What are dermal fillers?

• Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance facial contour.

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What are dermal fillers made of?

• Dermal fillers are made of different substances depending on brand.  The most commonly used are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring soft gel-like substance in the skin that is responsible for elasticity, plumpness, and hydration.  Some FDA approved brands are JUVEDERM, Restylane, and Belotero.

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Which dermal filler do I need?

• Each injection area requires a different consistency filler.  We will discuss these options with you at your consultation appointment.

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Who can inject dermal fillers?

• In the state of Alabama, only licensed physicians can inject Botox or dermal fillers.

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Does a physician have to be of a certain specialty to inject dermal fillers?

• No.  Any licensed physician in general regardless of specialty, gets the same training of how to inject dermal fillers and Botox by medical training associations to fit the requirements needed by the medical board and malpractice insurances.

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Are dermal fillers painful?

• Most dermal fillers are combined with lidocaine, which helps with discomfort.  30 minutes prior to the injections, skin numbing medication is applied topically and sometimes oral numbing is done as well to relieve discomfort.

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Who cannot receive dermal fillers?

• Anyone who has hypersensitivity to any of the components of dermal fillers.

• If you have a history of bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants.

• If you have infection or a break out at the injection site.

• If you have an active cold sore or herpes lesion until treatment has been completed.

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Are dermal fillers safe?

• Dermal fillers have an excellent safety record.

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What are the side effects of dermal fillers?

• Skin rash, itching, bleeding, infection, pimples, bruising, unsatisfactory results, blotchy or bumpy results can happen to some people, obstruction of blood vessels.

• More serious side effects can occur if injected inappropriately.

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Are dermal fillers reversible?

• Dermal fillers are reversible with an injection that dissolves the filler called hyaluronidase.

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How long do dermal fillers last?

• Temporary fillers (HA) last between 6months to 2 years depending on individual metabolism and speed of dissolving the dermal filler by the body.

• Permanent fillers can last indefinitely.

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Do dermal fillers increase wrinkles?

• No. Dermal fillers do not increase wrinkling, it helps it!

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Do dermal fillers cause saggy skin?

• No. Dermal fillers fill volume in the saggy skin and may stimulate collagen production naturally by the body.  After it is dissolved, the body does return to its original state or skin could look better due to new collagen stimulation.

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How long does it take for dermal fillers to work?

• The results of having dermal fillers injected are seen immediately.

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What will happen if I do not repeat the dermal filler procedure regularly?

• If not repeated as needed, the body will dissolve the current fillers and will return to its original condition.

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Can I get permanent dermal fillers?

• Yes you can, but it should be done by a cosmetic plastic surgeon as they are considered implants and cannot be reversed except through surgical means.

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Will I bruise after getting dermal fillers?

• Bruising is possible after the dermal filler procedure.  Makeup is allowed to cover while this resolves over a few days.

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Will I swell after receiving dermal fillers?

• Yes, it is very possible to swell after receiving dermal fillers.  This lasts 1-2 days.  Applying ice to the area and massaging after the initial injection will help.

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Will I feel lumpy after dermal filler injections?

• You may feel lumpiness in the first few hours after injections, however this decreases over 24-48 hours.  This lumpiness is usually not visually apparent.

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How much do dermal fillers cost?

• Dermal fillers can cost between $450/syringe to a few thousand dollars depending on brand and amount needed.

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What kind of aftercare is recommended after receiving dermal fillers?

• Apply ice to injection sites.

• Stay hydrated.

• Eat healthy.

• Avoid strenuous exercise and hot temperatures for 24-48 hours post procedure.

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Can I massage my face after dermal fillers are injected?

• Massaging the face for lumpiness is done immediately after injection.  Massaging the areas after that is not recommended.

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How can I get rid of dermal fillers quickly?

• Massaging the area can dissolve the dermal filler quicker.

• If the dermal filler is hyaluronic acid based, an injection with hyaluronidase will break it down and dissolve the dermal filler.