Dermal Fillers

What are Commonly Used Dermal Fillers and How do they Work?

Products within the Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse families of dermal fillers are different FDA-approved formulations of either hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite, which are naturally occurring substances and found plentifully in the human body.  These dermal fillers are not animal-based and are engineered and injected in various ways to help restore volume, lift, shape and smoothness to the aging face.  Different dermal fillers have varying degrees of elasticity, cohesivity, moisture-retention properties, lift properties, and ability to integrate into the surrounding skin tissues, so the choice of dermal filler is extremely important to help achieve your desired cosmetic results. Other major considerations before choosing the right dermal filler and injection procedure include experience of the injector, longevity of the results, cost, facial anatomy, ability to achieve symmetry, recognition of existing areas of facial bulging or puffiness and selecting products that will not accentuate them, as well as potential downtime. Fortunately, at Revitalize SkinMD, we have an experienced physician-injector that can incorporate all of these complex factors in a customized fashion to help you choose the best dermal filler(s) for you.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Dermal Filler injections are an office-based procedure. After assessing appropriate candidacy for treatment, informed consent for the procedure is obtained from the client and questions are answered by our experienced physician-injector. The skin is then cleansed using an antiseptic wipe or solution and the appropriate treatment area may be marked. After numbing the skin with a potent topical anesthetic, small amounts of these products are injected at different depths under the skin using very small needles in precise areas of the face. The treatment does not involve any surgery or cutting of the skin. The injections give immediate cosmetic results and are continued until the appropriate volume, lift, smoothness and plumpness are achieved. The injections are very well tolerated for the vast majority of our clients, although some degree of discomfort, swelling, bleeding and bruising may be experienced. Post-treatment care instructions are provided to our clients afterwards. 

Which Areas are Commonly Treated with Dermal Fillers?

The most popular areas treated include lips for plumping and volumizing, cheeks for augmentation and lift, and nasolabial folds for volumizing and softening. At Revitalize SkinMD, our physician-injector is also experienced in using dermal fillers to contour, enhance and improve the cosmetic appearance of other common facial issues including:

• Smoker’s Lines or Lip Lines 
• Bags Under the Eyes also known as Tear Troughs
• Marionette Lines at the Corners of the Mouth
• Chin Augmentation
• Non-surgical Liquid Rhinoplasty
• Jawline Contouring
• Restoration of Wrinkled Hands
• Mid-Face Volume Restoration
• Earlobe Sagging and Wrinkling 

Will I Look Different or Unnatural?

The goal of cosmetic injectables is to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to your face without looking odd, peculiar, abnormal or “done”. The mantra here is “less is more” when it comes to cosmetic treatments like dermal filler injections. In the hands of our experienced physician-injector, the final results look natural and, even though many will notice your fresh and healthier appearance, the results are subtle enough that few will likely know that you’ve had dermal fillers injected without telling them.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The duration of action of dermal fillers in the Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse families can vary significantly depending on which areas are injected, which filler is used, how much filler is used, overall health of the client receiving treatment, individual metabolism and immune system, and other factors. However, based on trial data and experience, many of the lip fillers that are commercially available typically last somewhere between 6-9 months for most patients. For cheek augmentation, dermal fillers can last between 1-2 years, and for nasolabial folds, 9-18 months. As a general rule, dermal fillers may not last as long in areas of the face that are used more frequently for facial expression and movement compared to areas that move less. The body eventually degrades and clears the product naturally, so reinjection is required at different intervals to maintain the favorable cosmetic appearance.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The administration of dermal fillers by an experienced physician-injector is safe and effective for the vast majority of people. However, no medical treatment is risk free. During treatment, the injections can result in mild to moderate bleeding and bruising for some patients. As a result, we do not advise that dermal filler injections be performed within 7 days of a special event, party, social function, or special occasion. We recommend that our clients do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), blood-thinning medications, fish oil, or any herbal supplements within 7 days of injection unless your medical physician states otherwise. Also, no alcoholic beverages should be consumed within 3 days of injection. Post-treatment care instructions are provided after the procedure and are very important to follow to minimize potential adverse effects. Ice can be applied for 24-36 hours afterwards and/or fresh pineapple to help with swelling, discomfort and bruising should they occur. For most patients, these symptoms can last about 3-7 days after treatment, but individual results can vary.  Other less common risks and complications are possible, but infrequent and our physician will review these with you during the informed consent process prior to any treatment so that you can ask questions and make sure that the treatment is right for you. 

Who Are Not Candidates for Treatment?

It is not recommended that dermal fillers be injected in patients who are pregnant or nursing. Injections should not be performed if there is active infection involving the treatment area. Previous hypersensitivity to dermal fillers poses a contraindication to treatment. Our physician will review your medical history, allergies, medications and other pertinent information with you prior to treatment in addition to assessing your face to make sure that you are an appropriate candidate for treatment.