During the last couple of decades, the popularity of dermal fillers is increased exponentially. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances to be injected beneath the skin. Dermal fillers approved by FDA, are used to rejuvenate the skin, restore the old volume, smooth lines, enhance the facial contour, and soften the creases. They are used to make a fuller appearance in the face that includes lips, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds (creases from the nose to the edges of mouth), and back of hands. Dermal fillers are naturally absorbed by the skin over time and cosmetic patients may need dermal fillers treatment again to maintain their desired look.

This blog is a complete guide about the history of Dermal fillers and their general overview. You will get to know the types and complexities of dermal fillers and their approved uses.

History of Dermal fillers

Injectable products to cure facial deformities have a history since the 1890s but dermal fillers made their debut in the 1970s in the market when bovine collagen was used to be injected beneath the skin. Bovine collagen especially collagen from cows was used as fillers. Zyderm and Zyplast were specific names used for these products. Bovine fillers also had side effects because they were foreign to the human body and caused swellings. These dermal fillers had no long-lasting effects but they are still in use. Bellafill is bovine collagen that is being used to treat nasolabial creases.

After bovine, human collagen fillers were introduced in the 2000s in the market. But after the discovery of hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen fillers were less used. Hyaluronic acid changes the game of dermal fillers because they are already part of the human body and have long-lasting effects. That’s why these dermal fillers gained more success and fame as compared to other dermal fillers that were used in past. Hyaluronic acid filler “Restylane” is the first filler introduced by Galderma. After this Allergen’s Juvederm made hyaluronic acid fillers.

Nowadays many types of dermal fillers are available. Some are semi-synthetic. Some dermal fillers are a mix of organic and non-organic materials, such as Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite fillers.

Lidocaine mixed dermal fillers were a major advance in the history of dermal fillers. They have a long-lasting effect. Dermal fillers have come a long way to this point that more than a million people use them every year for their facial features to smoothen lines, contour face, and plump lips.

Approved uses of Dermal Fillers

In aesthetic medicine, dermal fillers are the mainstay. FDA has approved the following uses of dermal fillers:

From age 22 to above
Temporary (absorbable) fillers are approved for every kind of wrinkles, nasolabial, lips, cheeks, and perioral folds.
Augmentation of cheeks, hands, lips
Permanent (non-absorbable) fillers are approved only for acne scars and nasolabial folds or creases.
To cure the facial fat loss in patients with HIV
To contour facial features and aging

Other uses of Dermal fillers

Following are some other uses of dermal fillers.

Breast augmentation
Increase the size of buttocks
Dermal fillers for neck, an area between eyebrows and around the eyes
Dermal fillers for the fullness of feet
Dermal fillers implant into tendon, muscles, ligament, or bone

Because these dermal fillers have side effects and can cause serious issues.

Advantages of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are also known as wrinkle fillers because they smooth the wrinkles.
They enhance the volume of sunken cheeks.
They restore the volume of temples.
Dermal fillers help in diminishing the vertical lip lines.
They enhance the lips and give them a plump look.
Dermal fillers help in smoothening the creases of the chin.
Dermal fillers enhance and improve facial features.

Complexities

As the number of performances is increasing, complications in bodies because of dermal fillers are also increasing. Following is the list of complications that are being reported:

Bruising due to dermal fillers

Bruising is the most common complication which occurs due to dermal fillers in cosmetic patients. It is treated with vitamin K creams and cold compresses after the procedure is completed.

Edema due to dermal fillers

This is swelling which usually occurs after every dermal filler injection and its treatment is the same as for bruising. But this reaction can be severe and can last for weeks.

Skin Discoloration due to dermal fillers

Immediate redness is normal after injecting dermal fillers but if this reaction persists for hours, it can cause a hypersensitivity reaction. This condition is called erythema and patients with rosacea have a higher risk of erythema. Vitamin K and medium-strength topical steroids are used to treat this condition.

Hyperpigmentation due to dermal fillers

Dermal fillers can cause hyperpigmentation after being injected. The first-line treatment for hyperpigmentation is the use of bleaching agents. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is cured with chemical peel but if it doesn’t work next step treatment can be IPL which is done by a pulsed dye LASOR or fractional LASER.

Dyspigmentation

After dermal filler injections, a bluish hue can appear on the skin. This reaction usually occurs after HA dermal fillers. Hyaluronidase is used to treat dys-pigmentation.

Infection

Different kinds of infections can occur after dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin. Infections mostly occur due to non-sterile needles, gauze, or injection sites. It can be bacterial, fungal, viral, or virulent late infections (biofilms).

Nodular Masses

Nodules can arise after dermal fillers injecting, they can be inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Antibiotics can be used to treat these masses.

Paresthesia

This is a very rare complication. Paresthesia is nerve damage. During injecting dermal fillers, a nerve can be pierced.

Vascular compromise

This condition can occur when a filler is injected into an artery or vein and can cause embolism stopping the blood flow.

Conclusion

Along with the beautiful advantages of dermal fillers, there are also some serious side effects. Anyone should consult a professional before getting any kind of treatment. Hopefully, this blog helps find you the history and general overview of dermal fillers.