Dermal Fillers

Juvéderm, Restylane and Radiesse, are dermal filler injectables made with hyaluronic acid that enhance facial volume to improve contours, stimulate collagen production, and help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body responsible for keeping your skin hydrated and plump. 

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved to treat a wide variety of facial areas, including the lips, nasolabial folds (the crease that runs from the bottom of your nose to mouth), marionette lines, smokers’ lines, under the eyes, cheeks and jawline.

Injecting the gel-like substance into targeted areas in the face adds volume under the skin, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles immediately. In addition to smoothing the skin, dermal fillers can also be applied to improve facial symmetry, add volume to sunken, hollow cheeks and temples, contour the face and fill acne scars.

Side effects to dermal fillers are mild and typically injection-site related. The injection sites may be tender, swollen and bruised for up to 7-10 days. The injected area may feel lumpy for up to a week after injection. Any prolonged symptoms, or an increase in discomfort or swelling will require immediate follow-up.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and alcohol for 7 days before treatment.
• You may wish to use over-the-counter naturopathic treatments such as arnica to prevent bruising.

THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

• If possible, arrive without creams or make-up on the treatment area. Topical numbing cream will be applied to treatment area, please arrive 15-30 minutes early. Cleansing products are available for your convenience.
• Pre-treatment photos will be taken.
• The treatment areas will be wiped with alcohol.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

• When filler containing anesthetic is used, the anesthetic effect may last for 2-3 hours.
• Anesthetic may cause some temporary swelling where injected, but this will clear over a few hours.
• Do not apply pressure to or massage the treatment area.
• Pinpoint bleeding may occur and will resolve quickly.
• Any immediate redness will subside within an hour and may be covered with makeup.
• Rarely, patients may develop mild bruising and or sensitivity around the injection site. This will resolve within 7-10 days after treatment. Apply cold compresses as desired.
• For optimal results and to restore collagen loss, we recommend the PCA Skin products or the Skin Ceuticals products.

Results are immediate, so you can see the effects directly following the treatment. However, dermal fillers may take up to four weeks to fully settle before you can see the full results. We recommend patients stay hydrated and drink plenty of water following the dermal filler treatment, as hyaluronic acid is water-binding, meaning that it will enhance the effect of the filler. 

Results of dermal fillers depend on the type of dermal filler used and area treated, but typically last about a year. 

Dermal fillers can begin with a mild enhancement and increase over time if needed, making it an aesthetic treatment with little commitment. Dermal fillers are effective for patients who have static wrinkles and/or lines, lost facial volume, acne scars, asymmetrical features or desire facial contouring. Dermal fillers have not been studied on women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under the age of 18.

If you are in poor general health, allergic to lidocaine, allergic to dermal fillers and their ingredients or have a bleeding or clotting disorder, you may not be a good candidate for dermal fillers.

Although dermal fillers may be a popular method for correcting volume loss, there are various alternatives and complementary treatments for patients. Other treatments include platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections, Sculptra, hyperdilute Radiesse, and smooth threads.