Fillers – Can They Make a Person Happy?

It often seems like the main purpose of having fillers placed in the face is to change the appearance of a person. Having said that, there are also times when the changes in the appearance of a person are done for more than aesthetic reasons. Many patients are looking to alter or enhance their look to become happier with their appearance. Fillers accomplish more than simply refreshing or revitalizing the facial appearance of a person. They also help to increase the self-esteem of a patient and give them an extra boost of confidence.

Fillers – Is There a Connection Between Injectables and Happiness?

It has often been said that getting cosmetic work performed on the face is equal to the person showing they love and respect themselves. It has also been said that cosmetic procedures boost the amount of enjoyment a person has regarding their life and their overall satisfaction with their appearance.

While there are numerous testimonials from patients who claim they love their “new look” so much more after having fillers, the question of whether or not a cosmetic procedure such as fillers enhances the self-image and well-being of a person still does not have a definitive answer.

There was a 2018 study that was reported in the journal, Dermatologic Surgery, which was conducted by an associate professor of dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (and his colleagues). The research team surveyed seventy-five patients before and after they received fillers in the body. They also measured their body image satisfaction using the Derriford Appearance Scales. By using this measure, 75% of the post-filler recipients said their body image improved. However, their level of self-esteem, measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, did not change according to those surveyed.

This does not necessarily mean that the patients were not able to enjoy greater self-esteem after having fillers placed in the face. Their expectations going into the process likely played a big part in the level of satisfaction they felt. For example, filler recipients who thought a quick visit to the doctor would produce a radical change to the look of their face were likely disappointed (as fillers do not produce the same dramatic results as a facelift). On the other hand, filler recipients who expected to enjoy a more modest amount of improvement in their facial appearance likely felt better about their look over a longer period of time. Plus, it is not specifically stated if the improvement in their self-esteem was tied to feeling good about themselves and feeling good about their body. The change in their appearance might make them feel better about their actual body but the change in their appearance will not necessarily make a positive change in their feeling of well-being.

Fillers – How They Make Changes to the Body

In general, dermal fillers restore volume that has been lost due to the aging process. The filler is able to provide the treated area of the body with a look that is smooth, youthful, and rejuvenated. They can add volume to the lips as well as help the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and deep creases. In addition, fillers can provide an improved contour to the face and even improve the look of scars that are recessed in appearance.

One of the most popular filler options is fillers that are made of hyaluronic acid (which is a substance that naturally occurs in the body). Hyaluronic acid is able to help the skin remain hydrated while also providing a plump look to the treated area of the face. Most hyaluronic acid fillers are soft and gel-like and they are available in a variety of consistencies. Some of the most popular hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvéderm, Restylane, and Belotero.

Other popular choices for fillers include those made of calcium hydroxylapatite which is a substance that is primarily found in the bones and is also thicker than hyaluronic acid fillers. Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable substance that is both synthetic and safe to use in the body. While it is thicker which makes it a good choice for treating deep facial wrinkles, it is not ideal for patients who want to enjoy an instant amount of plumping that is provided by other fillers.

Fillers – Consult with a Doctor

The first step in gaining a happier feeling about the appearance of the face is scheduling a consultation appointment with a doctor who is board-certified and experienced in injecting fillers into the face. The doctor can examine the current condition of the face to determine the extent of the changes that can be made as well as the best filler choice to use on the face of the patient. The doctor can also learn more about the goals and desired final results of the person to make sure realistic expectations are set and that the patient will be happy with the appearance of their face after receiving fillers from the doctor.