What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, enhance facial contours, and improve skin hydration. Most commonly, dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the skin, but they can also be composed of calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

What do they do?

Dermal fillers help to:

• Restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, under-eyes, and lips.

• Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines like nasolabial folds or marionette lines.

• Enhance facial contours, providing a more youthful or sculpted appearance.

• Plump lips and add definition.

How They Work: The filler is injected into targeted areas, adding volume under the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers attract water, further hydrating and plumping the area. Different types of fillers have varying levels of thickness, elasticity, and longevity, allowing for specific uses across the face.

Differences Between Allergan, Galderma, and Revance Fillers?

1. Allergan (Juvederm Line):

• Main Fillers: Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure.

• Key Features: Known for smooth, long-lasting fillers made from hyaluronic acid. Juvederm fillers generally last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the product. Voluma is designed specifically for cheek augmentation, while Volbella is used for lip enhancement.

• Technology: Vycross technology is used in many Allergan fillers, offering a smoother consistency and longer-lasting results by using a mix of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.

• Consistency: Generally smoother and good for fine lines, lips, and contouring.

2. Galderma (Restylane Line):

• Main Fillers: Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Refyne/Defyne.

• Key Features: Galderma’s Restylane line also features hyaluronic acid fillers but with a firmer consistency compared to Juvederm. Restylane Lyft is particularly suited for deeper injections, while Kysse is designed for lip augmentation with a natural look.

• Technology: XpresHAn Technology in Restylane Refyne and Defyne allows for more flexible fillers that move with facial expressions, making them ideal for dynamic areas like the nasolabial folds.

• Consistency: Restylane products tend to be firmer, which is great for adding structure and volume, particularly in the cheeks and jawline.

3. Revance (RHA Collection): **OUR FAVORITE**

• Main Fillers: RHA 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Key Features: Revance’s RHA fillers are newer to the market and designed to be more resilient, especially in areas with a lot of movement, such as around the mouth. These fillers are highly flexible and adjust well to facial expressions.

• Technology: RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) technology allows the fillers to stretch and adapt to dynamic facial areas while maintaining a smooth and natural look.

• Consistency: The RHA line is unique in its ability to remain soft and elastic, providing a natural appearance even in areas of high movement.

Are they safe?

Dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a qualified healthcare provider. Common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site, which usually resolve within a few days. More serious complications, though rare, include allergic reactions, infection, or unintentional injection into a blood vessel, which could lead to tissue damage. Choosing an experienced injector and discussing your medical history before treatment helps mitigate these risks.

What is the post care?

Immediately After Treatment:

Avoid Touching the Area: Do not touch, press, rub, or manipulate the treated area for at least 6 hours after the injection. This reduces the risk of irritation and infection.

Keep the Area Clean: Use gentle soap and water to cleanse the area. Avoid harsh products for 24 hours.

Cold Compress: If you experience swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the treated area. Use intermittently (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) to reduce swelling.

Pain Relief: You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to alleviate any discomfort. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin as they may increase the risk of bruising.

For the First 24 Hours:

Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy exercise, strenuous physical activity, or lifting weights, as this may increase swelling and bruising.

Avoid Heat Exposure: Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds, or any high-temperature environment to prevent swelling.

Avoid Facial Massages: For at least 1-2 weeks, avoid facial massages or skin treatments (e.g., facials, chemical peels) to prevent displacement of the filler.

Manage Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising are common and may last 3-5 days. Arnica or bromelain supplements can help reduce these effects.

Long-Term Care:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help maintain the longevity of the filler.

Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule any necessary follow-up treatments as recommended by your provider.

Final Results: It may take 1-2 weeks to see the final results as swelling subsides and the filler settles into place. If any lumps or irregularities are felt after this period, consult your provider.

When to Call Your Provider:

Severe pain, itching, or rash

Prolonged or excessive bruising/swelling (lasting more than a week)

Skin discoloration, especially if it appears red or purplish

Any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or warmth at the injection site)

Any unusual or severe reactions

By following these post-care instructions, you can help ensure smooth, long-lasting results from your dermal filler treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.