Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin at different depths to help fill in facial wrinkles, provide facial volume, and augment facial features: restoring a smoother appearance. Dermal fillers contian Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance commonly found in our skin, eyes, and connective tissue. HA helps tissue retain water so it can stay hydrated and lubricated. As we age, our bodies start producing less HA, which contributes to the development of facial wrinkles, dryness, and sagging skin.

HA fillers can help you achieve healthier and younger-looking skin. HA fillers can be used on the lips, cheeks, chin and jawline.

Non-HA fillers, like Radiesse are calcium based (Calcium hydroxylapatite). This filler is used for severe facial lipoatrophy, but off label use can be on the hands on mature skin. This product significantly supports the skin structurallly and stimulates the body to produce new collagen.

Dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles by plumping the skin, or filling a volume deficit. HA strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to ward off and minimize damage caused by the sun, environmental pollution, and smoking. HA acts as a humectant—attracting water and allowing it to keep the skin adequately hydrated, healthy, and youthful-looking. HA increases skin resilience by helping the skin protect against harmful ingredients from low-quality skincare products that strip away the barrier of skin. HA can tighten the skin. The loss of elastin during the natural aging process can make the skin appear saggy and droopy, but HA can plump up the skin to give it a firmer, smoother and tighter appearance.

Some dermal fillers can last from 6 to 12 months while others can last 2 to 5 years depending on the formula. Your practitioner will inform you of your dermal filler’s expected longevity. We highly recommend increasing hydration, as water helps HA fillers last longer and helps its effect on the skin.

*If acne scars and pits are one of your top skin concerns, ask us about the benefits of combining hyaluronic acid injectables with a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) facial.

-Make sure you’re well hydrated prior to treatment.

You will pose for before pictures. The treatment area will be cleaned (removing all make-up and/or lotions), disinfected with alcohol and skin cleanser. You will receive topical numbing cream and let that sit in for approximately 30 minutes. Your topical anesthetic will be wiped off and your injector will inject the dermal filler. Your injector will massage the area to make sure there are no bumps and then they will top your lips with antibacterial ointment. After the treatment is complete and you are satisfied with your results, we will take your after pictures and give you post treatment instructions.

*Immediate post-treatment side effects may include temporary warmth and redness for up to 24 hours, mild swelling, bruising for up to 4 days. No exercise for 24 hrs, no alcohol, no sipping through a straw or kissing for 48 hrs.

*Treatments are not advised in any of the following circumstances.

-Allergy to Lidocaine

-If you have an active herpes simplex infection, especially on the lips. If not active, take antiviral medication for 3 days prior to your appointment or have antiviral medication ready for taking after your appointment as dermal filler in the lips will trigger a cold sore. Any viral, fungal or bacterial infections.

-Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Gingko Biloba , St. John's Wort and high doses of vitamin E for at least 7-10 days before your appointment, unless medically necessary. This may increase bleeding, especially if Hylenex is used to dissolve HA.