What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gels that are injected under the skin to fill and smooth wrinkles or add volume to an area. Hyaluronic acid is commonly used in dermal fillers but there are other synthetic substances that are FDA approved. Silicone injections are not FDA approved and should not be used. Some patients may benefit from autologous fat transfer to add volume to the face and body but we do not perform those procedures. The dermal filler injectable gels are made of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid which temporarily softens and fills moderate to severe wrinkles. The most common areas to treat are the cheeks, lips, marionette lines, chin, tear trough, and laugh lines. They are injected under the skin to add volume to the area being treated thereby lifting and filling in the wrinkle. The injectable gels differ in composition or concentration of hyaluronic acid by the manufacturer and these differences create treatment options for wrinkle severity, cost, and duration of esthetic effects. Our doctor will work with you to choose the right filler for your needs.

Are Dermal Fillers Permanent?

The hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent. Your body will start to degrade and remodel them after your treatment; however, most will last at least 9 months and some up to 2 years. It is common to add touchups to your treatment areas before they completely dissolve. The touchup treatments usually do not require as much filler as a first correction treatment. Correction treatments may take 2 or more syringes.

Are There Other fillers?

Yes, there are other treatment options for dermal soft-tissue augmentation which include but are not limited to, products such as Radiesse®, Perlane®, and other synthetic products. We do have Radiesse® for use with some patients after consultation and discussion of risks and benefits. Radiesse® is not a natural-occurring product like hyaluronic acid but can give nice, cost-effective, lasting esthetic results. We do not use permanent fillers or implants. 

Are They Painful?

There is minimal discomfort to the injections. We will use topical lidocaine cream and ice to help you feel comfortable and the products we use contain Lidocaine. Most people do very well throughout the procedure. The actual injection procedure only takes minutes to perform and is done by the doctor herself. You can bring a friend with you if it makes you feel more comfortable.

What Are Common Side Effects and Complications?

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is usually short-lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, temporary injection-site reactions such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, and itching. Infection and discoloration are possible but very infrequent. Rare but serious complications can occur if the gel is inadvertently injected directly into a vein or artery or compresses these structures. We do have Hyaluronidase® to dissolve hyaluronic acid if necessary. In the first 24 hours after injection, you should avoid strenuous exercise, extensive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages. Exposure to any of the above may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection sites. If there is swelling, you may need to place an ice pack over the swollen area. You should ask the physician when makeup may be applied after your treatment. Be sure to report any redness and/or visible swelling that lasts for more than a few days, or any other symptoms that cause you concern. We may ask you to come in for a follow-up visit, send in a selfie, or be able to handle your concern over the telephone.

Contraindications:

~Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers or Radiesse® injectable gels should not be used if you have:

~Severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylaxis or history or presence of multiple severe allergies.

~Prior allergy to the product.

~A history of allergies to Gram-positive bacterial proteins.

~Infection at the treatment site.

~Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

~Use of certain immunosuppressive medications.

~Safety in patients under 18 years of age has not been established.

~Certain collagen vascular diseases.