Cosmetic Facial Fillers

Fillers are substances that are injected under the skin or lips to plump up the tissues. For the lips, fillers can provide an increase in lip size as well as enhanced definition. They can also plump out “lipstick lines” that develop in many female patients. For skin wrinkling, fillers are usually used for nasolabial folds (laugh lines) or bigger, deeper wrinkles. Fillers can also be used to augment facial anatomy to make bigger cheeks, chin or to fill in defects and scars.

cosmetic fillers procedure

The procedure is typically completed under local anesthetic. Fillers are injected in the lips, wrinkles or folds using small needles. The lips generally swell a small amount, but most patients are able to return to work the next day. Rarely, some patients experience more significant swelling. It is also a good idea to refrain from aspirin or drugs that delay clotting for 1-2 weeks to decrease bruising when injecting fillers. Occasionally a touch up may be performed at the follow up appointment. It is important to view filler injections as a sculpting process and in some cases multiple appointments are required to provide that special result that patients desire.

things to consider

Different fillers will last different periods of time in different patients. There is variation in how each patient metabolizes each filler. Research has shown fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm last up to 12 months. Radiesse has been shown to last over a year.  Additionally, fillers may not last as long in areas of increased movement such around the mouth. One thing for sure is that the newer fillers last considerably longer than the first generation of fillers.  Your doctor will explain the various indications of each brand at the time of your consultation.