Learn More About Fillers

Fillers are an injectable treatment option that is designed to decrease the signs of aging

Instead of affecting your facial muscles like Dysport, fillers plump up skin sections

The procedure replaces soft tissue and fills in wrinkles and skin folds

Restylane® is a family of high performance facial rejuvenation fillers

They made from simple sugars called hyaluronic acids that occur naturally in the body

Hyaluronic acids are found in almost every living thing and are essential for the body’s day-to-day functioning

When suspended in a gel-like material, such as Fillers, these sugars act to support the structures of the face; almost like an inflated cushion under the skin

The results are instantaneous and can last up to 6 months to 2 years

Galderma, Inc., the same company that makes Dysport® cosmetic

Restylane® is mixed with lidocaine to prevent discomfort

Most patients are very comfortable and receive injections without the use of ice or topical numbing

Patients who compare receiving injections of both Dysport and Restylane generally say that fillers are less painful

Fillers can be used to treat a number of areas including:

• smile lines (creases from the bottom of the nose to the chin)

• tear troughs and eye hollows (darken areas underneath the eyes) 

• jaw, chin and lip augmentation

• volume loss in the hands

While a noticeable result is instantaneous, patients will generally see more complete results after approximately 2 weeks

Restylane® products (hyaluronic acid) are naturally occurring substances found in the body

Side effects are mostly due to the procedure and not the filler itself

These usually minor and self-limiting side effects range from redness, pain or tenderness, swelling, bruising, discoloration, lumps/bumps or itching at the injection site

Most patients love the results however those that do not have typically not used enough product

If for some reason the results are not what you desire, fillers can be removed by injecting an enzyme to break it down

While no downtime is required, patients should allow for the possibility of mild bruising and swelling following their injections

Try to avoid fish oil, flax seed oil, multivitamins, NSAID’s such as Ibuprofen and alcohol (including beer wine and liquor) at least 72 hours before injections

Consult with your primary physician about stopping aspirin, coumadin or other blood-thinning medications as these medications increase the risk of bruising and should be stopped at least 7 days prior to your injections

An over the counter remedy that can help reduce bruising is Bromelain, which is a substance found in pineapple. Some patients eat pineapple or drink pineapple juice 2 days prior to injections

Prices vary and cost per syringe, market price is $500-800/syringe depending on treatment area and product used (typical treatment involves 2-3 syringes.

This depends on the area that you would like treated

A little amount and a conservative approach to fillers can give a great result but best results are always seen with the appropriate amount for a given area in order to create the fuller, smoother look desired

Tear troughs — 1-2 Syringes

Cheeks — 2-3 Syringes

Nasolabial folds — 1-2 Syringes

Marionette lines — 1-2 Syringes

Lips — 1-1.5 Syringes

Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours, direct sunlight, excessive heat, and strenuous exercise

All of these activities cause additional bruising

If you develop a bruise it should resolve like any other bruise

It is ok to use cold compresses but direct skin contact with ice should be avoided

Any lumps, bumps, or small needle sticks should subside within a few hours

It is ok to cover the areas with makeup if needed

Call anytime for questions or concerns, however it is recommended to wait for two weeks prior to deciding if you need more treatment

Although extremely rare, follow up immediately if you develop intense pain, draining, or extreme heat at an injection site

This could be an infection or reaction to the filler itself

Fillers can last from 6 months to 1 year, depending on your metabolism

You have an active skin injection, including cold sores

Are pregnant or breast-feeding

Have had reactions to Juvéderm in the past

Have an allergy to lidocaine

Have a history of keloid scarring