Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectables used to add volume to your skin, fill in wrinkles, and restore youthful contours to the face. They can plump up thin lips, soften facial creases and wrinkles, enhance shallow contours, and improve the appearance of scars.

Dermal fillers work by injecting a gel-like substance subcutaneously in the skin. They mimic the body's natural components, such as hyaluronic acid. When injected, the filler material attracts water molecules and binds to collagen fibers, adding volume and structure to the skin. This process helps to fill in wrinkles or hollow areas while also stimulating collagen production for longer-term rejuvenating effects.

Yes, most types of dermal fillers can be removed. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected into the treatment areas to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers. This enzyme breaks down the filler material, allowing it to be absorbed by the body. Remember that even without the use of hyaluronidase, dermal filler typically lasts only 6-18 months, as it naturally breaks down over time.

Dermal fillers do not cause acne. There may be a small possibility of developing acne-like lesions due to side effects of treatment, but it isn’t common. It is always recommended to do a cosmetic consultation prior to getting filler injections.

Dermal fillers are not exclusively lip fillers. Dermal fillers are used in various areas of the face. They can be injected in the lips, chin, jawline, cheeks, tear troughs, temples, and a few other areas around the face. Lip fillers specifically refer to dermal fillers used to augment and plump lips, which is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments.

Dermal fillers are versatile and can treat several areas of the face that have lost volume or elasticity, such as the cheeks, under-eye hollows, lips, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, chin, and jawline. They can also be used to enhance facial contours and smooth wrinkles, giving the face a more youthful appearance. Additionally, dermal fillers can be just as beneficial for hand rejuvenation, such as improving volume or smoothing the skin on the back of the hands.

The duration of dermal filler results depends on the type of filler used and the treatment area. On average, results last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, with some fillers designed for longer-lasting effects, especially those used in deeper tissues. Factors like metabolism and lifestyle can also influence how long the results last.

Botox/Dysport and dermal fillers serve different purposes: Botox/Dysport temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, like crow’s feet or frown lines, while dermal fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness, such as the cheeks or lips. Botox/Dysport works on muscle activity, whereas dermal fillers work on restoring volume and plumpness to the skin.

Yes, dermal fillers can be safely combined with other cosmetic treatments, such as neuromodulator (Botox/Dysport), chemical peels, or laser treatments, to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. For example, Botox/Dysport can be used to address wrinkles while dermal fillers restore volume and smooth skin.

Dermal fillers can be effective in improving the appearance of depressed acne scars by adding volume to the scarred areas, helping to smooth the skin's surface. This technique is particularly useful for rolling scars or shallow scars, though deeper scars may require additional treatments like microneedling.

Touch-ups are generally needed every 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated. Some fillers, like those for lips, may require more frequent touch-ups, while others, like those for the cheeks or jawline, tend to last longer. Your individual needs and the results you desire will influence the timing for follow-up treatments.

Most patients experience minimal downtime after dermal filler treatments, with any swelling, bruising, or redness usually subsiding during the first 72 hours. You can typically return to your normal activities immediately, although it's advisable to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours to reduce the risk of complications. Mild tenderness to pressure is often appreciated for the first week, and you may feel lumps under the skin for the first 2 weeks — DO NOT massage the lumps at home unless instructed to by the providers. Your provider can assess the results 2-4 weeks after treatment. At that point, the swelling will have subsided, and the effects can be evaluated and adjusted further if needed.

Consider stopping any unnecessary supplements that you are taking that may increase your risk of bruising. We DO NOT recommend that you stop any blood thinners or anti-blood clotting medications prescribed by your primary care doctor or cardiologist. Be aware that you may have bruises for several days after your procedure when considering social events.

It’s important to choose a licensed and experienced provider who specializes in dermal fillers, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Look for someone with extensive training in facial anatomy and injectable techniques.