Filler

Fillers can be applied to many areas of the face, depending on need. These can be summarized as follows: the forehead, temples, brow crease, crow's feet, upper eyelids, under-eye area, nose, cheekbones, nasolabial folds between the nose and cheeks, lips, corners of the mouth, jawline, and tip of the chin. They can also be used to correct existing asymmetries.

Fillers can be classified as temporary or permanent. However, permanent fillers are not preferred due to their poor compatibility with the body and high risk of complications.

The most commonly used filler is hyaluronic acid. This substance is FDA-approved. It's a substance found in connective tissue in our bodies whose function is to retain water. This mechanism moisturizes and adds volume to the areas where it's applied. Because hyaluronic acid fillers are injections of a substance already present in the body, they don't cause any allergic reactions.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers are available. These are denser fillers. They stimulate collagen production and last longer than hyaluronic acid. They do not cause any allergic reactions. A single session is not recommended, and the effects, which stimulate collagen production, are noticeable after 4-6 weeks.

First, the appropriate filler material is selected based on the patient's needs. Then, a local anesthetic cream is applied to the area to be treated and left in place for 20-30 minutes. Because newer-generation fillers also contain a local anesthetic, the procedure is painless thanks to the cream's effects. For those with increased sensitivity to pain, nerve blocks can be administered to completely numb the area.

The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on the application area and the amount applied. It can be performed using a needle or cannula. The effects are immediate.

It is not recommended to enter very hot environments, such as saunas or Turkish baths, on the same day as the procedure. Strenuous exercise should be avoided on the same day. It is recommended to avoid hot beverages for 2-3 hours after oral and lip filler surgery. The patient can return to their normal routine the following day.

There may be minimal swelling and bruising at the injection site. This usually subsides within a week.

We can divide the more serious complications of filler application into two: those originating from the injected substance or those originating from the injection site.

If the substance used is a high-quality, certified product, complications such as allergies and other product-related complications are unlikely. However, serious complications have been reported after using low-quality, cheap, or unidentified products.

Complications arising from the injection site can be minimized with the practitioner's training, care, and experience. Fillers should not be injected into nerves or veins. Catastrophic outcomes, such as facial decay or blindness, have been reported after injections administered by unqualified individuals, especially in areas rich in blood vessels and nerves and with complex anatomy, such as the face. However, despite all precautions, such complications are very rare due to the wide variation in anatomy between individuals. We provide detailed information during the examination.

Light filler is a combination of filler and mesotherapy. These products contain amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, along with hyaluronic acid, and are specifically formulated for the under-eye area. In addition to filling in the hollows under the eyes, they also add moisture and elasticity to the skin, reducing dark circles.

The duration of effect of hyaluronic acid fillers varies depending on the applied area and the cross-linking and particle size of the filler, but on average it varies between 6 and 18 months.

Calcium hydroxy apatite fillings are effective for an average of 15 months, while poly-L-lactic acid fillings are effective for an average of 2 years.