Injectable Fillers

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing, and squinting.

The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, sunken cheeks, and facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs such as around the sides of the mouth. Smoking also causes vertical wrinkles around the lips that can be corrected with injectables.
 
Patient presented with a “divid” in her right cheek region in addition she wanted her smile lines “nasolabial folds) to be more “smooth”.

Her own fat was harvested from the lower abdomen and this was injected into the left cheek and nasolabial folds. This smoothed out the left cheek and filled in the defect. With the depth of her smile lines being reduced she now has a “younger” look. Note with Fat injections several injections may be needed overtime to produce a lasting result.

Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers can help rectify deep facial wrinkles, fill in creases and furrows, plump up sunken cheeks, create fuller more sensuous lips, and correct skin depressions and some types of scars. Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift. These injectable materials can also be used along with BOTOX® to enhance the “smoothing” effects on the skin. This process has been used by Dr. Miremadi and Dr. Hong to correct larger facial genetic (skin) defects such as hemifacial atrophy (Romberg’s disease) with excellent results.

Frequently Asked Questions for Injectible Fillers: 

  1. What types of injectable fillers are available, and what are their uses?

    • Common fillers include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Each type has different properties and uses, such as adding volume, smoothing wrinkles, or enhancing facial contours. We’ll recommend the best filler based on your goals.
  2. How long do the effects of injectable fillers last, and how often will I need to get treatments?

    • The duration varies by filler type, from 6 months to over 2 years. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers generally last 6 to 12 months, while others like poly-L-lactic acid can last up to 2 years. Regular treatments are needed to maintain results.
  3. What are the potential side effects or risks associated with injectable fillers?

    • Side effects can include redness, swelling, bruising, or lumpiness at the injection site. Rare risks include allergic reactions or infection. We’ll discuss these potential risks and how we handle them during your consultation.
  4. What should I expect during and after the injectable filler procedure?

    • The procedure involves a few quick injections with minimal discomfort. Afterward, you might experience mild swelling or bruising that usually resolves within a few days. We’ll provide instructions to help you manage these effects.
  5. How can I prepare for my injectable filler treatment, and are there any special care instructions afterward?

    • Avoid blood thinners and alcohol before the treatment to reduce bruising. Afterward, follow care instructions such as avoiding strenuous activities and not touching or massaging the treated areas to ensure the best results.

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