Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable, gel-like substances used to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
As we age, our bodies lose collagen, a key protein that keeps skin plump and firm, leading to sagging, fine lines, and hollowness.
Fillers replace this lost volume, offering a non-surgical way to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Autologous Fat Injections
- What it is: Uses your own fat from another body area.
- How it works: Fat is harvested, purified, and injected. Results can last for years, though some reabsorption occurs.
- Best for: Large-volume restoration and permanent results.
Safety and Risks
Only a licensed healthcare provider should perform filler procedures.
Common Side Effects
Temporary side effects at the injection site may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Itching
Serious but Rare Risks
Serious complications are uncommon but may include:
- Vascular occlusion: When filler is injected into a blood vessel, potentially leading to tissue death or vision issues.
- Infection: Possible with poor hygiene.
- Nodules or granulomas: Bumps under the skin.
- Allergic reaction: A rare possibility.
What to Expect from Treatment
A consultation determines the best filler and discusses medical history. During the procedure, the area is cleaned, possibly numbed,
and the filler is injected. The process takes under an hour. After, mild swelling or bruising may occur, but recovery is minimal,
with many seeing immediate results.
Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are injectable treatments used to add volume, plumpness, and shape to the lips. Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a gel-like substance that occurs naturally in the body. They are a popular non-surgical way to enhance lip appearance and can also be used to correct asymmetry, define the lip border, or reduce fine lines around the mouth.
The Procedure
- Consultation: Before the procedure, a qualified medical professional (such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon) will discuss your goals and assess your lip shape and facial structure.
- Anesthesia: A topical numbing cream or local anesthetic is applied to the lips to minimize any discomfort during the injections.
- Injection: Using a very fine needle, the filler is carefully injected into specific areas of the lips. The procedure itself typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
- Massage and aftercare: After the injections, the practitioner may gently massage the lips to ensure the filler is evenly distributed and the shape is smooth. Ice can also be applied to reduce swelling.
Types of Lip Fillers
The most common and safest type of lip filler is hyaluronic acid (HA). Popular brands include:
- Juvéderm: A widely used HA filler with different formulations, such as Ultra XC for more volume and Volbella XC for a softer, more subtle effect.
- Restylane: Another common HA filler with options like Restylane Silk for smooth, subtle results and Restylane Kysse for flexible, natural-feeling lips.
Less common or permanent options include:
- Fat grafting: A more invasive procedure that involves transferring fat cells from another part of your body to your lips. It offers more permanent results but also has a longer recovery time.
- Permanent fillers: These are less favored in modern cosmetic practices due to higher risks of complications like lumps or migration that are difficult to reverse.
Expected Results and Longevity
- Immediate results: You will see an immediate change in your lip volume, though swelling may make them appear more plump at first.
- Final look: The final results will be visible once the swelling subsides, which can take up to a week. The full, desired look is typically apparent after about four weeks.
- Duration: HA fillers are not permanent. The results typically last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the individual and the type of filler used. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the effect.
- Reversible: A key advantage of HA fillers is that they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if a patient is unhappy with the results.
| Dermal Fillers | Botox | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Add volume to fill areas. | Relax muscles causing expression lines. |
| How it works | Inject gel-like substances. | Inject botulinum toxin to temporarily freeze muscles. |
| Areas treated | Cheeks, lips, under-eyes, and deep folds. | Forehead, frown lines, and crow's feet. |
| Results | Often immediate. | Appear gradually. |
| Longevity | 6 months to over 2 years. | Typically 3 to 4 months. |
How it Works
Consultation & Assessment
A qualified practitioner reviews your skin, medical history, and desired goals to determine the right type of filler.
Preparation & Cleansing
The treatment area is cleaned, and a numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort.
Precise Injection
The filler gel is carefully injected into targeted areas such as cheeks, lips, or under the eyes to restore volume and smooth lines.
Immediate Results & Aftercare
Results are visible right after the procedure, with minimal downtime. Mild swelling or bruising may occur but usually subsides quickly.
have a question?
Quick answers to questions you may have
What are dermal fillers used for?
A: Dermal fillers are used to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, enhance lips, and improve facial contours for a youthful appearance.
How long do dermal fillers last?
A: Depending on the type of filler and treatment area, results can last from 6 months to over 2 years.
Are dermal fillers safe?
A: Yes, when performed by a licensed and experienced professional. Mild side effects like redness, swelling, or bruising are common but temporary. Serious risks are rare.
Is the treatment painful?
A: Most patients experience only mild discomfort. Practitioners often apply a numbing cream or use fillers with lidocaine for added comfort.