Dermal Fillers

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What are dermal fillers? 

Dermal fillers are smooth injectable gels that are primarily used to shape and proportion the face. They represent a non-surgical, minimal downtime and anti-aging option-making them a very powerful and popular tool in facial rejuvenation and enhancement. 

The most popular fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring component of all living organisms. Hyaluronic is found in abundance in youthful human skin where it fills the spaces between collagen and elastin and bonds with water for padding and hydration. Over time our natural hyaluronic gradually breaks down, resulting in sagging, wrinkling and loss of facial volume. Treatment with fillers replaces what’s been lost, naturally and instantly, leaving your face looking refreshed and rejuvenated. 

What areas can be treated? 

Dermal fillers are commonly used to enhance lips, plump wrinkles and folds, and to add volume or reshape the face. Areas that can be treated are cheeks, jawline, chin, under eye hollows, sunken mid-face, temples, smoothen jowls, define the chin or nose. They do NOT correct wrinkles caused by muscle movement, called dynamic wrinkles, which are best treated with Neurotoxin.

Fillers are injected into the treatment area via very fine needles or cannulas. Most commonly, numbing creams are used to minimize discomfort. The procedure is commonly completed in 20 to 40 minutes depending on the treated area. 

What are the potential benefits and what will I look like after the treatment? 

The potential benefits of a facial injectable may include lessening the appearance or depth of a wrinkle, furrow or groove or dampening the activity of a facial muscle, without having to undergo a surgical procedure. The goal is to enhance one’s appearance with natural looking results.

Most dermal filler treatments deliver instant results. Temporary redness, swelling and/or bruising may occur following any treatment that punctures the skin, Light make up maybe applied if desired and the majority of patients resume their normal activities immediately after treatment. 

How long do dermal fillers last? 

Improvements last from 3-24 months, depending on the filler used, the area injected, and individual variation. Fillers break down more quickly in areas that move continuously such as the lips (4-6 months) than they do in areas of relative rest such as the under eye hollows, temples and cheeks (up to 2 years). 

What are the risks? 

Hyaluronic fillers have been used successfully for many years. They are biocompatible, non-permanent, rarely cause reactions and can be easily dissolved if required. However, any injectable treatment carries some risk of temporary discomfort, redness, swelling, bruising and lumpiness. 

Infection: Any injection, for any reason, carries a small risk of infection. Most infections, should they arise, can be treated with oral antibiotics. Subsequent surgery or drainage may be required.

Bleeding/Bruising: Bleeding can occur as a result of an injectable filler treatment. This may result in bruising or temporary discoloration of the treated area, scabbing, and shedding or shallow scarring. To avoid excessive bruising, you must refrain from any Aspirin products for 10 days leading up to your injection. 

Any reason I cannot have treatment? 

Dermal fillers are not recommended for those who are allergic to hyaluronic products or local anesthetic, have inflammation or infection in the area to be treated or have porphyria. 

We will discuss with you whether this treatment is suitable for you if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have a tendency to keloid scarring, have an auto-immune disease, permanent filler already in place in the area to be treated, a history of anaphylactic shock, multiple allergies, streptococcal disease or are taking blood thinners. 

Deep chemical peeling or laser abrasion are best avoided for 2-3 months before and after dermal filling treatment. 

What are my alternatives? Alternative forms of treatment consist of not electing to undergo facial injectable treatment or cosmetic plastic surgical alternatives. You may also consider other non-operative treatment options which might include chemical or laser peels, facials, Retin-A, or platelet rich plasma injections.