What is dermal filler?

The Filler is a copy of a naturally-occurring sugar in your skin, also known as hyaluronic acid (HA). The role of HA in the skin is to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin by holding in water, and to act as a cushioning agent and when injected into the facial tissue can improve structure and volume.  It is very effective at gently easing out lines and creases that can appear with age. Correction with dermal filler is temporary; therefore, repeat injections are usually needed to maintain optimal results.

What can I expect during my filler appointment?

After a thorough consultation and approved treatment plan, topical anesthetic will be applied to treatment areas. Most dermal fillers incorporate a local anesthetic to make the experience as comfortable as possible, but most injections are easily tolerated.  

All dermal fillers offered are FDA approved and include:

Juvederm (Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC, Volbella, Vollure, and Voluma XC)

Restylane (Classic, Lyft, Contour, Refyne, Defyne, and Kysse) are colorless hyaluronic acid gels that are injected into the facial tissue to smooth wrinkles and folds

How do dermal fillers work?

Dermal filler is injected directly under the skin using a fine needle or cannula. Most fillers incorporate a local anesthetic that improves comfort during treatment. Fillers replace lost volume that occurs with the natural aging process.  

How long do dermal fillers last?

Depending on your treatment area and goals, we will help you choose the best filler. Dermal fillers can last for 6 to 9 months or up to 2 years. The addition of neurotoxin treatments can improve the longevity.  

Who should avoid dermal filler?

Women who are pregnant and/or breast-feeding, people with severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis and consumers of blood thinning medications such as Warfarin or Heparin.

To reduce bruising and bleeding, a week before treatment avoid aspirin, Excedrin, Aleve, fish oil, ibuprofen, Vitamin E and alcohol consumption.

We recommend waiting a minimum of 2 weeks from 2nd COVID vaccination or booster, before receiving dermal filler.

Are there any side effects of Dermal Filler?

Most possible side effects are related to the action of injecting the skin, not the product itself. These include: redness, bruising, swelling, itching, tenderness around injection site and potential lumps in the treated area. These can be reduced by ice and massage. If you are prone to cold sores, there is a small chance that one will occur following a lip enhancement.  

• Vascular Occlusion: In very rare instances (1 in 15,000) blood supply can be disrupted. Although treatable, it requires emergent management and may result in damage to tissue and scarring.  

What is the recovery time following filler treatment?
Essentially there is no recovery time with dermal filler injections, however timing of treatment should be considered if patient has upcoming special events. Patients should avoid excessive alcohol, exercise or sun for the first 24 hours.

Common Treatment Areas:

• Cheeks (Mid-face)
• Lips
• Smile Lines
• Chin