What Are Fillers?

Injectable fillers help restore volume in the skin, which can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles that come with age. Injectable fillers have also been used to make thin lips fuller, correct acne scars, and make the areas under the eyes less dark or puffy.

The most commonly used substance in injectable fillers is hyaluronic acid. Produced naturally by the human body, hyaluronic acid fills the space between cells. It attracts water and gives the skin a bold, hydrated appearance. 

What Problems Can I Fix with Fillers?

The aging process can make once perky and bright skin, deflated and droopy. Fillers create a firm foundation to revitalize your features and can be used to quickly:

  • Plump up thin lips
  • Eliminate sagging jowls
  • Smooth laugh lines
  • Correct acne scars
  • Add volume to hands that have become thin and skeleton-like
  • Brighten the areas under the eyes to make them less dark or puffy

Injectable fillers give patients the option to increase volume and smooth out facial areas without looking like a completely different person. Most patients find that a little bit of filler goes a long way to boost their youthful appearance and self-esteem.

Are There Different Types of Injectable Fillers?

There are several options for injectable fillers with some treatments addressing specific areas of the face and results lasting between 6 months and 2 years. Before you begin treatment, you’ll need to consult with your dermatologist to decide the best option for you. 

Restylane® and JuveDerm®:

JuveDerm® and Restylane® are both cosmetic treatments composed of hyaluronic acid. These injectable fillers are used to reduce wrinkles and smooth the lines from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth or “laugh lines”. 

Other commonly treated areas include lips, frown lines, and hollows of the eyes. 

Typical results last between 6 months and a year with possible bruising at the injection sites.

JUVÉDERM® XC:

For moderate-to-severe wrinkles specifically around the nose and mouth, JUVÉDERM® XC may be the right option for you. Utilizing the first and only FDA-approved non-surgical hyaluronic acid, JUVÉDERM® XC can specifically treat:

  • Parentheses (Smile) Lines
  • Corner Lines
  • Marionette Lines
  • Vertical Lip Lines

Results from treatment can last up to one year.

JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA XC:

Losing shape in your cheeks and see your skin sagging? JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is the first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to instantly add volume to your cheek area to correct age-related volume loss in adults over the age of 21. It can provide contour and a subtle lift for up to two years with optimal treatment.

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Filler treatments offer quick results, but not without some discomfort. Injections are administered down on the bone for maximum results. If you are especially sensitive to pain, you can request and pick-up prescription numbing cream or medication before your procedure. 

As helpful as medication can be, it’s important to note that there may still be minor pain due to the nature of the procedure.

After treatment, there may be some bruising and swelling around the injection area. Some patients can feel the filler for a few weeks after the procedure, which may feel like a sore bump.

Two weeks after treatment, we suggest patients come in for a follow-up to evaluate what touch-ups or additional procedures may be needed. 

FAQ’s About Fillers

Is there a difference between fillers and Botox?

Yes. Even though both products are injections, they have very different uses. Fillers “fill out” wrinkles and fine lines with hydrating factors. Botox works with the nerves and muscles to relax wrinkles.

Do I have to go to a dermatologist for the procedure?

When considering injectable fillers, it’s important to only visit a board certified dermatologist. Using someone who is without a license or using unknown injectable materials can cause long-term damage and even be fatal.

In addition to evaluating what option is the best you, a licensed dermatologist will only use materials that are FDA-approved. If you want to take the step to use injectable fillers, it’s worth getting it right the first time.

Why don’t fillers last?

The main component of fillers — hyaluronic acid — is naturally occurring within the body and is constantly being built up and broken down. 

Are there side effects from injectable fillers?

Besides some slight bruising and tenderness, the majority of patients don’t experience any side effects. 

Despite precautions taken beforehand, some people have a painful reaction to the gel that results in inflammation known as biofilm. 

On extremely rare occasions, the gel injections can enter the veins. Should that happen, the dermatologist will be able to apply a solution to dissolve the filler.

Additional Resources

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