Fillers & Injectables

Dermal fillers are injectable gel-like substances typically used in the facial area to temporarily reduce the appearance of lines and creases while restoring volume loss due to aging. Fillers, as this class of treatments is often referred to, are also used to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours and diminish the prominence of recessed scars. Dermal fillers can also be used in conjunction with surgical procedures. One of the main benefits for many who opt for fillers is that their effects are temporary. If you don’t like your new look, it will recede after several months.

Dermal fillers are usually injected directly into the area to be treated, “filling” the wrinkle or fold. Your provider will perform a facial assessment before the injection(s), marking the area(s) to be injected. Immediately after each injection, the product is massaged into the surrounding tissue for a smoother look. 

The entire injection process can take under an hour to complete, which is why injectable treatments have earned the nickname “lunch hour facelift.” Afterward, you may experience some swelling or bruising at the injection sites, which should subside within 24 to 48 hours. You should be able to return to normal activities after that initial 48-hour window.

Cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, the most popular of which is Botox® Cosmetic, temporarily reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Also referred to as neurotoxins or just Botox, botulinum toxin injections block the nerve signals to the muscle where it was injected. Without the signal, the muscle cannot contract, resulting in a smoothing effect of the nearby wrinkles over time. Typically, botulinum toxin is used to smooth crow’s feet, forehead furrows, lip lines and frown lines. These injectables can be used in tandem with dermal fillers for improved results. Recovery is fast, and results last for six to nine months.

Botulinum toxin treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes. A very thin needle is used to pinpoint the specific muscles where the injections occur. The total number of injections you will need depends on the severity of the wrinkles you would like addressed. Your results should last for six to nine months, and there is no downtime for botulinum toxin injections. Your only restriction is to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for 24 hours, as the neurotoxin can migrate to surrounding areas, causing temporary weakness or drooping.

Autologous fat grafting, or fat transfer, involves taking fat from one part of your body and injecting it into another. It is an effective option to help address age-related changes and volume loss in your face or to help sculpt other areas of your body.

This long-lasting surgical treatment enhances the lips, jawline and volume around the temples. Some fat may not survive the transition, so minor touch-ups may be needed. The treatment is often performed in conjunction with facelifts or eyelid surgery.

Autologous fat grafting begins with liposuction of another area of your body that may have a bit of extra fat to spare, typically your inner thigh, abdomen or love handles. The extracted fat is refined and reinjected into the treatment area. You may experience redness, slight discomfort and swelling at the injection site immediately afterward. Within two to three weeks, you should be able to resume normal activities, including a return to work. Your final results should be soft and natural looking and can last up to several years.