Q&A

DERMAL FLLERS WITH DR. HODARI

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal Fillers are gel-like products that are injected into the skin in order to add volume or decrease wrinkles, primarily in the face. The products are typically composed of a substance called Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in our skin. HA is found amongst our collagen fibers and helps to support the appearance of healthy skin. Products like Juvéderm® and Restylane® are examples of commonly used dermal fillers available today.

What can filler treat?

As we age, we lose volume, mostly fat and collagen, in our faces. Dermal Fillers are typically used to treat areas of facial volume loss, such as the cheeks, smile lines, Marionette lines, under-eye tear trough area, lips, and temples. Dermal Fillers can also be used to treat superficial fine lines that are due to sun damage or excessive muscular use, like the so-called “smoker’s lines” above the lip. Unfortunately, one need not be a smoker to have those prominent upper lip lines. Fortunately, Fillers, as they are also called, are very helpful in improving these lines.

What is the difference between BOTOX® and filler?

Botox is a chemical that comes in a liquid form. It works by inhibiting a muscle’s ability to contract. Therefore Botox can be considered, and is typically effective, for any line that is a result of muscle contracting. Common areas where Botox is effective are the lines of the forehead and around the eyes, or the so-called crow’s feet area. Botox, like Filler, can also be used to treat the vertical lip lines of the upper lip, because these lines are due to both volume loss (Fillers) and muscular contraction (Botox).

How much filler do I need?

The amount of Filler needed depends on many factors, such as the patient’s age and the number of areas they wish to treat. For example, if someone wanted to treat their smile lines, lips lines, and cheeks, that patient might need 3 vials; in this case, one vial per area treated. However, sometimes, patients may need more or even fewer vials per area, depending on what their goals may be. It is not unusual to need 3-5 vials of filler to address one’s concerns. It’s helpful to remember that each vial is approximately 1 cc of volume, and a teaspoon is composed of just over 5 cc’s. In other words, a small amount of product can make a big difference. And 5 vials is not as much volume as one might initially think. All of our treatments are customized based on our patient's concerns and goals.