Filler

Dermal Filler

Dermal Fillers are hyaluronic acid gels that can be injected directly into the soft tissues of the face to help restore the volume lost with aging.

Soft tissue volume loss plays a significant role in the natural process of aging. In simple terms, the face tends to deflate over time. Volume is progressively lost in the temples, the cheeks, and around the lips. This leads to jowling, deepened nasolabial folds, and perioral wrinkling. Injectable fillers are designed to help restore this age-related volume loss.

Your skin naturally contains hyaluronic acids. These substances attract and bind to water molecules, to help cushion and lubricate connective tissues of the body. In doing so, hyaluronic acid keeps your skin well-hydrated and youthful in appearance.

Unfortunately, as we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin decline. Furthermore, environmental factors - such as smoking and air pollution - can also diminish hyaluronic acid levels. The result is a loss of hydration and volume that can ultimately contribute to wrinkling and other classic signs of facial aging.

Types of Fillers

The formulas of Restylane and Juvederm use the same active ingredient: hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This ability allows both fillers to add volume and plump the skin. While the two products are very similar in nature, there are some minor differences in cost and duration of effects. More importantly, some patients simply prefer one product over the other based on previous results they have had with it in the past.

Although many other facial injectables are now available on the market, these two fillers have the longest track records of safety and efficacy and are the most popular HA fillers used at our office.

Benefits of Filler

Facial dermal fillers can target:

  • • Smile and laugh lines

  • • Marionette lines (running vertically downward from the corners of the mouth)

  • • Vertical lip lines

  • • Volume loss in the cheeks

  • • Volume loss in the lips

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Schedule your injection at a time when minor swelling or bruising will not disrupt your social obligations. Each time you are treated, outcomes may vary. To lessen the likelihood of bleeding or bruising, discontinue the use of blood thinning products for 10 days before treatment if approved by your primary care provider. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen, Aleve, fish oil, St. John's Wort, flax, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, etc. Alcohol is also to be avoided 24 hours pre- or post-injectable treatment, as it is also a blood thinner. You can consider taking Arnica Montana natural supplement to help bruising (take 5 tablets three times per day, starting one week before treatment). 

Please notify your provider if you have any history of cold sores, as we will consider pre-medicating with an antiviral prescription prior to injections. Cancel your appointment if you have any open sores in the treatment area. It is important that you alert us of any medical conditions you may have and/or any prescribed medications you are taking prior to your treatment. 

Any injection introduces the risk for infection. For this reason, the following is taken into consideration when proceeding with injections.
We will delay injectables if you: 

  • Have had any infection, cold, virus, or flu in the past 30 days. 

  • Have had any dental procedures in the past 30 days or are anticipating dental procedures or cleanings in the next 30 days. 

  • Have had a surgical procedure in the past 30 days or are anticipating a surgery or procedure.

  • Have had any immunizations in the past 30 days or if you’re anticipating immunizations. 

  • Have had any tattooing or permanent makeup within the past 30 days.

  • Take any immunosuppressive/injectable medications (ex: Biologics such as Humira, Skyrizi, Stelara, Enbrel, Taltz, Cosentyx, Tremfya). 

  • Additional contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies to lidocaine or previous dermal fillers, open sores in areas to be treated. 

Post-Treatment Instructions

  • Swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and areas of firm nodules may occur. 

  • Cosmetic fillers are long lasting, but not permanent. Longevity depends on the areas treated and your body’s metabolism. Can last up to 6- 12 months

  • DO NOT massage, touch, or manipulate the injection site. Avoid heavy exercise the day of your treatment. 

  • Ice packs may be used to the treated area during the first 12 hours. Ice for 15 minutes on every hour. 

  • Avoid dental work for 30 days after filler injections. 

  • Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for 24 hours post-treatment to prevent dispersing the product. We recommend you sleep elevated on your back and use pillows to stabilize yourself.

  • If experiencing swelling, sleep with head elevated for 2-3 days to decrease swelling. 

  • You may take acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort. 

  • Wait a minimum of 2 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any skincare or laser treatments. 

  • For most patients, the benefits of dermal fillers can be enhanced by using a medical-grade skincare system. Please contact your provider or a member of the staff for product recommendations. 

  • If you experience bruising, Arnica Montana natural supplement can be taken to help bruising to resolve at a faster rate; take 5 tablets three times per day (this can be started 1 week prior to injections). 

  • If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact our office immediately: dusky or white discoloration of injected areas, mottling or unusual bruising, severe or increasing pain, redness, increasing warmth or coolness to touch, severe swelling, itching, blisters, difficulty swallowing or smiling, fever, or chills. If you notice the onset of any of these symptoms, call our office immediately at (706) 369-8440 to speak with a provider