How do injectable dermal fillers work?

Dermal fillers rely on a naturally occurring compound called hyaluronic acid (HA), which is found in the body, to restore a youthful look. HA helps maintain skin hydration, fullness and elasticity. With age, people generally produce less HA, collagen and elastin, which all contribute to keeping skin plump and hydrated.

Our doctors and practitioners inject the dermal fillers into soft tissues to reduce visible signs of aging, including facial lines, wrinkles and creases. The biocompatible gels, which are gradually and safely absorbed into the body, increase the volume and lift of your skin.

Treatment Areas for Dermal Fillers

Lips, cheeks, under eyes, nose, jawline, chin, small lines and hands.

Types of Injectable Dermal Fillers

There is an assortment of filler brands designed to treat specific conditions. The products generally vary in the consistency of the gels, ranging from thin to thick. Our doctors and practitioners use products with thin consistencies, such as Restylane Silk® and Belotero®, to target the under-eye area or fine lines around the lips. Meanwhile, we use products with thicker gels, such as Juvederm Voluma®, for cheek augmentation.

We use the following brands in our rejuvenation practice:

Belotero®, Juvederm® Ultra, Ultra Plus, Voluma, Vobella and Vollure; Radiesse®, Restylane ® Silk, Lyft, Refyne, Defyne and Restylane-R®; and Revenesse Versa®.

Best Results

Dermal fillers are ideal for patients who desire to reduce facial lines and wrinkles by restoring skin volume. Adults typically start to lose skin volume in their late thirties. Some individuals also lose skin volume when they participate in high-impact physical activities such as running.

Treatment Procedure

Our doctors and practitioners inject the fillers into the soft tissue with a needle or cannula. Often, more than one injection is required to achieve the desired results. The procedure typically takes 30-to-45 minutes to complete.

The results last between 6-to-18 months. For some patients, the age-defying effects can last up to two years. Follow-up treatments are required to maintain the results, given the treatment is non-permanent.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Most patients experience minor swelling and bruising after a procedure. Patients can reduce these side effects by taking Arnica with Bromelain before and after treatment.

Please discuss with us prior to treatment if you are taking any of the following medications or supplements: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Coumadin, Warfarin, Lovenox, Plavix, Pletal, Ticlid or Trental. You may need to stop taking them before the procedure.

The sun and retinol products, which increase skin sensitivity, should also be avoided prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment

To reduce the side effects of swelling or bruising, we also recommend that patients don’t consume garlic, ginger, vitamin E, Advil, ginseng and biloba for two weeks following the procedure.

Post-procedure, patients should avoid alcohol for 24 hoursand alsothe sun, strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs and hot showers.

Cosmetic Benefits

Dermal fillers produce immediate results without scars or downtime. The procedure is affordable and restores your vibrant look with minimal pain and discomfort. Plus, the results may last up to a year and are reversible.