Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are biocompatible, injectable substances that create lift, add volume, and restore a more youthful appearance to certain areas of the face that show signs of aging.  

As we age, we lose volume in key areas of the face. This contributes to folds, wrinkles, hollow temples, thinning lips, sunken eyes, and an older appearance to the face. Fillers can be used to restore this volume loss, smooth out folds and wrinkles, and improve contours to achieve natural results without altering facial expression. Certain fillers can also be used to correct scars. 

The most common fillers are made of a soft gel consisting of non-animal hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that naturally occurs in the human body, and it is found in our skin. It helps hydrate and adds volume to the skin. It is naturally broken down by our own bodies. Dermal fillers consisting of hyaluronic acid include Elasty, Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, and Belotero. 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a component of our skin which is a gooey, slippery substance that your body produces naturally. HA is found throughout the body, especially in eyes, joints, and skin. 

Fillers are injected into facial tissue to add volume and smooth away fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. Treatment areas include lips, cheeks, chin, jawline. The effects are long-lasting but not permanent. Results are immediate and can last anywhere between 6-18 months, depending on a number of factors including the patient’s age, area treated, type of filler used, quantity of filler used, and lifestyle. 

Most patients experience only mild discomfort. A local anesthetic cream can be applied to the skin prior to the treatment for a more comfortable experience. Many of our fillers are also formulated with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort. 

No! You can go right back to your normal routine. However, I always advise my patients that they may have some bruising or swelling, so it is best not to schedule a filler appointment right before any important event. 

In general, dermal fillers are considered very safe. The most common reactions are redness, swelling, bruising, itching, and tenderness. These are typically mild and resolve spontaneously in 1-7 days for most patients. Other side effects are very rare. 

When fillers are used in the appropriate amount and placed in the right location, the result is a beautiful, natural, youthful outcome. Fillers are not meant to create totally different features. In the hands of an experienced provider that has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, the outcome simply enhances one’s own facial features. 

The choice of filler depends on the individual patient, their treatment goals, and personal facial anatomy. We recommend booking a consultation to discuss these things. 

• Do Not put any numbing cream prior to your appointment. 

• Ice treatment area for a couple days to help with swelling.
• Massage treatment area 3 to 4 times a day