There was a time when getting needles in the face to look a certain way was stigmatized, ridiculed, and even considered shameful.

Today, although in India we still cannot say that the stigma associated with facial surgery has completely vanished, the truth is that there has been a slow but steady decline in the taboos associated with it.

Now, out of all these procedures, fillers or dermal fillers are the ones that promise to not only smoothen your lines and wrinkles but also enhance facial contours or maybe make your lips look fuller. In simple words, because of the anti-aging results of fillers, it has become the preferred procedure for the majority of people in India.

Let’s take a look at some numbers.

Surge in demand for fillers

India is witnessing a boom in fillers, and the aesthetic injectables market in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 5% until 2030, according to data and analytics company GlobalData.

• The statistics also show that the total number of aesthetic procedures performed in India in the year 2022 alone was 2,54,619.
• We asked the experts, and they too said that there has been a significant increase in the demand for fillers.

“The demand for fillers is very high in India,” says Dr. Shaurya Thakran, founder of Raksha Aesthetics.

Why?

Dr. Marvil Lui, a hair transplant surgeon at MarvCare who also specializes in fillers, adds that this growth can be attributed to the growing awareness about the procedure (special thanks to social media), its safety, and its benefits. Additionally, improved accessibility and affordability are also contributing factors. The appeal of visible results also plays a key role in this growing trend.

But what do fillers actually do?

Dr Vivek Nigam Jagmohan, a Mumbai-based cosmetologist and aesthetic surgeon, says that as we age, our face becomes more ‘square shaped’ due to gravity.

“with this [age]“Our ligaments get weak, the muscles get weak, the skin gets loose, everything sags, so fillers help reverse this process,” says Dr. Jagmohan.

She also added that some people also get fillers, which can help in getting a ‘shaped jaw line like Kareena Kapoor’.

“This only [fillers] He added, “This is for aesthetic purposes only.”

Dr. Marvil Lewis further explains that fillers are ideal for individuals who wish to enhance the fullness of their lips, cheeks, chin, under-eye area and jawline, or to rejuvenate their hands.

“They are also effective for changing the shape of the nose, often called liquid rhinoplasty, and for treating acne scars. Fillers serve a number of purposes depending on individual needs, including correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and skin folds,” he adds.

If you want to get any of the above-mentioned features on your face, you can resort to fillers.

However, not everyone is suitable for getting fillers. If it is not done correctly or done at a dubious salon (yes, it is too good to be true), it can lead to some mistakes and side effects that can ruin your face.

Who should not get fillers?

Believe it or not, a good doctor may reject you if you are not suitable to receive fillers.

Today we are seeing a trend that the younger demographic, even in India, is opting for anti-ageing procedures like dermal fillers or botox (Gen Z is already seeing the side effects, as they are ageing faster than millennials).

But remember, no matter how much a cosmetologist in a clinic in South Korea tells you that you need procedures, you don’t need them if you were born in the year 2000 or later.

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA also suggests that people under the age of 22 should not use any type of fillers, especially dermal fillers.

Dr. Shaurya says that people with severe allergies, especially to any of the ingredients used in fillers, those who have skin infections near the proposed injection site, and those with bleeding disorders should avoid fillers. He also says that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also usually told to avoid fillers.

“Finally, anyone who has unrealistic expectations about body image or has a serious psychological condition should not do this,” says Dr. Shaurya.

P.S.Also keep in mind that getting fillers isn’t a permanent solution, as most types of fillers dissolve in about 2-5 years.

What should you keep in mind before getting fillers?

• The first step before having any medical procedure done on your face, such as fillers, is to make sure you have no doubts about the procedure, and that you are not having it done under pressure.And You are realistic about the results.

• Second, research the procedure and understand the risks involved and the potential benefits.
• Dr. Miu says to make sure the doctor is board-certified, such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and has the necessary training and experience to perform the procedure (no, that shady clinic doesn’t count; you could get HIV from them).
• Remember to tell your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies you have before the procedure, and avoid consuming alcohol or drugs.
• “Avoid using creams or products with active ingredients on your skin prior to the procedure,” says Dr. Miu.

Before confirming with a doctor, keep in mind:

Dr Shaurya says not everyone is qualified enough to perform fillers, so be extra careful when choosing your doctor.

Dr. Shaurya says make sure he is fully qualified and experienced.

Proof of claims may lie in proper board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery, with a focus on cosmetic procedures.

Be sure to check out the before and after photos of the therapist’s other clients as valuable evidence of his or her skills.

“Apart from this, the clinic should also have an impeccable reputation and strict hygiene and safety measures in place. Proper counselling is required, which outlines your goals, concerns and plan of the procedure to be followed before going ahead,” adds Dr Shaurya.

According to Dr. Miu, people should do thorough research before undergoing any filler treatment and ensure they only choose fillers approved by the US FDA.

Memorization

Before any filler procedure, research the risks involved versus the potential benefits and understand the procedure. You should have clear, realistic expectations of what is going to be achieved and understand the maintenance required as some fillers need to be topped up from time to time.