What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are substances that are injected into the skin through small needles to improve the appearance of the face. They help fill out facial wrinkles and creases, depressions around the mouth and nose, and plump areas such as the lips and cheeks.
How does the treatment work?
Each Dermal Filler works in a unique way: Restylane® is a clear gel that is injected into target areas of the face. The gel then attracts water and holds the volume of the skin, which decreases the appearance of facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. The effects can last six months or longer. Some other fillers that may be used are Juvederm®, Captique®, Cosmoderm®, and Radiesse® depending on location of treatment, desired result and how long the injectible lasts.
What are the results?
Dermal Fillers can shape facial contours, smooth wrinkles or sculpt lips. The final result is that your facial features are left looking healthy, more youthful and have an overall smoother appearance.
How many treatments are required?
Dermal Fillers produce only temporary effects; therefore, the number of treatments is determined by the patient and the type of product used for the desired result.
Are there any possible side effects?
Each treatment carries its own side effects. The most common among these are uneven texture of the skin, swelling and scarring. The risk of these side effects is minimal.
Will there be any downtime?
No, there is no downtime. You may immediately return to your daily routine although you may have some temporary bruising or numbness if local anesthetic is used.
What are the benefits of Dermal Fillers over other treatments?
These treatments have no downtime as opposed to skin resurfacing. Also, following treatment there is little discomfort. Results can be seen in a short time period and after only one session.
What can be expected post-treatment?
On some occasions, there is redness, swelling, or bruising. This temporary discomfort may last a couple of days.
How soon will results appear?
Your results appear as soon as any swelling diminishes with Dermal Fillers and full results will be evident two weeks after treatment.
How long does a treatment last?
Treatments generally take about thirty minutes, sometimes longer if local anesthetic is used.
Who should avoid treatment?
We won't use Dermal Fillers if you have an infection at the site where they will be injected. We'll take a medical history before any treatment.
How long do the results last?
All results vary from patient to patient. Restylane® results can last for six to twelve months, Radiesse up to 18 months. Captique is a wonderful, predictable Dermal Filler that lasts only 6-8 weeks. It can be used to define lips, fill depressions around the nose and mouth, and rejuvenate the lower face. This is a perfect non-invasive “event day” treatment for a special occasion or just to “test drive” a new look.
What are the alternative treatments?
There are an assortment of other treatments including collagen creams, fruit acids, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing and phototherapy.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Additional treatment is not required for immediate results, but additional treatment is required for maintenance. Results will begin to fade, and your facial features will gradually return to their former state.
What are the limitations of Dermal Fillers?
The limitation of Dermal Fillers is that they fade with time and are not a permanent answer to wrinkles.
Instructions for before treatment:
We'll ask about any allergies you have, any serious medical conditions and all medications you are taking, both prescription and non-prescription. To reduce bruising, avoid anticoagulants, aspirin and other blood thinners for a week before treatment and we will treat you with ice immediately after injection. For Dermal Fillers, we recommend 4 days of the oral supplement, Arnica Montana, before treatment and 3 days after. We carry Arnica at Sol Y Luna or can point you in the right direction.
Instructions for after treatment:
Avoid vigorous activity directly after treatment, wearing hats or sweatbands 24 hours after treatment, and continue to avoid blood thinners until bruising diminishes.
