Dermal fillers in Kelowna are one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures available. Their ability to enhance facial features, smooth fine lines, and restore lost volume without downtime has made them an important treatment intervention in aesthetic medicine. Despite their widespread use and high patient satisfaction, dermal fillers remain misunderstood by many. Misconceptions persist due to outdated information, social media myths, and a lack of knowledge. In this blog, we will debunk the biggest dermal filler myths to help you better understand this treatment and how you might benefit.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers are injectable fillers used to improve structure, enhance contours, restore facial volume and soften etched lines or wrinkles. Most are made of hyaluronic acid, with options like calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid are also common. These are often called soft tissue fillers because of their ability to mimic natural tissue. Patients choose to inject dermal fillers in areas like the lips, cheeks, jawline, and under-eyes to smooth deep wrinkles and contour the face. A qualified and experienced cosmetic physician can help select the best option based on your needs. Fillers are widely used in clinical and aesthetic dermatology to signs of aging. Most HA fillers are gradually integrated and absorbed by the body with minimal chance of allergic reaction. Filler injections are non-surgical alternatives to help restore volume and enhance facial contours without the risks and downtime of surgery.
Myth #1: Fillers Will Make You Look “Fake”
When administered correctly by a trained medical professional, dermal fillers should enhance your natural features, not distort them. The overfilled or overdone appearance often seen in the media is not common in reputable medical aesthetic clinics but rather the result of inexperience, poor understanding of anatomy and aging, excessive product use and poor technique. Clinically proven filler treatments are focused on subtle and proportional enhancements that align with the patient’s natural facial anatomy. Our experienced medical aesthetics clinicians use evidenced based techniques incorporating facial balancing which involves carefully assessing the entire face and injecting precise amounts of filler strategically to maintain harmony and balance between features.
Myth #2: Injectable Dermal Fillers Are Permanent
Most dermal fillers are temporary and not permanent. Hyaluronic acid fillers, the most commonly used, typically last 9 to 18 months, depending on the formulation, injection site, and individual metabolism. Products like Belotero Volume or Juvederm Voluma tend to last longer due to their dense, cross-linked structures. Biostimulatory fillers, like Radiesse, can last up to 24 months or more, but their effects build gradually by stimulating your body’s collagen production. Importantly, HA fillers are reversible with the enzyme hyaluronidase, which can dissolve the filler in cases of overcorrection, vascular compromise, or patient dissatisfaction, an additional safety feature that reassures many patients.
Myth #3: Dermal Filler Procedures and Botox Do the Same Thing
While both are injectables used for facial rejuvenation, fillers and neuromodulators, such as Botox, work differently and serve entirely different purposes. Botox relaxes the underlying muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. In contrast, dermal fillers restore volume and structure, correcting static wrinkles (those present even when the face is at rest), hollowness, or contour irregularities. In fact, combining the two treatments is often referred to as a “liquid facelift,” offering comprehensive non-surgical facial rejuvenation by addressing both volume loss and muscle activity.
Myth #4: You Should Wait Until Wrinkles Are Severe to Start
Preventive treatments are a growing trend in aesthetic medicine. Starting dermal filler treatments earlier can slow the development of deep folds and volume loss. Our facial fat compartments and bone structure naturally diminish over time, especially starting in our late twenties and early thirties. Gradual, conservative filler treatments can maintain facial structure and prevent the need for more invasive procedures later. Early intervention typically requires less filler and maintains a more natural aesthetic over time.
Myth #5: Facial Filler Results Are Immediate
While hyaluronic acid fillers offer visible results immediately after treatment, the final outcome continues to evolve over the next two to four weeks as swelling subsides and the product integrates with your tissue. Biostimulatory fillers, like Radiesse, take several weeks to stimulate new collagen and elastin growth, resulting in their full effects developing gradually over 3-6 months. The best results come from a customized approach.
Myth #6: Fillers Are Unsafe
All Health Canada and FDA approved dermal fillers have undergone extensive clinical testing for safety and efficacy. That said, safety is highly dependent on the injector’s expertise. Complications such as bruising, lumps, vascular occlusion, or asymmetry can occur if fillers are injected improperly or in the wrong anatomical plane. Choosing a qualified medical provider, with extensive experience and knowledge is critical. Reputable providers understand facial anatomy in three dimensions, proper injection techniques, and how to manage any complications if they arise.
Myth #7: Once You Start, You Have to Keep Going Forever
Dermal fillers are elective and fully customizable. There is no requirement or risk in choosing not to continue treatments once the product naturally dissolves. If you stop receiving fillers, your face will simply return to its pre-treatment appearance over time, it will not “sag” or “collapse” due to filler metabolism.
Myth #8: Fillers Are Just for Women
The number of men seeking dermal filler treatments is growing every year. Male patients often seek fillers for jawline definition, chin augmentation, or under-eye correction to achieve a refreshed and more masculine appearance. Expert injectors tailor treatments to male anatomy, preserving angularity and avoiding feminizing results. Our skilled injectors consider gender differences in bone structure, fat distribution, and aesthetic goals to create a balanced and natural look for all genders.
Myth #9: All Fillers Are the Same
There are many different types and brands of dermal fillers, each with their own unique formulation and designed for specific indications. For example, softer gels like Juvéderm Volbella are ideal for fine lip lines, while denser products, such as Belotero Volume or Radiesse, are better suited for cheek augmentation or jawline contouring. Some stimulate more collagen, while others provide more volume. The best filler choice depends on factors such as skin type, individual anatomy, treatment area, skin quality, facial structure, medical health and aesthetic goals.
Myth #10: One Size Fits All
Dermal filler treatments are always customized at Cerulean Medical Institute, to address your unique needs, match your distinct anatomy and individual skin type. One size does not fit all. Our team of medical aesthetic experts have extensive experience in delivering natural looking youthful results consistently over many years. A personalized consultation is essential to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific needs
Natural Looking Dermal Filler Treatment in Kelowna BC
Keen on looking less tired and rejuvenated. Dermal filler treatments are a fantastic treatment to help you look and feel youthful and refreshed. Call our Kelowna medical aesthetics clinic on (778)760-5050 to schedule your personalized appointment today.
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