Dr. Jennifer Salsberg
MD, MSc, FRCPC, DABD
Board Certified Dermatologist, Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology
Hyaluronic acid dermal filler is safe, non-permanent, and can create natural-looking results — and yet, filler misconceptions abound.
If you’re intrigued by but also wary of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, you’re not alone. Dermal filler offers the promise of helping us look like our best selves —but is it safe, and will you still look like yourself?
In short, yes. “Hyaluronic acid dermal filler can be used for a whole host of different purposes, although they’re most commonly used to restore volume loss in the face,” says Dr. Jennifer Salsberg, a board-certified dermatologist who runs AvenueMD, a Toronto based cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery practice.
Dermal fillers are commonly made up of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. They can help reduce signs of aging, like wrinkles and folds – and unlike more invasive procedures like plastic surgery, hyaluronic acid dermal filler isn’t permanent. It’s a customizable, reversible treatment that can provide personalized, natural-looking results that emphasize the unique beauty of each person. It may even achieve results your topical skincare and makeup can’t, especially in delicate areas like beneath your eyes.
If you’re one of the 63% of Canadians who worry about dark circles and hollows beneath their eyes, you know that concealer and eye creams don’t always fix the problem. The new Restylane Eyelight was designed to brighten up the eyes and can help us look like our best selves — bright, refreshed, and glowing.
Expecting to get the same results with skincare products or believing that dermal filler always looks unnatural are just a couple of the misconceptions swirling around.
Myth-Busting the Top 5 Most Common Misconceptions about Filler
1
Dermal filler is a permanent and irreversible procedure, like plastic surgery.
Not only is dermal filler non-permanent, it can also be reversed (via dissolving agents) if you’re not happy with the results.
2
You can always tell when someone has filler because it doesn’t look natural.
With the right doctor and the right product, natural results are absolutely achievable. The overly plumped look is out — today, it’s all about barely there enhancements.
3
Dermal filler isn’t safe or sustainable long-term.
Dermal filler has been proven to be safe and effective, including for long-term use. Restylane, the original aesthetic hyaluronic acid filler, has been used globally for over 25 years and has a legacy of safety and efficacy, with 55 million treatments worldwide.
4
You can get the same results with anti-aging skincare products.
Unfortunately, topical skincare products simply can’t deliver the same high-impact results as dermal filler. Topicals sit on top on your skin, only masking a problem, while dermal filler goes beneath the skin to address issues like fine lines, volume loss or dark circles.
5
All dermal filler is the same, so it doesn’t matter which brand you use.
There are many brands and types of dermal filler on the market, and they’re not all created equally. Fillers vary in chemical makeup, longevity, and degree of softness. Make sure to opt for a reputable brand.
Learn more about the Restylane portfolio of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, or find a doctor right for you.
