What are Dermal Fillers?
There are various types of dermal fillers, most of which are temporary and composed of substances that either occur naturally in the body or are synthetically created to imitate them. Common materials for dermal fillers include collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and even your own fat. Among these, hyaluronic acid fillers are the most widely used, as hyaluronic acid is naturally present in your tissues.
How Do They Work?
Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Belotero® are all types of hyaluronic acid fillers. As we age, our body’s natural hyaluronic acid breaks down, leading to volume loss. Dermal fillers help restore this lost volume, giving the face a younger, fuller appearance. They can soften wrinkles, enhance lip volume, fill hollow areas, and reduce lines.
These fillers can also be combined with other treatments and injectables for optimal results.
The procedure is quick and gentle, involving a series of injections to target specific areas of concern. We employ various techniques to minimize any discomfort during treatment. You’ll see immediate results, though the effects are temporary, typically lasting between 6 to 12 months. Areas that move more, like around the mouth and lips, may need touch-ups after about 4 months, while more stable areas like the cheeks, jaw, and chin might only require them after 9 to 12 months.
You can discontinue treatments at any time, and you’ll gradually return to your pre-treatment appearance.
What Are the Risks?
Potential Side Effects and Complications:
To minimize discomfort during the procedure, we apply a topical numbing cream, and our filler products also contain numbing medication to quickly reduce sensation in the treatment area.
You may experience temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site. Any bruising that occurs can easily be concealed with makeup and usually resolves within a few days.
Book OnlineWhat to Expect After Your Dermal Filler Treatment
Please follow these instructions after your dermal filler treatment:
- You may experience minor swelling, bruising, and/or redness at the injection site, which typically resolves within 2-3 days. Applying cool compresses immediately after treatment can help reduce swelling.
- Refrain from applying makeup to the treated area for at least 4 hours post-treatment.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity and workouts for 24 hours following the procedure. Additionally, steer clear of facial massages, facials, and laser or light-based therapies for 2 weeks.
- Until redness and swelling have fully resolved, avoid exposing the area to intense heat, such as saunas, hot tubs, sunlamps, and sunbathing.
- If you have a history of facial cold sores, any stimulation in the area could trigger another outbreak. If you are prone to cold sores, we will provide a prescription for antiviral medication to help prevent this.
- Avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Omega-3, Vitamin E, or turmeric, as these can increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
- If you notice any red, warm, or itchy skin, please contact our office directly.
Important: If you experience severe pain, mottled skin (red/white blotches), or skin darkening (grey or dusky blue) that doesn’t resemble bruising, contact our office immediately.