Fillers Specialist
At MINTS Medical, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad and his team offer Fillers. Give us a call or book a free consult online to schedule an appointment.
Fillers Q & A
WHAT ARE FILLERS?
Fillers are products that are injected in the face or in some cases other parts of the body to enhance the contours and to shape those parts of the body.
HOW DO FILLERS WORK?
In majority of cases, fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid which naturally occurs in the body (Juvederm, Belletero, etc). Hyaluronic Acid based fillers enhance the body contours and are metabolized by the body in a natural way. Based on how the Hyaluronic Acid based fillers are manufactured, they can be soft or firm in consistency and can last form a few months to little over a year. Different consistencies are best suited for different purposes.
Some fillers (Radiesse) have Calcium Hydroxyapatite which an inert substance and does not react with the body chemically and therefore does not disintegrate. Calcium Hydroxyapatite forms a matrix around which body deposits collagen which leads to long term results seen with these kinds of fillers.
Some fillers (Sculptra) have Poly L Lactic Acid which stimulate collagen formation by your own body. These fillers do not show an immediate result like other fillers but the results last 3-5 years.
Poly Methyl Methacrylate based fillers (Bella Fill) acts like Radiesse. Poly Methyl Methacrylate particles are inert and do not react with the body, however they act as nidus for collagen growth around them and have long lasting results.
Fat is also used as fillers in may cases especially for large volumes like breasts and buttocks where fat sucked out during liposuction is injected sometimes mixed with PRP to enhance breast or buttock contours. Since fat is your own, it has the least likely to cause complications.
ARE FILLERS SAFE?
In general, fillers are very safe as they are formed of Hyaluronic Acid which is a naturally occurring substance in your body and in cases of fillers not made by Hyaluronic Acid, they are composed of inert substances which do not react with the body.
Infection is a very rare complication. In some cases, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction can occur which should be treated aggressively.
HOW LONG DO FILLERS LAST?
In general, Hyaluronic Acid based fillers last form a couple of months up to a little over a year depending on their molecular structure and consistency.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite based fillers last up to little over a year or a little longer.
Both Sculptra and Bella Fill are claimed to last up to 5 years.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FILLER TREATMENT?
- Please avoid any medication or over the counter supplements that may increase your tendency to bleed for a week before the treatment.
- It is best to avoid topical products like Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid and anti-aging products prior to the treatment.
- If you have had Herpes in the treatment area, please let us know before your appointment so we can prescribe anti-viral treatment.
- Fillers should not be injected in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER TREATMENT?
- Apply ice to the injection site.
- Do not exercise, use sauna, steam room, take a hot bath or drink alcohol for the rest of the day.
- Do not rub the area injected.
- Take it easy for the rest of the day and try not to sleep on your face or side that night.
- Make a follow up appointment before leaving.
- Avoid procedures like microdermabrasion, chemical peels etc. for 3-4 days after Botox.
