Many individuals are becoming aware of how versatile cosmetic dermal fillers may be when it comes to regaining lost facial volume, and filling lines and wrinkles. Although acne scars cannot be removed, dermal fillers can lessen their size and depth, which will enhance their appearance. Fillers restore lost volume to fill in and raise depressed scars, giving the skin a smoother appearance. Dermal fillers work well when applied precisely to acne scarring in particular.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected into the damaged regions to treat acne scars and raise atrophic or depressed scars. They are frequently referred to as soft-tissue fillers. The majority of fillers are made of skin-safe, biocompatible natural and synthetic materials.

They not only improve the skin’s texture and encourage the creation of collagen, but they also lift and plump the skin to repair the damage brought on by inflammatory acne.

Dermal fillers help with diminishing facial wrinkles and restoring the fullness and volume of the face. Subcutaneous fat on our faces naturally decreases with age. Smile lines and crow’s feet are more noticeable since the facial muscles are used more closely to the skin’s surface. This loss of facial volume is exacerbated by the slight stretching of the facial skin. Sun exposure, genes, and lifestyle are additional factors that have an impact on the skin of the face.

How do dermal fillers work?                                                                                     

Enhance recessed scars appearance

Improvement of shallow contours

Make the facial wrinkles and creases softer

Reconstructing facial contour flaws

What kinds of dermal fillers are available?

Calcium hydroxylapatite

Radiesse is one of the brands.

This kind of dermal filler is known for producing a highly natural-looking outcome, doesn’t migrate, and rarely causes side effects. Increase the volume of the cheekbones and other facial features. Restore volume when there has been facial wasting, as can happen in HIV-positive persons using certain drugs.

Hyaluronic acid

Captique, Elevess, and Hylaform are examples of brands.

Hyaluronic acid injections can improve the contour of the skin and decrease depressions brought on by scars, traumas, or lines. You can witness potentially significant changes in your acne scars and cheek depressions.

Polyalkylimide

Some brands are: Aquamid

Plastic surgeons frequently use a semi-permanent dermal filler called polyalkylimide to treat deeper wrinkles like nasolabial folds, sunken scars, and thin lips.

Polylactic acid

Brands like Sculptra are examples.

Your face is injected with a synthetic dermal filler called polylactic acid to promote the body’s normal collagen production. A stimulator is the name given to this kind of dermal filler.

Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA)

Some brands are: Bellafill

The most typical applications for PMMA, a semi-permanent filler, are the treatment of medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds, and furrows, especially nasolabial folds. Moreover, it can be used to thicken thin lips and fill out scars with pits.

PMMA was utilised by Carvalho et al. (2009) to correct cosmetic defects; this study also examined the use of PMMA for depressed acne scars. Name brand: Artefill.

PMMA was injected over the course of 1-4 sessions, with a 40–60 day recovery period. They discovered that it was effective, lasting, and safe.

Bellafill for Scars from Acne

Bovine collagen and polymethylmethacrylate are mixed to form Bellafill. This FDA-approved dermal filler contains 20% polymethylmethacrylate and 80% collagen. Acne scars can be quickly treated with the collagen component, and they can be permanently restored using polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. Bellafill’s results might last up to five years, which is its main benefit.

Bellafill, formerly known as Artefill, received FDA approval in 2014 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheek in patients over the age of 21. Bellafill is now the first medical device for the treatment of acne scars to receive FDA approval.

Treating acne scars with dermal fillers

With the injection of fillers, the scarred area fills out and rises to the same level as the surrounding skin. The needle punctures the skin, triggering the skin’s healing reaction, which promotes collagen formation after injection and improves skin texture and scarring.

Dermal fillers are most frequently used to smooth out lines and wrinkles, but they can make depressed acne scars look better. The PMMA microspheres, in contrast to other forms of dermal fillers, stay in place after your skin absorbs the collagen, which helps in promoting the creation of your own natural collagen for a longer-lasting result.

ARE THE OUTCOMES LONG-LASTING?

Results from dermal fillers for acne scars are transient. The type of filler used will determine how frequently the procedure must be repeated to maintain results. Each patient receives treatment at a different interval.

The best outcomes are frequently achieved with a combination of therapy approaches for more severe acne scars. For better outcomes, fillers can be used in conjunction with laser therapy or radiofrequency microneedling.

Treatment Method

A dermatologist performs a patch test on a patient before the procedure to rule out any allergies to the filler.

The dermatologist will first mark the areas of your face that will get filler injections.

The dermatologist will give local anaesthesia before the session.

A tiny amount of filler will be precisely injected by the dermatologist into the afflicted area or depressed scar beneath the skin using a thin needle.

If more than one part of the face is needed, the process will be repeated.

The entire procedure lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and the skin is washed once more following the session.

In some instances, you can observe the effects right away, and the affected area’s deep scars’ skin volume is recovered.

Fillers for acne scars: Side Effects and Potential Risks

Dermal fillers may cause moderate side effects, much like any procedure, but they normally go away after a day or two.

Swelling, bruising, and redness are normal side effects of injections, and they normally go away on their own.

Lumping: In rare instances, fillers may cause an inflammatory reaction that results in lumping at the injection site. Pre-treatment assessment is essential for preventing this.

Displacement: The fillers may shift or displace beneath the skin, causing the skin to develop hard lumps or bumps that give the area an uneven appearance.

Bleeding: If the filler is injected incorrectly, bleeding could occur.

Dermal fillers are one of several non-invasive cosmetic procedures that are safe, efficient, and a fantastic choice for many people. It is your responsibility to make sure you select the right individual to administer this treatment; doing so will guarantee you the finest outcomes and a sense of safety and security, knowing the practitioner can efficiently minimise any side effects and difficulties.

For skin with scars and pits, fillers are a fantastic treatment. Get a visit with a skilled, experienced dermatologist to discuss your needs and all of your alternatives if you’re curious about what dermal fillers can do to improve the appearance of your acne scars.