What Are Facial Fillers?
Facial fillers, also referred to as dermal fillers, are most commonly composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring chemical that is already in your body between your cells, joints, and other places. Hyaluronic acid is non-inflammatory, which makes it effective in treating scars and is a favorite for lip augmentation. It can be used to either accentuate a more beautiful shape or to add plumpness.
Denver facial plastic surgeon Robert Fante and his highly trained staff use several different brands of injectable fillers for different kinds of facial enhancements. During your consultation, we will advise you what injectable filler is the best choice for your face. Enhancements range from helping with more beautiful lips to softening wrinkles and creases, and even improving the shape of your cheekbones.
Juvéderm®
Juvéderm® is a “next generation” smooth gel, non-animal dermal filler offering a natural look/feel and long-lasting results – six months or longer. Juvéderm® dermal filler is so long-lasting because it’s the dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid. In addition, a special formulation process creates a smooth gel that flows easily into the skin, reliably creating a smooth, natural appearance. It comes in different formulations: Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC, Voluma XC, Vollure and Volbella. We can help you decide which one(s) are right for you. People love them.
Restylane
Restylane is another brand of non-animal hyaluronic acid, and, like the others we use, are biocompatible with our human hyaluronic acid. This family of fillers flows easily into the skin to create a smooth, natural appearance. Restylane fillers fight against wrinkles by adding volume to the tissue. Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in humans and all animals, this makes allergic reactions seldom. Restylane is also useful around the eyes to improve the signs of aging, especially at the tear trough area where the dark circles first appear.
The FDA has approved Restylane for plumping out wrinkles around the nose and mouth areas and also for lip enhancement.
Lip Injections Before and After
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
- Avoid using aspirin or Vitamin E, as they can increase bruising
- We will offer you a topical local anesthetic
- Very small amounts of the designated filler are injected into several
locations with a very fine needle
Treatment can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
How Are Dermal Fillers Different Than Botox?
Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm® fill wrinkles from beneath. Botox® is classified as a neuromodulator. When injected into a muscle these injectables temporarily paralyze the muscle, keeping it from contracting. Certain wrinkles, particularly on the upper third of the face (think crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the 11s), are created when muscles contract beneath the skin when we make expressions such as frowning. Botox® stops these muscles from contracting, so the wrinkles don’t form. Botox® only works on these types of wrinkles; they are called dynamic wrinkles. Juvéderm® and other fillers don’t work on dynamic wrinkles; their domain is the static wrinkle, wrinkles that show themselves at all times.
Can I Have Botox and Facial Fillers on the Same Day?
Yes, many patients have both Botox and filler at the same appointment. It is no problem! Patients may want to ask for topical anesthetic when you check in so that treatment is as comfortable as possible.
Facial Filler Results
You’ll be able to see the results almost right away.
- There may be a little amount of swelling or redness that will disappear within 1 to 3 days. Bruising infrequently occurs and resolves within a week
- You will see a fresh plumpness in the area, giving you a more youthful look
Results last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Voluma XC is a special case that can last up to 2-3 years.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information on dermal fillers and other injectables, contact our Denver, CO office. Call 303-839-1616 to schedule a consultation today!
