What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved injectable treatments that restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours by adding structure beneath the skin. Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your body that helps maintain skin hydration and volume.

Unlike Botox which relaxes muscles, dermal fillers work by physically filling in areas that have lost volume due to aging, adding definition to facial features, and smoothing lines and wrinkles from the inside out.

What they treat:

• Lip enhancement and definition
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines (mouth to chin)
• Cheek volume restoration
• Under-eye hollows and tear troughs
• Jawline definition and contouring
• Chin enhancement
• Temple hollowing
• Hand rejuvenation

Dermal fillers are ideal for addressing volume loss, enhancing natural features, and creating a more youthful, balanced appearance.

Types of Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You?

There are several types of dermal fillers, each designed for specific areas and concerns. We'll recommend the best option based on your goals and treatment area.

Popular Filler Types:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) - Most versatile, reversible, last 6-18 months
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) - Great for deeper lines and volume, lasts 12-18 months
• Poly-L-lactic Acid (Sculptra) - Stimulates collagen production, gradual results lasting up to 2 years
• PMMA (Bellafill) - Semi-permanent option for deep wrinkles and acne scars

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular choice because they provide natural-looking results, can be dissolved if needed, and work well in most facial areas.

What to Expect

We'll assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the best filler type and placement for natural-looking results.

The Treatment:

• Takes 15-45 minutes depending on areas treated
• Precise injections with fine needles or cannulas
• Topical numbing cream applied for comfort
• Most fillers contain lidocaine for additional comfort
• Immediate results that you can see right away

Most clients find the treatment quite comfortable, especially with numbing cream and the lidocaine built into most modern fillers. The process is precise and artistic, with results visible immediately.

Results and Benefits

How Long Results Last:

Results typically last 6-18 months depending on the type of filler used, treatment area, your metabolism, and lifestyle factors. Lips tend to metabolize filler faster, while deeper areas like cheeks may last longer.

What You'll Look Like:

You'll see immediate improvement in volume, smoothness, and facial contours. When done skillfully, results look completely natural - like a refreshed, more youthful version of yourself. People may notice you look great but won't be able to tell you've had work done.

Preparing for Your Treatment

One Week Before:

• Avoid blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E (unless prescribed)
• Stop drinking alcohol 24-48 hours before your appointment
• Avoid scheduling before important events (allow 2 weeks for any swelling to completely resolve)
• Let us know about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions
• Stay hydrated and avoid excessive sun exposure

Post-Treatment Care

First 4-6 Hours:

• Apply ice gently to minimize swelling
• Avoid touching or massaging treated areas
• Stay upright (avoid lying down flat)
• Avoid strenuous exercise

Next 24-48 Hours:

• Continue avoiding intense exercise, saunas, and hot yoga
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
• Avoid alcohol and excessive salt intake
• Be gentle when applying skincare products
• Avoid dental work or facial treatments

When to Call Us:

Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, vision changes, skin discoloration, signs of infection, or unusual swelling. Some minor swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising at injection sites is completely normal and typically resolves within a few days to a week.