FILLING YOUR FACE: THE DOs & DON’Ts OF DERMAL FILLERS

“Everything in moderation” is good advice. If you treat fillers like a tool — knowing when, where, and how much to use — there are undoubtedly benefits. However, fillers have now become trendy to the point of overuse, which can be problematic.

How they work

Fillers are injectables that plump up your face with the aim of smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, so target areas include the eyes, mouth, cheeks and nose. For older skin that retains less collagen and therefore less elasticity, the results are immediate and can last for years — but a good dermatologist will (and should) dissuade anyone from using fillers if there is no need.

The fine line of self-perception

For some people, cosmetic “touch-ups” like fillers become almost addictive, and can feed a mental health disorder known as body dysmorphia, whereby perceived physical flaws become overwhelming to the point of obsession. Patients with this disorder — and sadly, we have seen an uptick in the condition since COVID, when social interaction relied heavily on cameras — may turn to cosmetic procedures to fix their perceived imperfections. While this may provide temporary relief, the anxiety almost always returns, creating a vicious cycle.

This type of distorted self-image affects ageing women just as easily as it does young girls. Media is a powerful driver, and many consumers are tricked into thinking celebrities actually look flawless in real life, not understanding that their “perfection” is achieved through a combination of professional makeup, studio lighting, filters and image manipulation.

Dangers of overuse

Permanent damage

There are consequences to consistently undergoing this degree of cosmetic treatment, the most obvious of which is disfigurement. In the desperate search for one very narrow definition of beauty, many women end up scarring themselves and, quite ironically, achieving the exact opposite of what they had hoped for.

While subtle enhancements can achieve wonderful, natural-looking results, going overboard can make your face appear waxy and disproportionate. The natural facial structure becomes so deeply buried that the face becomes puffy and distorted. Sometimes, overfilling damages the face’s natural symmetry to the extent that it becomes impossible to regain that balance.

Physical and mental side effects

As with any medical procedure, the use of dermal fillers comes with risks, including allergic reactions, bruising and potential scarring. The weight and density of excessive fillers can put pressure on facial tissue, leading to discomfort — and in extreme cases, pain and nerve damage. Overfilling can also wield negative psychological effects on self-esteem.

Lack of expression

A potential consequence of overfilling is the restriction of muscle movement, which in the face is closely linked to communication. The result? That “Stepford Wives” look — a type of artificial, almost plastic appearance that makes it almost impossible to visually convey genuine emotion.

Cost

While subtle procedures can be beneficial, too much of a good thing will inevitably end up being good for nothing — including your pocket. When filling becomes a hamster wheel, the financial commitment can wreak havoc on your bank account. You also pay in terms of time, as these procedures often require multiple appointments and some measure of downtime.

How to win the dermal filler game

The trick is to remain in charge of your choices. Through a combination of moderation and trusted, professional advice that takes your specific concerns into account, you can navigate cosmetic enhancements with logic and grace.

If you make the decision to try fillers, it’s important to manage your expectations. Whether you love the result, or expected a more dramatic change, it’s easy to assume that more equals better, or even younger. In the case of all cosmetic procedures, though, it boils down to each person’s unique experience — and we often find that less is more.

There is no one standard of beauty, and your health and well-being should always be priority number one. Embracing yourself in all your unique diversity and imperfection is one of the most powerful statements of self-acceptance there is. Beauty standards that produce cookie cutter looks soon fall away. Originality — and being comfortable in your own skin — that’s the type of beauty that endures.