Dermal Fillers

What are Dermal Fillers?

Aging is typically caused by a reduction in collagen, causing the skin to lose its suppleness and support. The result is sagging and folds. Dermal fillers are a type of injectable treatment made with biocompatible materials like hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. When injected under the skin, dermal fillers can restore volume lost with aging or enhance the natural features. Dermal fillers can be used in areas like the:

• Cheeks
• Nasolabial folds
• Lips
• Nose
• Marionette lines
• Undereyes

Dermal fillers can be used on adult patients of all ages and can easily be combined with non-surgical treatments like BOTOX®, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels for even more effective anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. They can also be used as a part of a nonsurgical facelift to rejuvenate your whole face depending on your needs and goals.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Patients who are healthy and have realistic expectations about what dermal fillers can achieve are great candidates for treatment. Men and women both can benefit from dermal fillers, although it’s important to have good skincare habits in place to get the most out of your results. If your aging signs are moderate or severe, then your plastic surgeon can discuss whether you might benefit more from a surgical lift procedure. Filler treatments are also not permanent, so it’s important to note that you may need to schedule annual or bi-annual appointments to continue looking your best.

What Happens During Dermal Filler Treatment?

Most dermal filler treatments only require a quick 15-minute appointment. To begin, you’ll discuss the right fillers for your goals with our experienced injectors. We offer many different industry-leading brands like Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Radiesse®. Dermal filler treatment can be performed using a topical numbing agent if desired, but most patients don’t require it. Dr. Paquet will cleanse and sterilize the treatment areas before placing the product under the skin using a very fine needle. This produces visible volume immediately, so results can be adjusted and fine-tuned during your appointment. Once complete, you can return home and resume your usual lifestyle.

Dermal Filler Results and Recovery

You’ll be given a list of aftercare instructions to follow, including avoiding exercise and hot environments for the first 24 hours. It’s normal to have some residual redness and swelling (especially if you opt for lip filler treatment) which can be eased with ice packs. Generally, you can return to your regular activities right away. It can take up to two weeks for the product to fully settle and for any residual swelling to fade. If you want to return for more product or to adjust your results once the product has settled, you can do so at that time. Each product is different, but dermal fillers can typically last around one year.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dermal Fillers