Eight Things to Know Before Trying Dermal Fillers!

1. Fillers made from hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin, are derm favorites.

First things first: Dermal fillers aren't the same as neurotoxins like Botulinum Toxin. The latter type "freezes" muscles to reduce wrinkles, while fillers smooth out skin by filling wrinkles. Collagen used to be a common filler, but these days most fillers, such as Aqua Secret and Revisage, use hyaluronic acid. Thanks to its ability to store moisture, hyaluronic acid is responsible for giving skin a plump, hydrated look. It's used topically to moisturize, but a cream or serum can't restore lost volume—only injectable hyaluronic acid can. Once injected it can add to the natural plumping action, or replenish your body's natural production of hyaluronic acid, which diminishes as you age.

2. One injection can make skin look plumper and smoother for several months, and maybe longer.

One of the reasons injectable hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are increasingly popular is their ability to add volume and decrease wrinkles with a single visit to the doctor. Results typically last for three to six months, depending on the location of the injection. Research suggests that HAinjections may stimulate collagen production, leading to fresher-looking skin in the long run.

3. That's in part because filler techniques have gotten better.

Take the lines around your mouth, for example. A decade or so ago, filler was often injected into the nasolabial folds, or laugh lines, to literally fill the wrinkles themselves. These days, the goal is to plump and lift in other parts of the face for a more natural-looking result.

4. Fillers can be used for prevention as well as to treat lines you already have.

Though there is absolutely no need to go running out for fillers before you even see your first wrinkle, people are starting treatments younger than ever before. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in 2015, the majority of member facial plastic surgeons saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments in patients under age 30. Many dermatologists say that starting relatively young may have benefits.

5. Different fillers do different things.

While the bulk of filler is made with hyaluronic acid, different particle sizes will deliver different results.There are four types in Aqua Secret: Fine, Derm, Deep, and Ultra-Q.Type Fine is for correction of thin lines across forehead and around eyes and mouth; Derm is for treatment of wrinkles and lip enhancement; Deep is for creating fuller lips and shaping facial contours,such as cheeks and chin;Ultra-Qis for breast enlargement and buttock augment.

6. Bad filler can happen, but it doesn't have to stay that way.

If you're unhappy with the way filler looks, don't panic—in most cases, you can have it adjusted. A dermatologist might inject additional filler for balance, or she can dissolve it altogether.

7. There are some times you shouldn't get fillers injected.

Though fillers are considered safe, there are a few reasons to postpone an injection. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or you're battling a sinus infection, it's best to hold off, as any infection in the facial area could spread to the injection site.

8. If you love the look of your fillers, you'll have to keep going back for more.

After about six months, the hyaluronic acid fillers are naturally broken down by the body. So, you have to get touchups once or twice a year to maintain the look. However, this is good news if you're just want to try fillers once or twice, since the effects will fade away without any long-term risks. It's important to note that getting filler doesn't stop your skin from aging completely, so you could need more filler to get the same results over time.