What are Dermal Fillers?

The Skin Spa of Newnan

Frequently Asked Questions: Dermal Fillers 1. What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent.

2. What Is The Difference Between Botox And Juvederm?

Botox is an injectable liquid with the same consistency as water. It works by relaxing muscles. When a facial muscle is relaxed by Botox any wrinkles in the skin over the muscle are reduced. Dermal fillers are gels that are used to soften fine lines, wrinkles, and folds.

3. What Areas Can Be Treated?

The face and the neck are commonly treated with injectables for cosmetic improvement.

JUVÉDERMŽ XC non-surgical filler is approved for injection into the mid to deep dermis (below the outer layer of skin) for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases running from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth, also known as parentheses or smile lines).

4. Are There Other Off-Brand Uses For Dermal Fillers And Is This Safe?

Yes. Injectables can be used to treat other non-cosmetic conditions. Two good examples of this are the use of Botox to treat headache and to reduce excessive sweating. These treatments are completely safe.

5. Which Dermal Filler Is Best For Forehead Wrinkles?

In our practice, we use Juvederm Ultra to reduce forehead wrinkles.

The Skin Spa of Newnan 6. Can I Be Allergic To Dermal Fillers?

It is extremely rare to be allergic to hyaluronic acid based fillers. This is because all human beings normally have hyaluronic acid in their skin and in many other areas of their bodies. Allergy to dermal fillers that are not based on hyaluronic acid occurs more often but it is still uncommon. You should not use fillers if you have severe allergies or a history of severe allergic reactions. You should also not use this product if you have allergies to lidocaine or the proteins used to make hyaluronic acid.

7. I’ve Heard Of Voluma, Is That Different From Dermal Fillers?

Voluma is another filler and is the first and only injectable gel that is FDA-approved to instantly correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area for people over 21. It adds volume, creating contour and lift for up to two years with optimal treatment.

8. Can Dermal Fillers Be Used With Other Treatments?

If laser treatment, chemical peeling, or any other procedure based on active dermal response is considered after treatment, there is a possible risk of an inflammatory reaction at the treatment site.

However we commonly combine laser treatments and photo facials with injectables in the same office visit.

9. Can I Use Dermal Fillers On My Lips?

Yes, Dermal fillers can be used in the lips to plump the lips or to reduce the lines and wrinkles in the lip area. For this reason, it is important that every patient be given a full lip evaluation prior to starting treatment to determine what should be done to achieve the best possible result.

10. What Are Any Potential Risks From Using Dermal Fillers?

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injections site reaction such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures there is a risk of infection. Click here for complete safety information for JUVÉDERMŽ XC non-surgical filler.

11. What Is The Best Dermal Filler For Anti-Aging?

The Skin Spa of Newnan There are many injectables available for anti-aging and they do different things. Therefore, every patient should have a consultation prior to starting injectables to determine what the best injectables would be for that particular patient. In our practice, the most commonly used injectables for anti-aging are Botox, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Juvederm Voluma.

12. Are Dermal Filler Injections Painful?

Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection. In addition, many of the dermal fillers are formulated with numbing medication within the filler to further enhance the comfort of the procedure. At The Skin Spa our doctors choose to numb (anesthetize) the treatment area with topical numbing cream to further minimize discomfort.

13. Can Dermal Fillers Take Place Of A Facelift?

No, dermal fillers do not take the place of a facelift. However, many patients get enough cosmetic improvement from injectables that they no longer feel they need a facelift.

14. Who Should I Trust To Treat Me With Dermal Fillers?

You should trust board certified physicians who have a lot of experience injecting Botox and dermal fillers. These injectors should also have an artistic side to them because getting the best results from injectables definitely requires a combination of art and science!

15. What Should I Expect Following The Procedure?

Within the first 24 hours, you should avoid strenuous exercise, extensive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages. Exposure to any of the above may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection sites. If there is swelling, you may need to place an ice pack over the swollen area. You should ask your physician when makeup may be applied after your treatment.