Dermal fillers are among the most common, nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Dermal fillers are composed of a synthetic hyaluronic acid gel, which is a naturally occurring substance in the skin. They are injected under the skin to treat volume loss. Dermal fillers are a safe and cost-effective alternative to plastic surgery and can provide natural looking results.

As we age, the face goes through several physical changes which in part is caused by loss of structural support, as well as loss of volume and migration of fat pads. This may appear as hollow temples, sunken eyes, flattened cheeks, deep lines around the nose and mouth, and loose sagging skin around the jawline. Many people begin to notice signs of facial volume loss starting in their 20s and 30s. The process accelerates as we age and can be influenced by a number of environmental and behavioral factors. Dermal fillers can provide immediate improvement to affected areas.

Specific benefits dermal fillers can provide include:

• Enhance lips and correct asymmetry
• Correct facial lines such as Marionette lines or parentheses
• Decrease sunken eyes, tear troughs and under eye circles
• Improve volume loss in the midface
• Enhance cheek contours
• Augment the chin and sculpt the jawline
• Soften facial lines and wrinkles, or provide an "airbrushed" look

It is important to consult with a medical provider who is knowledgeable and trained in dermal fillers when considering this procedure.

What should you expect when receiving dermal fillers?

• Avoid aspirin, vitamin E, St. John's Wort, and other dietary supplements including: ginkgo, evening primrose oil, garlic feverfew, and ginseng for 2 weeks before your procedure
• Avoid ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and alcohol for 2 days before your procedure.
• If possible, come to your appointment with a cleanly washed face without makeup.
• A full face assessment will be performed and recommendations made based on the desired outcome.
• Your face will be cleansed with a skin cleanser.
• Topical numbing creams and/or local nerve blocks may be performed to help minimize discomfort during the procedure.
• Our fillers are also infused with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to help reduce discomfort.
• Injections are then performed and usually require multiple sites of injection. Several syringes of product may be required depending on the degree of volume loss and desired result.
• The procedure can take 30-45 minutes.

Dermal fillers are temporary and can last between a few months to several years depending on the individual. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results.

What are the side effects to dermal fillers?

Minor side effects include:

• Skin redness and swelling in the treatment area is common. This should resolve within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs applied frequently are helpful.
• Bruising
• Visible or palpable filler lumps or bumps
• Asymmetry, over correction or under correction
• Bluish discoloration
• Migration of filler
• Darker or lighter discoloration (called hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation)

More serious side effects include:

• Scarring
• Blockage of an artery in the face which can cause tissue damage and skin necrosis
• Blindness
• Stroke
• Severe allergic reaction including the remote possibility of anaphylaxis

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