What can dermal filler do?

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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 surface, so smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent.

The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.

Dermal filler treatment involves a gel-like substance (natural or synthetic) injected into target areas of the face with a cannula or needle. The filler plumps the skin from the inside out and works in place of lost fat and proteins to smooth lines and wrinkles and volumize hollow areas (hello, cheek fillers!).

For some patients, surgery, such as a facelift, brow lift or eye lift, may be the best approach. Minimally invasive rejuvenation treatments, like soft tissue fillers, cannot achieve the same results but may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate. 

It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments will be required for long-term results.

• Plump thin lips
• Enhance shallow contours
• Soften facial creases and wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of recessed scars
• Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
• Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids

Dermal fillers may work best for those that:

• Are physically healthy
• Don't smoke
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the final results
• Are committed to maintaining good skin care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• If you have an active infection near the treatment site
• If you have a known allergy / hypersensitivity to filler and/or lidocaine 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• If you have an active infection near the treatment site
• If you have a known allergy / hypersensitivity to filler and/or lidocaine 

It is normal to have swelling, bruising, red needle puncture marks, asymmetry, tenderness / pain and itching in the treated areas, which should resolve within a week.

Numbing cream may cause numbness on the surface of your skin. Local anesthetic injections may also cause numbness and hinder normal mouth movements until the temporary block wears away. 

Lip filler: After treatment, the upper lip tends to swell more than the lower lip, causing patients to worry that their upper lip has had too much filler. Swelling can also occur in the philtrum, the skin-colored area above the upper lip. Lip swelling should settle within 4 weeks, although significant improvement will be visible within 2-3 days.

Temple filler: Headaches are common after biostimulator injections in which Panadol may provide relief. Often after injections, veins in the temple temporarily protrude and become more obvious.

Jawline filler: Lumpiness can appear along the jawline; however, this issue will resolve as the filler integrates with your skin.

Forehead filler: Lumpiness is also a common issue in the forehead area and to achieve the best results, you may need additional treatments. 

Dr. Elizabeth Kiss (“Beth”) will clean your face immediately after the injections. Please wait at least 6 hours to touch your face. You can then wash your skin with water and a gentle cleanser. 

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Avoid makeup, as well as AHA and Retinols / Vitamin C therapy for 24 hours.
• Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy-based treatments and microdermabrasion for two weeks. (Check with Beth before undergoing other facial treatments.)
• Avoid pressure on the treated areas for the first few nights—if possible, sleep on your back.
• Avoid intense heat exposure (e.g., solarium or sauna).
• Avoid massaging the treatment areas unless advised by Beth. 

Ease pain: After filler injections, discomfort is usually mild to moderate. Of the various treatment sites, the chin and lips are often the most painful. Beth may recommend medication, such as Panadol. 

Reduce swelling: Apply a cool compress (do not apply ice directly to your skin) for 10 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours. To control swelling, you may take Arnica before and after treatment.

Minimize bruising: Patients on aspirin, fish oil or other drugs associated with increased bruising may find their risk increased. As a preventative measure, you may take Arnica.

Cosmetic complications include vascular occlusion and infection. Vascular occlusions mostly occur during the procedure and treated on site. An area of skin may turn white or look like fishnet stockings and discoloration may appear in a distant, untreated area. Small blisters can also appear after an occlusion.

Early infections may develop within the first 3 days. If you notice increasing redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, heat, nodules or pus, contact Beth immediately.

Additionally, injections may induce an outbreak of facial cold sores in those with a previous history. Taking preventative Lysine or antivirals may reduce the risk of developing cold sores. Contact Beth if cold sores do appear after treatment. 

Results will be visible approximately 4 weeks post treatment, and at that time, work with Beth to determine if further injections are necessary to achieve the desired look. Cosmetic emergencies must be evaluated immediately. 

Retreatment should occur any time between 1-6 months after a first treatment. Once you move to maintenance injections, filler can be scheduled annually. 

If you have any post-treatment questions or concerns, contact Beth at 585.943.4908 directly. If you feel it is a medical emergency, visit your local hospital or urgent care.