When it comes to cosmetic procedures — even the minimally invasive ones — there’s no shortage of publicly accessible information. Unfortunately, plenty of that information can be misleading, especially when it comes in the form of anecdotal accounts from individuals who’ve had a less-than-positive experience.
But injectables are routinely involved in the most common cosmetic procedures around the world, and they’re fully approved as safe by the FDA. At Arijai Aesthetics, we want you to know the truth about these safe and effective cosmetic products and procedures.
If you’re considering getting any type of dermal filler, we’re here to help. Read on to learn about some of the most common myths about injectables, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not they’re right for you.
Myth #1: Dermal Fillers Are Painful
If you’re worried you’ll need to ice your face for hours after dermal filler injections, let us calm your fears: dermal fillers are far from painful! At Arijai, we prepare the treatment area using a numbing agent, so in the vast majority of cases, our patients feel nothing more than a bit of pressure or a tiny pinprick. Lip fillers may cause a bit more discomfort than other types of cosmetic injectables, but even then, you’ll likely feel a small pinch or two, nothing more.
Myth #2: The Side Effects Aren’t Worth It
When you trust a trained, experienced cosmetic dermatologist with your dermal filler injections, side effects are rare. It’s when you opt for a “cost-effective” option from an inexperienced or worse, unlicensed injector that you run the risk of seeing those scary side effects you’ve been warned about. At Arijai, experience is the name of our game. It’s how we’ve earned our glowing, nationwide reputation, and it’s how we intend to keep it.
Myth #3: Dermal Fillers Have No Side Effects
True, dermal filler side effects are rare when administered by a trained professional. That said, any minimally invasive cosmetic procedure carries a minor level of risk.
In very rare cases, dermal filler recipients may develop a sore at the injection site, a nodule where the filler was administered, or a case of migrating filler—where the filler gradually travels away from the injection site to another location beneath the skin.
We’d like to emphasize that these instances are rare, and your doctor will discuss inherent risks with you during your initial consultation.
Myth #4: You’ll End Up With “Frozen Face”
We cannot stress this enough: Be very careful about who you trust to perform your dermal filler injections! A trained, experienced cosmetic dermatologist knows exactly how much filler to administer to achieve your desired effect. You’ll get a perfect dose for the look you’d like to achieve — no more, no less.
Unfortunately, the myth of the “frozen face” surfaced due to poor placement and overuse, which again, occurs when you place your face in the hands of a poorly trained professional. You will not look “frozen,” and your face will not be devoid of emotion—as long as you’ve done your research on the doctor performing your procedure!
Myth #5: If a Little Is Good, More Is Better
When you’re talking about dermal fillers, more is definitely not better — far from it, actually. Precision placement and the appropriate amount of filler for your unique aesthetic goals create the perfect outcome. At Arijai, we take the time to get to know you and your goals. Only then do we develop a completely custom protocol designed to meet your needs. You’ll never need to worry about “trout pout” here. Ever.
Myth #6: You Need Constant Touch Ups
This is flat-out false. Dermal fillers can last up to two full years, but here’s the caveat: the longevity of your fillers depends almost exclusively on the type of product you select. For more information on your options, check out our dermal fillers overview page or reach out to our team with your questions!
Myth #7: Anti-Aging Creams Achieve the Same Results
A high-quality anti-aging cream can help fend off a few fine lines, but in reality, no cream on the planet can compare to the dramatic, transformative effects dermal fillers deliver. While you should absolutely include high-quality skincare products in your daily routine, if you’re looking for a rapid and noticeable improvement, you won’t get that from topical products.
Check out What Areas of the Face Can Dermal Fillers Treat? to learn more.
Myth #8: Fillers Are Irreversible
False — with a caveat. If you get hyaluronic acid-based fillers (such as Juvederm or Restylane), these fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down temporary, HA-based filler. Plenty of people choose to dissolve their fillers for a variety of reasons, some of which include:
● Filler that doesn’t look quite right. Maybe there’s asymmetry, a lump somewhere, too much volume in a particular area, or something looks puffy. If you no longer like the look of your HA filler, you can get it dissolved and re-injected for better results.
● Complications with the filler. In some cases, an inflammatory nodule may develop three to four months after injections. This is typically due to something called an intravascular injection, which means the filler was inadvertently injected into a blood vessel. Sometimes, swelling from the filler can cause blood vessel compression, which may also result in the formation of a nodule.
● Starting with a clean slate. If you want a complete do-over of your HA filler, you can get all of it dissolved in a particular area. Some surgeries may also require you to dissolve the filler. When you get the green light from your physician, you can then start over with a clean slate and get your filler re-injected.
Myth #9: Permanent Fillers Are Better Than Temporary
Not necessarily true. The best type of filler for you, or anyone for that matter, will depend on individual goals. In some cases, a permanent filler may be a better option when looking to achieve long-lasting results that’ll stay put for five or more years.
However, it’s important to remember that permanent fillers are not decomposable. That means that your body will not break down these types of fillers as it does semi-permanent or temporary fillers. These types of fillers also cannot be dissolved by enzymatic products.
What types of filler are non-dissolvable? Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), polymethyl methacrylate (Bellafill), and poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra). None of these fillers are widely administered as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which fall into the temporary filler category.
Myth #10: Results Take a Long Time to Show Up
This is 100% false! Dermal fillers deliver immediate results, which continue to improve throughout the 24-48 hours after the injections. Not only can we confidently tell you this based on our in-office experience with many, many patients, but the American Academy of Dermatology says it’s true, too.
Myth #11: Dermal Fillers and Botox Are Basically the Same
False. Dermal fillers and Botox are only similar in that they’re both cosmetic injectables. Beyond that, they’re totally different. Botox works by preventing the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscle contractions. That’s how it prevents wrinkles from forming and controls their appearance and progression.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, work by adding volume beneath the surface of the skin. That’s how they smooth fine lines and wrinkles and give the appearance of a more youthful, full, and contoured face.
Check out Curious About Botox? Here’s What You Need to Know to learn more about the world’s most popular cosmetic injectable and how it works.
Considering Dermal Fillers? Get a Free Consultation at Arijai Aesthetics
At Arijai Aesthetics, we carefully formulate your cosmetic injectable protocol based on your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re dealing with the natural effects of aging or would simply like to add a little volume to your complexion, our skilled team is ready to help you make your vision a reality.
To learn more about our wide selection of cosmetic injectables or to find out if you’re a candidate for treatment, feel free to fill out our online form to request a free virtual consultation or reach out to our team at 952-435-0605.