Facial Filler

Facial filler is a minimally invasive medical aesthetic treatment applied to eliminate aesthetic imperfections and reduce the appearance of unwanted signs of aging by performing filler injections in areas such as the chin, cheekbones, eyes, and lips. New generation facial filler applications provide a volumizing and plumping effect on the epidermis layer of the skin. It ensures that the skin is supported against the effects of aging. Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli, who serves her patients in Istanbul, explained for you what facial filler is, why and how it is applied, what the possible side effects and advantages are, and what the prices are like.

What is Facial Filler?

Facial filler is a minimally invasive medical aesthetic treatment applied for the correction of imperfections such as scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss occurring in the skin. In points experiencing volume loss in the face, filler material is injected into the dermis layer of the skin, namely the subcutaneous tissues. Filler materials allow the face to regain its lost volume and ensure the skin looks smooth and aesthetic by filling the lines. The filler materials used consist of molecules that successfully integrate with subcutaneous tissues. With hyaluronic acid-based filler materials, it can be safely applied to the under-eye area, nasal bridge, nasal tip, cheekbones, between the eyebrows, forehead, and chin area.

Who Can Have Facial Filler?

Facial filler applications can be performed by any individual who has passed the growth stage, whose face has settled, and whose facial structure has taken its final form. Especially individuals with wrinkles, sagging, or lifelessness in their skin can achieve a healthier, younger-looking, and vibrant skin with filler applications.

Fillers cannot be performed on individuals with skin structures or disorders originating from the skin. It is particularly unsuitable for people who have an infection, acne, or open wound formations in the filler area to have facial fillers. There is no harm in performing the filler after these ailments are resolved.

Where is Facial Filler Used?

Facial filler applications are used in cases such as:

• Reducing sagging in the face
• Providing proportion to the face
• Bringing the shape closer to oval in cases where the face shape is round or square
• Reducing the effect of hollows and circles under the eyes
• Eyebrow lifting
• Eliminating lines between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and around the eyes
• Creating cheekbones
• Non-surgical rhinoplasty
• Eliminating lines around the nose
• Lip plumping
• Eliminating lines above the lips
• Lifting the corners of the lips
• Shaping the chin and jawbone
• Filling hollows caused by acne and scars, to create a more vibrant and healthy skin structure.

What are Facial Filler Substances?

The substances used in facial fillers include; hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite crystals, silicone, collagen, substances containing acrylic, and polyacrylamides.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, which triggers the formation of collagen—one of the main building blocks of body tissues—is the most commonly used type of filler today. Hyaluronic acid-based filler materials are obtained in a laboratory environment through the fermentation of a bacterial species called streptococcus. They are then purified, and cross-links are added to extend their residence time in the body. FDA-approved filler materials can rarely cause reactions. Due to the natural presence of hyaluronic acid in the body, the risk of these types of filler materials causing allergic reactions is also very low.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite Crystals

Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals, which provide a significant increase in collagen in the body, are extensively used to achieve healthier and smoother skin. Their frequency of use is increasing due to both their ability to be eliminated by the immune system and their high permanence. No side effects have been observed so far.

Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals are a thicker filler compared to hyaluronic acid-based filler materials. Therefore, they are extensively used for filling deep furrows in the face, facial shaping, lines around the nose, defining cheekbones, and structuring the chin and nose areas.

The fact that it causes both an increase in collagen and poses no risk of allergy makes it a preferred choice.

Silicone

Silicone has been used since the 1960s to eliminate wrinkles on the face. However, it lost its popularity due to the formation of non-healing wounds and hardness in applications. In recent years, it has been replaced by more natural facial filler substances.

Collagen

It began to be used extensively after the 1980s. Since its main source is bovine, it can sometimes cause allergies. Although a small amount is injected into the inner arm and tested to detect allergy, definitive results cannot be obtained. Collagen fillers are no longer performed due to both their low permanence and the potential to cause allergies.

Acrylic-containing Substances and Polyacrylamides

These are filler materials consisting of synthetic substances. Although they have long-term permanence of 3-5 years, because they are synthetic substances, they can cause allergic reactions, ulcers, and foreign body reactions. Therefore, they have a very limited area of use.

What Conditions Should an Ideal Facial Filler Substance Meet?

Ideal facial filler substances should:

• Pose no risk of allergy
• Contain no chemical substances
• Not migrate to different areas
• Not form particles
• Not cause pain
• Not cause swelling
• Not cause infection
• Have long permanence
• Not cause deformations in the embryo.

What to Know Before Having Facial Filler

Plump cheeks and a radiant, smooth skin. Some of us may be lucky enough to have these naturally. However, for those of us who are not as lucky, reaching this result is easier today than ever before. Dermatology and medical aesthetics can provide plump, tight, moist, and smooth skin to anyone who desires it.

Facial filler can be long-lasting and can create natural and aesthetic results without damaging the skin.

Filler materials produced from the hyaluronic acid substance, which is already naturally present in the human body, are the most popular filler materials.

For example, in past years, collagen was a very commonly used filler material. However, today, hyaluronic acid-based substances are the first choice. Hyaluronic acid stands out because it increases the skin's moisture-holding capacity and adds radiance along with fullness.

Apart from this, it is also utilized to moisturize the skin through topical methods. Hyaluronic acid also eliminates volume loss. It brings the amount of hyaluronic acid, which begins to decrease gradually with advancing age, back to healthy levels. Its results can be permanent for 6 to 9 months.

How is Facial Filler Applied?

Before the procedure, the area to be treated is numbed with local anesthesia. Therefore, no pain or ache is felt during the operation. Subsequently, filler materials are applied under the skin using needles or micro-cannulas. Recently, the use of micro-cannulas in these applications has increased. Since micro-cannulas do not cause nerve or vascular damage, they both lower the risk of complications and prevent the formation of bruising and edema because entry is made from a single point.

Recommendations After Facial Filler

Many people return to their daily routines following the treatment. However, in some, situations such as redness, needle marks, swelling, or bruising can be experienced. Such effects are especially more common in lip fillers. Therefore, recommendations for after facial filler are as follows:

• Applying makeup should be avoided for the first 24 hours following treatment.
• Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed for the first 24 hours, and heavy exercises should be avoided.
• Movements that will apply pressure to the injection site should be avoided during the first week following treatment.
• Sunbathing or situations of extreme heat or extreme cold should be avoided until two weeks later.
• It is known that contrary behaviors increase effects such as swelling and bruising or slow down their passing.
• It may be necessary to wait 4 weeks for the final results to be seen.
• Bruises will disappear within ten days at the latest.
• You should not have dental treatments within 4 weeks after facial filler.
• If you experience a result such as intense pain, mottling, or color change in your skin after facial filler, you should immediately contact your doctor and the clinic.

How Does the Facial Filler Procedure Work?

Dermal filler materials lift and plump certain areas of the face, ultimately allowing it to gain a smoother, tighter, and more radiant appearance. Facial filler is frequently sought for sagging skin problems. However, how the procedure works essentially depends on the type of filler materials. To explain the available options and how they affect the procedure:

Hyaluronic Acid

It is the most frequently used filler material. It acts by drawing fluid to the point on the person's face that needs to be lifted. The fact that it does not cause allergic reactions, increases the moisture capacity of the skin, and its effect is permanent for 9 months to 1 year makes hyaluronic acid the most attractive option.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting acts by injecting fat taken from the patient's own body into the area to be filled. The effect of such applications lasts for an extremely long time.

Polymer – Sculptra

Such filler material brands are obtained from the polymer substance, which is biodegradable and synthetically produced. This material, the choice of those seeking a long-lasting effect, can maintain its effect for up to 2 years.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite

This substance is a filler material that can stop the formation of wrinkles and the aging of the skin for up to a year.

Bovine Collagen

Filler materials produced from bovine collagen may inherently show allergenic effects on some people. Therefore, the individual should undergo an allergy test at least 4 weeks before the treatment.

Microscopic Plastic Beads

In filler applications using bovine collagen, the results do not carry a permanent quality. It is mixed with microscopic plastic bubbles to increase the effect duration of the treatment and extend it up to five years.

Permanent Soft Tissue

In this filler, action is taken to eliminate deep wrinkles around the mouth. This type of filler material is not absorbed by the body. Therefore, there is no need to repeat the injection. Permanent soft tissue filler is generally not recommended by physicians as the initial filler material.

Facial filler should be applied by an expert plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or medical aesthetic doctor. The filler application procedures are largely similar. First, the person's facial area is placed under local anesthesia. When the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor injects the filler material into the lower layer of the skin from previously determined points. If fat grafting is to be used, fat must be taken from the patient's body beforehand.

Each procedure will be completed in an average time frame of 15 minutes.

Duration of Facial Filler Injections

Although the average duration of facial filler applications is 15 minutes, the duration may vary according to the width of the treated area, the person's skin structure, and the amount of filler material. While there is no downtime, the return of patients to their daily life routines is extremely fast. However, it is still necessary to avoid heavy exercises, hot steamy environments, and the harmful rays of the sun in the first 24 hours.

Expected Results in Facial Filler

As a result of facial filler treatment, it is aimed for the procedure performed and the filler material used to temporarily improve surface defects in the skin. The time required for the results to become definitively observable may vary according to the product used, its amount, and the person's skin structure.

When facial fillers are only injected into the skin, there is no need for any healing time or downtime. They are extremely fast, easy, and comfortable treatments for the patient. Individuals can return to their vital routines immediately as long as they are protected from strenuous activities and the harmful rays of the sun. It should be underlined that symptoms developing due to facial filler will disappear spontaneously within a few days.

What are the Side Effects of Facial Filler?

The face is both one of the most sensitive skin parts and the visible organ that affects a person's social and community life. Therefore, applications to be performed on the face must definitely be done by expert and experienced individuals. How much filler will be given to the face, and which technique and filler material will be used are very important. Although filler applications are safe, they can cause bruising or redness in some cases. If these effects are severe, there is a risk of tissue damage. To avoid encountering such negative situations, it is necessary to have the application performed by doctors who are experts in their field.

Possible Risks and Complications

Facial filler sessions can trigger the formation of some symptoms. A significant portion of these are normal and self-passing effects. They will disappear spontaneously within 3 to 5 days after the procedure. These effects include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling.

If symptoms do not pass and gradually worsen, you must consult your doctor without delay. Long-term effects include:

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Allergic reactions showing effects such as rashes, swelling, hives, and similar
• Flu
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nodules and granulomas occurring in the treatment area.

Apart from this, some serious complications can be seen, even if rarely. Serious complications that may arise when applied by inexperienced and non-expert individuals are as follows:

• Vision loss caused by a blood clot in the retinal artery
• Blood poisoning
• Abscess
• Anaphylactic shock
• Necrosis or breakdown of the skin.

Patients must show maximum care and attention in the choice of doctor and clinic. The headings you can pay attention to in this regard are that the filler material used is approved by the Ministry of Health, the successful operations the doctor and clinic have performed in the past, and their approach to patient health.

How Long is the Permanence of Facial Filler?

The permanence of the facial filler performed varies according to the lifespan of the filler substance, the area treated, and the individual. Everyone's facial and skin structure is different. Therefore, filler substances are used according to the individual. While the permanence of cheek filler lasts 1-2 years, lip filler varies between 6-12 months or 12-24 months.

Provinces Where We Provide Facial Filler Service

Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli provides facial filler services in her Istanbul-based clinic to many patients coming from various provinces of Turkey and from different parts of the world to our country within the scope of health tourism.

A Good Filler is Invisible

Appearances such as duck lips or trout pout are results where the filler procedure can be clearly seen. However, it should be stated that this means the filler application was unsuccessful. This is because the most successful filler is the one that is invisible or, in other words, looks natural.

If You Are Not Satisfied with a Previously Performed Filler, You Do Not Have to Stay This Way

If you are not satisfied enough with the appearance of the filler you had, there is no need to worry or panic. In many cases, it is possible to correct or reverse filler procedures.

The specialist physician can perform an additional filler injection if necessary to provide balance or can solve the problem entirely. Especially hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be easily dissolved if desired.

In Some Cases, Filler Should Not Be Injected

Filler substances are safe under normal conditions. However, there are still situations where it is more correct to postpone the injection. The most important of these are pregnancy or breastfeeding periods. Apart from this, if you are experiencing a sinus infection, you should postpone the filler injection.

Another situation where facial filler should be postponed is before dental cleaning or other dental treatments. If you are considering having a dental treatment, it is beneficial to postpone the facial filler to a later date.

If You Liked the Appearance of Your Fillers, You Need to Repeat Them for Longevity

After a six-month period, hyaluronic acid-based fillers begin to be absorbed by your body. The effect of the filler decreases. Therefore, to protect your results, you need to repeat them once a year. After each repetition, the lifespan of the filler results will also extend.

Filler procedures cannot eliminate the imperfections on your face forever. Therefore, you will need to renew them at necessary periods.

Why Doctor Lida Çiteli

Doctor Lida Çiteli Medical Aesthetic Clinic is an organization managed to provide health services of universal quality with a professional team, acting with high-level technical equipment. Our organization, which acts with a patient-oriented approach and medical ethics, ensures you achieve healthy, sterile, aesthetic, and natural results. We adopt it as a working principle to attend to all questions and problems of our patients and clients before and after treatment. You too can have facial filler with Doctor Lida Çiteli for smooth, youthful, plump, and radiant skin.

Facial Filler Prices

Facial filler prices can vary according to the doctor performing the application, the type of filler applied, the brand, amount, and quality of the filler, the health center where the application is performed, and the city where the application is performed. Low-priced applications may mean poor quality filler. For this reason, it is beneficial to research the center, the doctor who will perform the application, the brand, and the quality of the filler when having a filler done.

Provinces Where We Provide Facial Filler Services

Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli provides facial filler services to patients from different provinces of Turkey and also to patients from different parts of the world within the scope of health tourism in her clinic based in Istanbul.