Dermal fillers work as injectable gel-like substances that bring back lost volume and smooth out facial lines. These treatments reduce facial lines, boost shallow contours, and improve scar appearance.
My practice uses four main types of dermal fillers:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Your skin naturally contains this substance that keeps hydration and volume, with results lasting 6-12 months
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Bones contain this mineral compound that works effectively for about one year
- Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA): This collagen stimulator delivers results lasting up to two years
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): Tiny balls in this semi-permanent filler stay under your skin to maintain firmness
These fillers help patients who want plumper lips, softer facial creases, and fewer wrinkles. The treatment’s popularity speaks for itself – more than 3 million people in the United States choose dermal fillers each year.
The treatment involves careful injection of these substances just beneath your skin. Different filler types serve unique purposes in treating fine lines and deeper wrinkles. To name just one example, smaller HA particles work best for fine lines, while larger particles tackle deeper wrinkles and folds.
Dermal fillers differ from Botox by adding volume and fullness instead of relaxing muscles. Patients see results right away that can last several months to years, depending on the filler type and treatment area.
Popular Filler Brands Carried By Elegance Esthetics Med Spa
Our med spa provides a select range of premium dermal filler brands. Each brand is chosen based on its unique benefits and proven results.
Juvederm Fillers
JUVÉDERM® is the most popular dermal filler collection in the United States. We use six unique formulations that include VOLUMA® XC for cheeks and chin, VOLBELLA® XC for lips and under-eye area, and VOLUX® XC to define the jawline. These hyaluronic acid-based fillers give you results that last between 9 to 24 months.
Restylane Fillers
The Restylane® collection has specialized solutions for facial areas of all types. Restylane Kysse creates softer, fuller lips and works great for lip enhancement and wrinkle correction. Restylane Lyft is perfect for cheek enhancement and hand rejuvenation, which gives you complete facial improvement options.
Radiesse Fillers
Radiesse® stands out with its unique calcium hydroxylapatite composition. This innovative filler gets more natural collagen production and shows results right after treatment. You can expect the effects to last up to one year, which makes it great for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles.
Sculptra
Sculptra® contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and works unlike other fillers by boosting your body’s natural collagen production. This biostimulatory injectable gives results that last up to two years. Clinical studies show that 95% of patients got better skin glow two years after treatment.
Popular Injection Areas For Dermal Fillers
Different facial areas react uniquely to dermal filler treatment and provide specific esthetic improvements.
Lips
Dermal fillers make lips fuller and more defined. These injections plump thin lips, add definition to shallow contours, and smooth out vertical lines around the mouth. Results vary between patients, but lip fillers usually last 6 to 18 months.
Chin
Dermal fillers improve the chin’s appearance and balance facial features. The treatment creates better jawline definition and adds proportion to the lower face. Clinical studies show that 87.1% of patients experience mild swelling after treatment, but results stay visible for up to 12 months.
Cheeks
Volume loss in sunken cheeks bounces back with dermal fillers. The treatment lifts the cheeks and fixes hollowness caused by weight loss or aging. Patients can enjoy results for 6 to 18 months, depending on the product used.
Jawline
Jawline fillers create clear definition between the jaw and neck. This treatment helps counter age-related volume loss in the lower face. Patients see immediate improvements that last up to 2 years.
Under-Eye
The tear trough area looks plumper and brighter with under-eye fillers. These treatments minimize dark circles and create a refreshed look. A quick 5 to 20-minute procedure delivers results that last several months.
Hands
Dermal fillers rejuvenate hands by adding volume and smoothing contour irregularities. Each hand needs about 2cc of filler, and results typically last 6 months. The treatment makes veins and tendons less visible, giving hands a younger appearance.
Who Can Get A Dermal Filler?
Choosing the right candidates for dermal filler treatment needs a careful look at health factors and age requirements.
An Ideal Candidate
The best candidates for dermal filler treatments are people with good physical and mental health. We look for patients who have realistic goals about improving their looks and show a deep commitment to healthy skin. Non-smokers make great candidates because their bodies heal faster.
Patients should have moderate to severe folds, wrinkles, or specific areas they want to fix without surgery. People asking about under-eye circles, sunken cheeks, or facial asymmetry often get great results from filler treatments.
Minimum Requirements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set clear age limits for dermal filler treatments. You must be 22 or older to get the procedure. People between 18-21 can still get treatments if they have their parents’ formal consent.
Some medical conditions can rule out filler treatments:
- Active skin infections or lesions in the treatment area
- Sensitivity to lidocaine
- History of extreme allergies
- Ongoing skin conditions near injection sites
Patient safety comes first, so I get a full picture of each person’s medical history. This means checking current medications, especially blood thinners that need a doctor’s approval. Pregnant and nursing women should wait to get treatments since hormone changes might affect their results.
The Elegance Esthetics Filler Treatment
Here’s my step-by-step filler treatment process that ensures the best results and your safety.
Consultation
I start with a full picture of your face and review your medical history. We’ll talk about your esthetic goals and previous treatments during this consultation. I’ll check your skin tone, look at target areas, and mark the best spots for injection.
Treatment & Injection
Your skin gets cleaned first, and I apply a topical anesthetic. I then inject the filler with specific techniques. You’ll spend about 15-30 minutes in the chair. I massage the treated areas to make sure the filler spreads evenly.
Results
You’ll see changes right after your treatment. The final look shows up after 10-14 days. Results last different lengths of time based on your filler type. Hyaluronic acid fillers work for 6-18 months. Synthetic fillers give you longer-lasting results.
Preparing For Your Filler Treatment
These steps will help you get ready for your appointment:
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements a week before
- Skip alcohol 24 hours before you come in
- Drink plenty of water in the days before treatment
- Show up without makeup
Aftercare Of Your Filler Treatment
Cool compresses help reduce swelling after treatment. Keep your hands off the treated areas for 6 hours. Most patients jump back into their routine right away. You should wait 24-48 hours before any heavy exercise. Sleep on your back to keep the filler in place. Good sun protection helps you heal better.
Taking Care Of Your Filler Treatments
The right maintenance will substantially extend how long your dermal filler treatments last. Note that staying hydrated helps maintain the volume of hyaluronic acid fillers. Your skin needs protection from UV exposure to prevent premature breakdown of fillers since too much sun can reverse treatment benefits.
Clinical studies show that a balanced skincare routine will boost filler longevity. Products that support skin health and boost collagen production can maximize your treatment outcomes. Adding antioxidants like Vitamin C helps protect against environmental damage.
Your results depend on regular touch-up appointments. Each person’s metabolism differs, so scheduling maintenance treatments before fillers completely dissolve will give a consistent appearance. Most patients switch to yearly maintenance sessions after achieving their peak results.
Lifestyle Factors for Extended Results:
- Eat a balanced diet low in processed foods and refined sugars
- Use stress management techniques to minimize cortisol release
- Keep professional treatments like facials or peels two weeks apart from filler sessions
Research suggests zinc supplements might boost filler longevity. You should avoid excessive facial movements and maintain good overall health to get optimal results. Clinical evidence confirms that proper maintenance combined with healthy skin practices improves both results and longevity.
Visit Elegance Esthetics Spa For Your Dermal Filler Treatment
I run my premium dermal filler practice at Elegance Esthetics Spa in Pikesville, northwest of Baltimore. My state-of-the-art facility combines advanced medical procedures with the latest esthetic techniques to deliver exceptional results.
My board certification and innovative technology help me go beyond expectations. The comprehensive three-step process will give you top-quality care. It starts with an in-depth consultation where we discuss your goals and examine your facial structure.
My commitment to natural-looking results makes our practice unique. Your treatment plan lines up with your esthetic goals while maintaining your natural beauty. Most treatment sessions take 30-60 minutes, depending on your targeted areas.
The best results often come from combining different treatments. Our innovative “Anti-Aging Complex” program targets multiple concerns at once. This approach brings several benefits:
- Better results through smart treatment combinations
- Reduced recovery time
- More affordable than separate treatments
- Extended result duration
You can book your consultation easily by phone, online appointment system, or virtual consultations. Our dedicated team is also available at (667) 305-3134 to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask questions about dermal filler treatments before making their decisions. Here are the answers to questions my patients ask most frequently.
Are dermal fillers safe?
FDA-approved fillers from board-certified professionals have excellent safety records. We focused on licensed medical providers in proper medical settings to ensure treatment safety. The treatment ended up being safer when patients avoided non-medical settings like mall kiosks or home environments.
How long do results typically last?
Different filler types and treatment areas affect how long results last. Hyaluronic acid fillers last 6-12 months, and biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra maintain results for up to 24 months. Touch-up treatments at 6-9 months help maintain optimal results.
What are the common side effects?
Side effects usually clear up within 7-14 days. These include:
- Redness and swelling at injection sites
- Temporary bruising and tenderness
- Mild discomfort or pain
- Possible itching or rash
Can fillers be removed if I’m not satisfied?
An enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers. Results appear immediately during the reversal process, with full effects visible within 24 hours. Notwithstanding that, other filler types like Radiesse or Sculptra cannot be removed enzymatically.
Is the treatment painful?
Dermal fillers contain lidocaine which reduces discomfort. Clinical studies show that 82.11% of patients worry about pain before treatment. The good news is that 95.16% of physicians report their patients have comfortable treatments with lidocaine-containing fillers.
