What Is Dermal Filler?

While different types of Dermal Fillers exist, those that we use are made of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a natural substance already found in our skin to plump and hydrate the skin by bonding with water. This FDA-approved gel is injected into the facial tissues to replace volume loss, smooth lines, and creases, and enhance facial and lip contours.

Risks / Side Effects:

Most side effects are mild to moderate in nature with a short duration. These include temporary injection site reactions such as redness, pain, swelling, tenderness, rash, discoloration, bruising, firmness, bleeding, lumpiness, asymmetry, itching, and nodule formation. As with any injection, there is a risk for infection; we minimize this risk by using aseptic technique.

The most severe effects are rare, but may include: anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), blindness, stroke-like symptoms, tissue necrosis (death of the skin).

Please advise the administering clinician if you have any of the following medical history:

*   Hepatitis
*   Autoimmune disorders
*   HIV/AIDS
*   History of Cold Sores
*   Anaphylaxis
*   Allergies (especially to lidocaine)
*   Undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
*   Recent or upcoming laser treatments or chemical peels
*   Currently taking medications that thin the blood
*   Recent dental work or planned dental work

Effects of Dermal Fillers:

Length of treatments can last anywhere between 3 months-2years, depending on the filler used and the site injected. Each individual may experience a different outcome and longevity of the products. Dermal fillers are not an exact science. The amount of filler is an estimate based on your individual facial features and goals, and no results are guaranteed.

This treatment is temporary and re-injection is required to maintain optimal results.  Touch up injections also may be necessary to obtain ideal results.

Alternatives:

Aside from dermal filler injections, other options to treat correction of lines and wrinkles may include but are not limited to: neurotoxin injections, chemical peels, microneedle resurfacing, laser resurfacing, laser treatments, and facial creams.

Pre-Treatment Considerations:

Three days prior to injections consider Arnica tablets to avoid bruising. Avoid alcoholic beverages, aspirin or ibuprofen. If you are on blood thinners, please contact your physician prior to injections and inform your nurse injector.

Post-Treatment Care:

Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for 24 hours after the injections. Apply ice as often as possible for the first 24 hours. Avoid extensive sun or heat exposure and alcoholic beverages.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

There is no research done to support the safety of injections during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, thus Dermal Filler injections are NOT recommended. Please let your clinician know if you are or think you may be pregnant and/or breastfeeding before treatment.