Injectable Fillers
At Evolution Dermatology + Wellness, we only use FDA approved, safe fillers that create a youthful, natural result. These fillers can add volume to areas that have changed over time and improve facial folds and wrinkles. Fillers are a great option to look younger without surgery and with very little downtime. There is an art to injecting fillers that we approach with a well-developed aesthetic eye, skill and precision… come and experience our mastery.
What are Injectable Fillers?
Injectable (or dermal) fillers are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. With time, facial tissues become thin, lines can become etched around the nose and mouth and cheeks look a little hollow. Fillers are a great option to correct these changes and look younger without surgery and with very little downtime.
At Evolution Dermatology, we do not take injecting fillers lightly. We approach this treatment with the same level of care and scrutiny that we would for a surgical procedure. We have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, a well-developed aesthetic eye, and treat with skill and precision. We have had years of specific training and have the knowledge and skill to ensure safe treatment and natural-looking results.
Some of the benefits of injectable fillers:
Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (areas include: marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses); Minimize volume loss under eyes (tear trough area); Diminish vertical lip lines; Plump & enhance the lips; Smooth out a chin crease; Improve symmetry among facial features; Enhance and restore volume that has decreased with age (think cheeks and hands); Defining the jawline and chin; Acting as a biostimulant to increase collagen and skin thickness (in areas like the neck, chest and arms)
Before your filler treatment:
You will first have a consultation prior to your treatment. Your provider will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment. It is important that we know of any allergies, history of cold sores and of any medications you may be taking. Unless specifically prescribed for health reasons, it is best to avoid NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners (like vitamin E or fish oil) 10 days prior to your treatment, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.
What to expect the day of your treatment:
Just before your treatment, the area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic to numb the area will be applied. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. Then your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically in the area to be treated.
Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but you should take that day off from exercise or other strenuous activity.
How long will your results last?
This will vary depending on the area treated and the product used. The products can last anywhere from 6 months to over a year. As a general rule, the denser the product is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last, although this is not a hard and fast rule. To maintain your results, we will suggest repeat treatments, adjusting the amount and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.
Injecting cosmetic fillers is truly an artform that takes skill to create a youthful, natural result. We approach every patient with an aesthetic eye, skill, and precision that has come with years of training and experience.
Tips to avoid and treat bruising:
- 10 days prior to your procedure (if not medically necessary): aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), fish oil, Vitamin E supplements, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
- Arnica (Montana) Tablets:
You can begin these 2 days prior to procedure and continue until your bruising has resolved. This is a natural anti-inflammatory that comes from a plant in the sunflower family. The tablets can be purchased at our office or at stores that carry natural supplements such as Whole Foods, Medly, Vitamin Cottage, and GNC. - Topical Arnica (Montana) Gel:
This can be applied on any bruising areas several times a day to shorten bruising time. - Ice:
This is one of the best ways to prevent and treat bruising the day of treatment. We will provide ice packs immediately after your procedure.
What are the fillers made of that are used at Evolution Dermatology?
Hyaluronic Acid:
These days the most popular dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid. The brands you might recognize are: Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, and Belotero. The reason these are most often used is because of the low side effect profile and the natural softness of the results. In fact, any adverse reaction with hyaluronic acid fillers (which are extremely rare) can actually be dissolved with a substance called hyaluronidase. And to make you feel even better, hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the human body in almost every cell (but primarily in the skin)! But the clear injectable gel that we use for cosmetic purposes is derived from a sugar molecule in the lab.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA):
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically lasts longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen and elastin production (to improve texture) in areas like the neck, chest, and arms. At Evolution Dermatology we use the FDA approved brand: Radiesse.
Some of the FDA approved fillers that we use include:
