Injectable Fillers

Used For

Correction of volume loss of the lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, and temples

Down Time

No downtime. Although there may be some bruising as a result of the procedure.

How It Works

Fillers are injected into deeper layers under the skin to add volume and support. Typical results last 9-12 months. These fillers are naturally degraded by the body over that time.

Side Effects

Small amount of bruising after the procedure is possible but does not always happen.

What to Expect

Expect improvement in volume right away. There is some swelling after the procedure which goes down over the next couple of weeks. We see our first time filler patients 2 weeks after their filler appointment to ensure everything looks great after their procedure.

There are multiple fillers used for a variety of reasons. Let’s start by reviewing a few uses of fillers then talk about the different types of fillers.

Some Indications for Injectable Fillers

Wrinkles – Fillers work by lifting the base of the wrinkle to a higher position, essentially flattening the appearance of a wrinkle to make it less noticeable. Unlike Botox, fillers work on wrinkles that are present at rest – in other words, if the wrinkles are only present when you move your forehead, for instance, Botox will likely be a better option. If the wrinkles are present at rest, such as around your mouth, fillers will likely be the better option.

Scarring – Certain scars and indentations, especially acne scarring, may benefit from a combination of surgical procedures and artificial fillers.

Volumizing of the cheeks or lips  or jawline – Fillers work by increasing the volume beneath the skin, the provide a fuller appearance.

Volumizing the chin – Enhance chin volume and projection with fillers.

Different Types Of Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane, Juvederm, RHA, Belotero, etc) – FDA approved. Lasts from 6 months to 1 year. Some advantages include its small particle sizes which make this filler ideal for lips and fine wrinkles. There is also a medication that allows this injectable material to be dissolved.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) – FDA approved. Typical results last 8 months to 1 year. A slightly thicker texture makes this filler better for volumizing larger regions of the face such as the cheeks and tear trough.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) – FDA approved. This longer lasting filler lasts 1-2 years. Multiple sessions may be needed for placement of this filler, usually 2-3 sessions are required. This filler is not typically used for fine wrinkles since it can be felt through the skin if injected superficially. Read more about Sculptra here.

Fat Transfer – Some of the newest breakthroughs in our industry have occurred in refinements in fat transfer and harvesting the power of adult stem cells (microfat). If you are over 40 years old and desire longer lasting results, this may be an excellent option for you. See my fat transfer page for more information as well as posts on my blog.