Dermal fillers can replace lost volume to help smooth wrinkles, plump the lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. This popular facial rejuvenation treatment is a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
About This Procedure
Dermal fillers are synthetic or naturally-occurring substances that are injected into the body’s soft tissue at different depths to lift, plump, and contour the face, hands, earlobes, and parts of the body. They often allow patients to improve their appearance and look refreshed without the downtime, risks, and commitment of surgery.
Dermal fillers are used for a variety of concerns, including:
- Forehead lines
- Hollowness of the cheeks, under eyes, and temples
- Sagging or flattened cheeks
- Deep folds from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Prominent lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin (marionette lines)
- Thin lips
- Vertical lines around the mouth (smoker’s lines)
- Nasal deformities
- Acne depressions
- Volume restoration in the earlobes and hands
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin and is highly effective as a dermal filler because of its ability to transport nutrients to skin. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 18 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
At DermaNuva, we generally use two brands of HA fillers – Juvéderm® and Restylane – depending on the results you would like to achieve.
Lip Fillers enhance the natural shape of the lip and can add extra volume and plumpness. This is the ideal treatment if your lips are lacking in shape or elasticity. A vial of Juvederm® is injected into the lips during the treatment, and a typical treatment would require 1-2 vials, depending on the desired effect.
To avoid the over-done look, our highly trained Practitioners will work with the natural shape of the lips to add volume and definition. ‘Duck lips’ can occur when too much filler or an unsuitable product has been used. This is why it is so important to ensure your treatment is carried out by a fully-trained professional with detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the face.
What To Expect
Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. Please keep in mind that results may vary.
Before Treatment
- Patients are advised to discontinue blood-thinning products like aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS include Advil and Aleve), and vitamin E supplements prior to their treatment.
- In addition, patients should eat leafy greens, follow a low sodium diet, and avoid strenuous exercise several days before and after their injections.
During Treatment
- Depending on the areas being injected, treatment time is approximately 10-25 minutes.
- We usually apply a topical anesthetic beforehand, and many dermal fillers contain lidocaine to minimize pain.
After Treatment
- Patients may experience redness, swelling, bruising, and lumps at or near the injection site immediately after treatment. These effects often subside within two-to-four weeks depending on the product used.
- Patients should also avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise.
- It’s also recommended that patients sleep on their backs for a few days post-treatment to minimize swelling and bruising.
Result & Recovery Notes
- Results may vary with each client
- Fillers begin to have an effect within 3 to 7 days, but it takes a total of 14 days before the effect is complete.
- For patients being treated for the first time, the effect may begin to diminish in as early as 2 months, whereas the effect typically lasts longer (3 to 6 months) with repeated treatments.
Results
Results are noticeable several days after receiving the injections, however, it can take up to two-to-four weeks to see the full effects, and we recommend a follow-up appointment to assess the outcome.
Most hyaluronic acid fillers last six-to-12 months and Juvederm Vollure XC can last up to 18 months.
More Info
Ideal Candidate
Healthy men and women over the age of 21 are good candidates for dermal fillers. Fillers are an excellent treatment option for patients that want a quicker onset of results and are opposed to surgical intervention.
Not Recommended For
Patients that are pregnant or breast-feeding should postpone treatment and consult with their obstetrician to determine when they can safely proceed with dermal fillers. Individuals with active acne, a history of severe allergies and anaphylaxis, and/or autoimmune diseases are not ideal candidates for dermal fillers.
Side Effects
You can expect some swelling and bruising. Other common side effects include redness, tenderness, lumps or bumps, minor pain and itching. All of these side effects usually subside within two to four weeks.