FILLER

How Can Dermal Fillers Enhance My Appearance?

While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:

• Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)

• Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples

• Diminish vertical lip lines

• Plump & enhance the lips

• Smooth out a chin crease

• Improve symmetry among facial features

What Are the Different Types of Filler? 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:

• Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, XC Plus, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure

• Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, and Restylane Kysse

• Belotero Balance

• Versa

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Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.

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How Long Do the Results Last?

Longevity depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the patient. Generally speaking, the denser the product is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last, although this is not a hard and fast rule. To maintain your results, we will simply repeat treatment, adjusting the amount and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.

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Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option, and therefore are often recommended for first-time filler patients. These will typically last from 6 to 18 months. Injections to the lips will wear out a little faster than those to the nasolabial folds.

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Certain HA fillers, such as Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft , are formulated to last longer, but are usually limited to certain areas, such as the cheeks.

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Which filler do I need?

With so many dermal filler products on the market, it can be difficult to know which option is best for you. Each product is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture, density, and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for certain areas of concern. 

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How Are Fillers Used? 

Filler products can be injected via a needle or a blunt-tip cannula. The cannula technique largely reduces bruising and swelling. With a cannula, an initial injection site is created by a needle and then a tiny tube is inserted into the face to distribute the product—it's less scary than it sounds since you're not actually watching this happen on your face. It’s up to the discretion of the injector which technique is best for which filler and in what area.

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What should I expect during my treatment?

Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation where goals and concerns are discussed.  During the treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you will be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment.  

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When will I see my results?

Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment.

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The Injection Sites 

Learn about which products are best suited for each area of the face:

• Cheekbones - Juvéderm Voluma , Restylane Lyft, or Radiesse. 

• Chin -  Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Voluma, Versa, Restylane Lyft, or Radiesse

• Nasolabial Folds - Restylane-L, Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Vollure XC, or Versa may be utilized.

• Lips - Juvéderm Volbella XC, Juvéderm Ultra, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Kysse, or Versa.

• Jawline -Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Voluma XC, Restylane Defyne, Radiesse, or Versa.

• Under-Eye/Tear Trough - Restylane, Belotero, or Versa

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