Fillers

Patients may choose to receive filler treatments to address these areas:

1. Cheeks - Defines cheek contours and adds volume.
2. Lips - Enhances the shape, adds volume, and reduces wrinkles around the mouth.
3. Nasolabial Folds - Provide a smoother appearance by reducing the depth of smile lines.
4. Jawline and Chin - Provides a more balanced profile by enhancing definition and structure.
5. Under-Eye Area - Reduces dark circles and hollowness for a more youthful appearance.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Filler injections, also known as dermal fillers, are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment used to restore facial volume loss, smooth out wrinkles, enhance lips, and improve facial contouring and definition. Fillers can also help improve the appearance of certain types of scars, such as acne scars or scars from injury, by filling in depressions and creating a smoother skin surface.

Dermal fillers are among the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures due to their ability to provide immediate results with minimal downtime and relatively low risk.

Types of Dermal Fillers

There are several types of dermal fillers, each formulated with different substances to address specific cosmetic concerns. The most commonly used fillers include:

1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain skin hydration and volume. HA fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are the most popular type of dermal fillers. They are used to add volume to the cheeks, lips, and under-eye area, as well as to smooth out wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. HA fillers are temporary and typically last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the product used, treatment area, and individual metabolism.

2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance found in bones. CaHA fillers, such as Radiesse, are thicker and provide more structural support than HA fillers. They are often used to fill deeper wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, and to add volume to areas like the cheeks and jawline. CaHA fillers last about 12 to 18 months and may stimulate collagen production, leading to longer-lasting results.

3. Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic substance that stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. Sculptra is an example of a PLLA filler used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, folds, and volume loss. Unlike HA and CaHA fillers, PLLA fillers work gradually over time to improve skin texture and volume. The effects of PLLA fillers can last up to 2 years, but multiple treatment sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results.

4. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

PMMA fillers, such as Bellafill, contain tiny microspheres suspended in a collagen gel. These microspheres provide long-lasting support to the skin, making PMMA fillers suitable for treating deep wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and acne scars. PMMA fillers are considered semi-permanent and can last 5 years or longer. They are typically recommended for patients looking for more lasting results.

5. Autologous Fat Injections (Fat Grafting)

Fat injections, or fat grafting, involve harvesting fat from the patient’s body (usually from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks) and then purifying and injecting it into areas needing volume restoration, such as the cheeks, lips, or under-eye hollows. As the patient’s tissue is used for fat grafting, the results can be long-lasting, but multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired outcome.

Dermal Filler Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1. Consultation

The procedure begins with a consultation with a one of our qualified medical team, such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or certified injector. During this consultation, the patient's medical history, concerns, and aesthetic goals are discussed to determine the most suitable type of filler and treatment areas.

1. 2. Preparation

The treatment area is cleaned, and a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort during the injection process. Some fillers, like HA fillers, already contain a small amount of lidocaine to reduce pain during injection.

1. 3. Injection

Using a fine needle or cannula, the injector carefully administers the filler into the targeted areas. The technique and depth of injection depend on the type of filler used and the desired outcome. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete, depending on the number of treatment areas.

1. 4. Post-Treatment Care

After the injections, patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, which usually subsides within a few days. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat exposure, and alcohol for 24-48 hours after treatment.

1. 5. Results

The effects of filler injections are immediate, with improvements in volume, contour, and wrinkle reduction visible right away. Some fillers, like PLLA fillers, may require multiple sessions and take a few weeks or months to show full results.