Dermal Fillers help diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin’s surface so smile lines and crow’s feet become more noticeable. The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to the loss of facial volume. Dermal fillers are not usually sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face, such as multiple vertical “lipstick lines” that sometimes form around the mouth. There are other options, such as laser resurfacing that yield better results with these lines.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Plump thin lips
- Soften facial creases and wrinkles
- Enhance shallow contours
- Improve the appearance of recessed scars
- Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
- Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lips
Before Treatment
Prior to the start of treatment you will be seen in the office for a consultation with Dr. Nichols where he will evaluate your facial structure and muscle movement in order to determine what treatment will deliver the best results. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and desires for treatment, and go over any concerns or questions you may have.
What to Expect
Dermal Fillers are injected using a fine needle inserted at several points along the edge of the site. Overfilling is necessary to allow for absorption in the weeks following treatment. You may feel a slight stinging or burning as the site is injected, however most people report the injections to be of only minor discomfort. We recommend applying ice over treated area for a few hours following injections. Generally, this procedure is considered a low-risk treatment with only a slight chance of negative reaction or poor outcome, especially when injections are performed by a surgeon with a great deal of technical expertise. The most common side effects include temporary reactions at the treatment site such as tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps, bruising, redness, discoloration, and itching. Dr. Nichols will discuss all the risks and benefits associated with dermal fillers during your consultation so you are fully informed about what to expect.
Most patients resume normal activities following treatment in spite of some temporary puffiness over the area. Generally, within a few days this will resolve and the material is no longer visibly distinguishable from the surrounding skin.
How long will it last?
The results of your procedure will be visible anywhere from immediately to within a few days. Deep lines and wrinkles should appear much less pronounced, and you should look rejuvenated in a way that’s subtle yet unmistakable.
The longevity of dermal fillers will vary for each individual as will the length of time it will last. Some patients have reported their treatment lasting two years or longer, while others report a duration of only one year. Therefore, repeated injections may be necessary. When treated again most patients need less product to achieve their results. Since the effects will wear off gradually over time, Dr. Nichols and his staff will discuss the type dermal filler that is best for you and how to maintain your best results through time.
What Dermal Filler is Best for You?
When it comes to facial aesthetics, we all have different concerns. Fortunately, there are different types of dermal fillers that are tailored to work best in certain areas and can be customized to your individual needs. There are many times that patients come in asking for one type filler only to learn there is another that would work best for the result they desire. During your consultation, Dr. Nichols will discuss your concerns and help you choose the dermal filler that is designed for your best result.
VOLUMA® XC
Wrinkles and lines aren’t the only signs of aging. Over time, the cheeks flatten, and the skin may begin to sag. This is caused by a natural loss of volume in the cheek area, or what the experts call age-related volume loss. VOLUMA® is designed to add volume beneath the skin’s surface to lift and contour the cheek area. It is the first FDA approved filler to treat volume loss in the cheek area and is proven to last up to two years. VOLUMA® instantly adds volume and lift lost to aging for a more youthful profile. It’s the only nonsurgical option to address volume loss in the cheek area.
JUVÉDERM® XC
Over time your skin loses elasticity. This natural process can cause moderate to severe lines and folds such as parentheses lines around your nose and mouth. JUVADERM® was developed to help fill these lines and give you natural-looking results that last up to 1 year. JUVADERM® can decrease the appearance of deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, skin depressions and some types of scars.
VOLLURE® XC
VOLLURE® is the first and only filler proven to last up to 18 months for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This newest addition to the collection of fillers helps replace volume loss, smooth away parentheses lines and wrinkles along the nasolabial folds, areas around the mouth, and tear trough under the eyes. VOLLURE® subtly smooths these lines to deliver results that last.
VOLBELLA® XC
Whether you wish to add subtle volume to your lips or soften the appearance of vertical lip lines, this is the filler designed with you in mind. VOLBELLA® is the first and only dermal filler developed specifically for the lips and mouth area that is proven to last up to one year.