Even if you haven’t tried injectable fillers yet, you probably know someone who has. These popular products add soft volume to areas throughout the face, creating youthful contours and filling in deeper lines. But there are still a number of common misconceptions about filler treatments. We hear them often in our cosmetic surgery practice near Toronto. Let’s explore and debunk some of the most common ones.
Myth #1: Anyone can administer them
Fillers are injectable products, and they need to be administered with care. To get the attractive results you want, it’s best to see a medical professional with a deep knowledge of facial anatomy for your filler treatment. It’s also important that your chosen provider understands the various fillers available today, as they’re all a bit different from one another. Some are more suited for certain concerns than others. The right provider, ideally a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, can artfully and conservatively place fillers in a way that creates attractive and natural-looking results.
Myth #2: It won’t look natural
Piggybacking on my previous point, the results of fillers can absolutely look natural and beautiful by choosing a qualified provider. In our practice, we use a light hand to administer fillers until they look just right, avoiding an obviously artificial-looking result.
Myth #3: If I don’t like it, I’ll be stuck with it
Absolutely false! Injectable fillers are not permanent, which is part of their appeal to many patients. Depending on the product, your result may last for more than a year. However, over time the body naturally metabolizes the filler and the results gradually fade. In the unlikely event that you are very dissatisfied with your results, hyaluronic acid (the active ingredient in most fillers) can be dissolved with injections of an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Myth #4: It will be painful
Most filler products come formulated with lidocaine, a very common anesthetic that’s used throughout the medical community. This minimizes the pinch associated with injections, although you will still feel a bit of discomfort. In our practice, we take additional measures to prevent discomfort, including topical anesthetics and ice to render an area temporarily numb. First-time patients are generally quite surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.
Myth #5: Any filler can be placed anywhere
The different varieties of fillers available today aren’t simply a product of marketing. Each product is formulated differently, with a variety of viscosities, molecular sizes, and more. An experienced injector understands the subtle differences between these products and can customize your treatment based on the specific concerns you want to treat.
Myth #6: You’ll have to wait a while to see the results
The beauty of fillers is that they instantly plump up wrinkles, which means that you’ll be ready to show off your new face as soon as your appointment is over. Some swelling is possible, but generally speaking, the results you see after your treatment are the results you’ll have long-term.
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