Are Wrinkle Fillers an Alternative to Plastic Surgery?
Dermal fillers and plastic surgery are indeed two very different things so why does this debate of one being another's alternative arise? It is because the end goals of both are the same. Whether you are choosing wrinkle fillers or plastic surgery, you ultimately do it to improve your skin's condition and appearance.
To answer the question, dermal fillers can’t be an effective alternative to plastic surgery but it can be an ideal choice for some people who do not want to undergo invasive procedures.
Dermal fillers or Plastic surgery – Which to Choose?
While the goal is the same for both procedures, the steps involved are different, and also the results. To make an informed decision, you should be clear about what each procedure entails, the ingredients used, and the results that can be expected. Here is everything that you need to know about dermal fillers and plastic surgeries.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable fillers used for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. Wrinkle fillers make you look younger by smoothening your skin.
How Does a Filler Work?
After you have consulted your dermatologist and have chosen the right filler, the ingredients are injected into the target area of your skin. These dermal fillers stimulate collagen production thus plumping up the skin. This makes the wrinkles and fine lines less visible and offers a youthful look.
The procedure will be done in about 30 minutes and then you can continue with your regular day. The patient may experience very few side effects like redness, swelling or bruising that should go away in a week or two.
Also Read: Things to Know About Anti-Wrinkle Fillers
Types of Fillers
There are different types of fillers and the right one would be recommended by the professional after considering the result you expect from the treatment.
The fillers are divided based on the main ingredient used and each offers unique results. For example, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be used in the most delicate areas of the face and the effect stays for 6 months to one year.
On the other hand, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are thicker than hyaluronic acid fillers and can be used for deeper creases and folds. The effect can last up to 18 months.
If you want a filler with minimum risk, then you should choose polylactic acid-based fillers since the substance is 100% biocompatible. It stimulates collagen production and lasts up to 2 years.
Plastic Surgery
When it comes to plastic surgery for the face, a facelift and a forehead lift are the two most common procedures.
A facelift involves tightening the facial muscles by removing excess fat. This results in stretching of the skin which gives a smoother and firmer look. People who have severe sagging are usually recommended a facelift.
Forehead lift involves surgical removal of excess skin and fat in the forehead area. This tightens the muscles in the forehead and corrects sagging brows and deep furrows. A forehead lift is often paired with a facelift to offer an overall improved appearance.
Also Read: Wrinkles – Causes and Treatments
The Final Judgment
Both dermal fillers and plastic surgeries are unique in their ways and you will have to choose one based on which would work best for you. Having a discussion with your doctor about the problem that you want to address with these procedures and the results you expect will help you make a choice.
For example, if you have severely sagging skin, then a facelift is often recommended. But if the skin laxity can simply be addressed by restoring some lost volume, then dermal fillers can help you get a younger look.
Some patients might not want to undergo surgical procedures. In such cases, too, dermal fillers might be a good alternative since the procedure is non-invasive.
In terms of cost, dermal fillers score since they are less expensive than plastic surgery. But the catch is the results achieved from dermal fillers are not long-lasting. You would need to get repeated procedures to maintain the look which is not the case with plastic surgery.
Rani MD
Dermal fillers have to be administered by certified professionals to avoid any risk. If you are looking for an aesthetic clinic with trained professionals, then we are here for you. Check out our website here.
- Jun 09, 2023