Dermal Fillers
Overview
As we age, many changes occur that cause us to look older. Our skin loses its elasticity, and we begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles that are especially noticeable on our faces. In addition, the face tends to lose the fat tissue that creates its youthful plumpness, which leads to the formation of hollows and other contour irregularities. As these conditions worsen, many men and women begin feeling self-conscious about looking older than they feel.
Dermal Fillers Treatment
Dermal Fillers are strategically injected into the targeted areas with a small needle. The injections only take a few minutes per site, and the entire treatment process is usually complete within 15 to 30 minutes.
Treatment Areas
Injectables improve the following conditions:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Deep lines on the forehead
- Deep creases and folds
- Hollows
- Shallow contours
- Recessed scars
- Thin lips
Are You a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
You may be a suitable candidate for injectables if you:
- Are bothered by mild to moderate signs of aging; more severe concerns like sagging skin or deep creases are best treated with a surgical procedure
- Are in good physical health
- Do not smoke
- Have specific, reasonable goals of treatment
Timing is important when considering injectables. If you are preparing for an important event, such as a wedding or a class reunion, allow yourself sufficient time after your injectables treatment for any aftereffects (e.g., swelling, bruising) to completely subside. Ideally, you will want to schedule treatment at least three to four weeks before any major events.
Also, because the effects of injectables treatments are only temporary, you want to consider the upkeep involved. Depending on the injectable(s) you and your provider select, you may need to repeat treatment every three to six months in order to maintain your results. If you would prefer a treatment with longer-lasting results, it might be a better idea to explore your surgical options.
Types of Available Dermal Fillers
There are various injectables available, and the ideal type for you will depend on the correction needed. In general, there are two different types of injectables: neurotoxins and dermal fillers. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you to determine the best injectable(s) to meet your individual needs and achieve your goals.
PRP Injections
Enhance® Medical Center offers Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, a nonsurgical treatment, which employs the patient’s own cells for healing. Platelet Rich Plasma’s popularity is rising among both professional and recreational athletes. This treatment attracts regenerative cells to a patient’s problem areas, accelerating the body’s own healing process and stimulating long-lasting facial and hair rejuvenation.
Kybella® Injections
A strong jawline conveys strength, confidence, and youthfulness. One of the most promising new cosmetic injectables for improving your profile is Kybella. Injected beneath the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, thereby creating a noticeably slimmer, more contoured profile. If you’d like to see your double chin disappear, Kybella may be the perfect treatment for you.
Neurotoxins
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Made of a protein derived from botulinum toxin A, BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the targeted muscles and is FDA approved for treating fine lines and wrinkles, deep lines on the forehead, frown lines and furrows between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. BOTOX® Cosmetic typically takes four to seven days for the onset to be noticeable, and the results can last between three and six months.
In addition to cosmetic facial rejuvenation, BOTOX® is also an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraine headaches, primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), and an overactive bladder.
Dysport®
Dysport® has been FDA approved for use in the United States since 2009. Dysport® is similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic but has a slightly faster onset, with results that may become apparent in one to two days. Dysport® offers natural-looking results that can last up to four months.
Dermal Fillers
BELOTERO BALANCE®
BELOTERO BALANCE® is a filler made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a natural component of your skin. This injectable binds to water and fills in and softens wrinkles and folds to immediately provide smoother skin. BELOTERO BALANCE® is FDA approved for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds. The results from BELOTERO BALANCE® can last about six months.
JUVÉDERM Ultra
Eradicate unwanted wrinkles and restore volume to your face instantly. Juvederm is one of the most-advanced dermatological fillers on the market. This silky, lightweight FDA-approved gel filler restores youthful contours, helps create symmetry, and brings balance to facial features.
JUVÉDERM Volbella
Whether you once had luscious, full lips that are losing volume due to age, or you’ve always had thin lips, Juvederm Volbella is the ideal solution for lip augmentation. Approved by the FDA, this specially formulated filler is designed to add fullness to lips, improve lip symmetry, and reduce fine lines around the mouth.
JUVÉDERM Vollure
Juvederm Vollure, hailed as the new “18-month filler,” creates a smoother appearance from deep beneath the skin. It addresses the most obvious signs of aging, the deep wrinkles that start around the nose and mouth. Replacing facial volume with Vollure can be the first step toward restoring a youthful appearance without invasive surgery.
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is the first and only dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid that is FDA approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area for patients over 21 years of age. Results from JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC can last up to two years.
JUVÉDERM® XC
JUVÉDERM® XC is an FDA-approved gel filler made of hyaluronic acid that improves the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles, lines, and folds around the nose and mouth and restores natural contours to the face. JUVÉDERM® XC effectively treats nasolabial folds (parentheses lines), vertical lip lines, lines at the corners of the mouth, and marionette lines. The results from JUVÉDERM® XC can last up to a year after just one treatment.
RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler
RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel that plump the skin that can provide instant results. Once injected, the CaHA microspheres stimulate the natural production of collagen in the skin so that results last long after the injectable is absorbed by the body. RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler is the most common CaHA injectable formula and effectively improves the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, including smile lines, marionette lines, lines at the corners of the mouth, hollows in the pre-jowl area, and chin wrinkles.
Restylane®
Restylane® is an injectable gel made of hyaluronic acid that restores volume, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, defines facial contours, and creates fuller lips. Results from Restylane® are instant and generally can last six months to a year, although some studies show that results can last up to 18 months.
Dermal Fillers FAQ
Will injectable treatment hurt?
Most formulas are FDA approved to be mixed with an anesthetic to reduce any potential discomfort. The skin may also be chilled, treated with a topical anesthetic ointment, or injected with an anesthetic for patient comfort.
How long is recovery after treatment?
No downtime is required after injectable treatment. However, some swelling, redness, and tenderness may be present immediately after treatment and, depending on the type of injectable, may persist for a few days.
Will I have any red injection spots after treatment?
The treated skin may be slightly red and splotchy after treatment, but only temporarily. The redness and unevenness should subside within a few hours.
More serious complications can occur if injectable treatment is administered by an inexperienced or unqualified injector. Some of the risks include infection at the injection site, lumps or bumps, more severe redness and skin rashes. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon or a qualified injector to perform your treatment is crucial to understanding and reducing your risk of complications. Your provider will go over these risks with you and help you decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Should I avoid the sun after receiving treatment?
It’s recommended you stay out of the sun for at least a week after your injectables treatment. Though rare, complications like discoloration can occur after prolonged sun exposure. If you must go outside, be sure to cover your face with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin. (In general, it is always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun, regardless of whether you’ve had injectable treatment.) In the event that you do develop a sunburn or notice a complication after your treatment, contact your provider right away.
Is there any bruising caused by injectables?
Bruising is one of the common aftereffects of Botox and filler injections. However, the amount of bruising depends on factors like the patient’s age, medical history, medications, herbal supplements and other factors. The injector’s technique can also influence the amount of bruising that occurs after treatment.
To minimize your chances of bruising, you should stop taking any medications, vitamins or supplements that can affect blood clotting for several days prior to treatment (we will provide a complete list). Select a qualified provider who has plenty of experience. After your injections, you should avoid any intense physical activities for the first day or two, as vigorous activity that increases blood pressure can aggravate bruising. Applying cold compresses within the first two days of treatment can also help minimize bruising.
How much do injectables cost?
The price of each injectable varies depending on the formula, the number of areas treated, and the amount of correction needed.
How long will the results from injectables last?
The results of injectables vary anywhere from three months up to two years. Formulas that stimulate collagen production generally last longer.