Dermal Filler

As we age, the production of our skin’s natural support structures diminish. Over time, those structures such as collagen and hyaluronic acid begin to disappear, resulting in wrinkles. Despite claims by both popular and luxury brands, no wrinkle cream on the market can even come close to lifting, filling or plumping wrinkles the way an injectable dermal filler can.

Dermal fillers can address many skincare and aging-related concerns by adding volume back into the face. These injectable treatments are typically used in the early stages of aging before surgery is necessary. Dermal fillers can be used to:
Help plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, add volume to the cheeks, soften facial creases around the mouth, remove under-eye wrinkles, soften creases around the nose, improve the appearance of acne scars, and more.

Traditionally, dermal fillers have been injected using sharp tip needles, but it’s been known to cause more severe bruising, swelling, and pain amongst other uncomfortable and potentially dangerous reactions. Because of these reasons, I have decided to incorporate the use of cannulas as a primary choice in my office whenever possible. There are some areas when a needle is more precise and maybe used in place of a cannula. 

The blunt tip cannula approach is a safe, less painful option than the traditional needle approach, and the results are just as stunning. Keep reading to learn the difference between these two injection methods.

Decreased Risk of Bleeding and Bruising: Sharp needles are capable of piercing veins and arteries beneath the skin. Since blunt cannulas simply push aside any arteries and veins encountered beneath the skin, there’s a reduced risk of bleeding and bruising.

Safer Option: When using needles for filler injections, one of the potential complications is accidentally injecting filler into an artery, which can cause tissue death, or in extreme cases, blindness. Cannulas do not pierce arteries, so they offer a much safer option.

Minimal Downtime: Injections with needles can cause swelling and bruising during the procedure, and they often are associated with some social downtime. Since the cannula injection method cuts down on swelling and bruising, you’re able to go about your life with less downtime post-procedure.

The full recovery time from dermal filler treatment varies patient to patient. Generally, recovery lasts one to two days. Most patients are available to return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. In fact, some people schedule their treatment during their lunchtime hour and return to work right after. There are very few restrictions with dermal fillers. However, vigorous exercise should be avoided for the first day or two to allow the filler product to settle into place and the skin to heal with as little swelling and bruising as possible.

Schedule a consultation to discuss whether Dermal Filler is right for you.