Dermal Fillers

What is Dermal Filler?

Dermal Fillers are aesthetic pharmaceutical products made with Hyaluronic Acid (HA)  —they are gels! Each product has specifics in its structure allowing it to lend itself to a given application or anatomical location, but they all function on the same principle: Occupying space by increasing volume.

​

Filler is injected as a volume-based dosage, and 1 syringe = 1mL of volume for most products. 

​

This means that we are offsetting volume loss with a single milliliter at a time with each syringe.

​

The volume required to deliver a specific goal varies based on, but not limited to, the following:

1. Goals

2. Individual Anatomy

3. Skin Laxity

4. Number of Areas Treated

 

Time and consideration are given during consultation in order for me to choose the pharmaceuticals that are best suited to address your specific concerns as well as your specific medical considerations.

​

Filler can be used to create: Volume, Structure, Contour, and Hydration.

​

Filler dosage is made in milliliters, and any given dosage will be distributed over the surface area of your tissue in the areas that are treated. This is why a single syringe will result in a very noticeable change for most people when applied to the lips, and a more subtle result when the same volume is spread over 4-6 locations along the cheekbone, for example.

​

Some clients are interested in approaching filler treatment with gusto and getting several syringes in one session, and others prefer a reduced pace –the choice is yours –it just needs to be communicated to me so that I can help :)

​

Post Care Instructions

There is no true downtime with dermal fillers. Initial side effects include mild swelling or bruising and temporary numbness or redness. You should not apply firm pressure to the treatment area for 3-5 days. Gentle massage with a smooth dermal roller or a finger tip is acceptable. If lip filler is administered, drinking from straws or similar movement should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. Mild lumps should dissipate over 2-3 weeks.

​

For optimal results, you should plan to schedule your appointment at least two weeks prior to a special event or photos. I am happy to discuss a timeline with you for optimal results and satisfaction.

​

Do not lie flat on your face, engage in strenuous exercise, or apply pressure to the face (massage, yoga) for 24 hours following your treatment.

​

Do not apply prolonged pressure to your face (such as being face down in a massage cradle, wearing a dive mask) for 2-3 weeks.

​

Localized soreness and/or headache is not uncommon. You may treat these symptoms with Tylenol/Acetaminophen.

​

Will I bruise?

The risk of bruising will be minimized by avoiding the use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) for 5-7 days prior to and following your appointment. Oral supplements such as Vitamin E, ginko biloba, ginseng, St. Johns Wort, and Omega 3/Fish oil supplements have a blood thinning effect as well, and avoidance of these medications during the week prior to your treatment will minimize the tendency toward bruising.

​

Avoid the consumption of alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment, as it can also thin the blood and lead to increased bruising. 

 

Localized bruising is always a possibility when an injection is performed in living tissue, though there is often none at all. We make every effort to prevent bruising, but it may happen despite our best efforts. Gently apply a cold compress or ice if desired.

 

Please report anything that concerns you –I would rather reassure you that what you are experiencing is normal than have you worry. In the unlikely event of a serious complication, I want to be able to work with you as quickly as possible to develop a solution.

​

Are small lumps and swelling normal?

Yes, swelling and small lumps may be present for 2-3 weeks, rarely as long as 4 weeks. After this time, the dermal filler will integrate with your native tissue, resulting in a smooth and even appearance. If any adjustments are needed, we can address those after the swelling has subsided.

​

During this period of healing, you may begin to notice small aspects of your anatomy that you have never noticed before. This is normal, as we tend to start paying a lot more attention to our faces when we begin to pay to put aesthetic medications into them – you are not alone! I encourage you to:

​

1) Free yourself from the expectation of “perfect” symmetry

​

2) Understand that filler can be used to balance facial volume and to create and maintain a more symmetrical appearance, but perfect symmetry is not a reasonable goal. Even if an injector were successful in such an endeavor, the result would be temporary because the structural and dynamic factors that create baseline asymmetry remain, and filler is not permanent.

 

3) There is some degree of swelling/healing for 2-4 weeks after placement of fillers, and some of what you are seeing is not product, but your natural fluid in the surrounding tissue due to the swelling response of your body to a sterile implant.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or additional information about what we can do to help you reach your goals.

​

Complications

Complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used and include:

• Acne-like skin eruptions;

• Bleeding from the injection site;

• Infection at the injection site;

• Skin rash with itching;

• Skin redness; and/or

• Under or over-correction of wrinkles;

• Vascular occlusion. This is rare and treated with a product that will dissolve the filler product to resolve the occlusion.