LINDSEY 🫶🏼
@twinkleorz ive been doing this for 5 years now & could never go back!! best thing ive ever done🫶🏼 #nosefiller #nonsurgicalrhinoplasty #nonsurgicalnosejob #lipfiller #botox ♬ original sound - ava
What Can I Expect From My Appointment?
The process of an appointment for dermal fillers is similar to the process of something like Botox or any other injectables. Many of the steps are the same, as well as the appointment length and expectations. Look at the What To Expect During Treatment section on our Botox blog to get a better idea of what you can look forward to!
An important thing to note is how to best prepare. One of the biggest things to remember, is to stop taking NSAIDS (like aspirin and ibuprofen) prior to your appointment. Make sure to avoid alcohol, certain medications, vitamin E, fish oil and more. Always consult your provider if you are unsure about any medications or substances that you are taking.
What Can I Expect After?
While the appointment process for filler and other injectables are similar enough, what to expect after can be different for everyone. A common thing to take note of after your filler appointment is the bruising and/or swelling that may come with the injected area.
Many people report having bruising, swelling, and discomfort post filler appointment; but these side effects should be mild and resolve within a few days. Always talk with your provider if you feel something is wrong, or have questions about managing the side effects.
How Long Will It Last?
The general timeline for dermal fillers can be anywhere between 6-24 months. Similar to other med spa treatments, how long fillers last is contingent on many things, including: the type of filler you receive, location of the injected area, and ultimately the individual getting them.
Always talk to your provider about timelines on how many sessions you need, and how long to wait in between. A provider who knows you and your goals can work with you and choose the product to best fit your care.
Why Not Just Get Botox?
When determining if you should get Botox or dermal fillers, there are a few different things to consider: the purpose of the filler, desired results, area of concern, and more. The question isn’t so much “Is one better than the other?”, but rather “Which will best treat my area of concern?”.
A great way to look at the Botox vs filler debate, is what each treatment focuses on and what it can do for you and your desired results. Botox focuses mainly on treating wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Dermal fillers focus mainly on smoothing static wrinkles and restoring volume.
While they both treat different things, the best option is a combination of both. By adding in both Botox and dermal fillers to your treatment plan, they can enhance results and work together to achieve that perfect formula for facial rejuvenation.
Now that you’ve learned all about dermal fillers, their differences, and areas that can be treated, hopefully you feel not as intimidated by them. If you’re interested in trying out filler, or just seeing if it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with It’s A Secret Med Spa today.
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