What are dermal fillers?
Injectable dermal fillers are a convenient and cost-effective short-term treatment option for individuals with the aesthetic goal of restoring a youthfully refreshed facial appearance without having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure such as a facelift.
Dermal fillers have become increasingly popular because the injections are non-surgical, generally take no more than 30 minutes and require minimal post-treatment downtime. This means that patients can easily schedule a treatment session during their lunch hour, and, in most cases, return to work immediately afterwards.
A key component of many of the newest dermal fillers is a substance known as hyaluronic acid (HA), which is an element found naturally in the skin’s connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid functions by drawing water into the skin, thereby hydrating the skin and preserving its youthfully “plump” voluminous appearance. With age, the body’s natural hyaluronic acid levels can decrease, causing the delicate facial skin to lose volume and highlighting the appearance of wrinkles, folds and fine lines. By replenishing the body’s hyaluronic acid levels, dermal fillers can effectively restore lost volume to the contours of the face, smooth and fill in fine lines and facial wrinkles, augment thin lips and minimize the appearance of scars.
Cheek Fillers
Cheek fillers are an injectable treatment that adds volume, enhances contours, and restores a youthful look. They provide instant results with minimal downtime.
Dermal Filler Under Eyes
Under-eye fillers reduce dark circles and hollowness, creating a more youthful appearance by adding volume to the tear trough area and smoothing out shadows, all with minimal downtime.
Dermal Fillers for the Nose (Liquid Rhinoplasty)
Dermal fillers injected into the nose—also called a liquid rhinoplasty—is a procedure that reshapes the nose by non-surgically smoothing bumps and enhancing symmetry. It is an effective, non-invasive alternative to a regular rhinoplasty that yields immediate results, with no downtime, with effects lasting nine to 12 months.
Dermal Fillers for the Jawline
Jawline fillers define and contour the lower face for a sharper, more sculpted look. They enhance facial structure with a quick, minimally invasive procedure.
Smile Line Fillers
Smile line fillers soften deep wrinkles around the mouth, restoring lost volume. This treatment smooths facial expression lines while maintaining a natural appearance.
Lip Fillers (Lip Injections)
Lip fillers, also known as lip injections, are a non-surgical treatment used to enhance the volume, shape, and definition of the lips. Typically made from hyaluronic acid, the procedure adds fullness to the lips with immediate results and minimal downtime, making it a popular option for those looking for a non-invasive way to get fuller, natural-looking lips.
How Long Does Lip Filler Last?
The effects of Lip fillers typically last nine to 12 months, depending on factors like the type of filler used, individual metabolism, and lifestyle. After this period, touch-ups may be needed to maintain the desired fullness and shape.
What is the cost of Lip Filler?
The cost of lip filler typically ranges from $700 to $850, depending on the amount of filler needed, which is measured in milliliters per syringe. The exact price is based on the individual’s lip shape, size, and the desired fullness. For some, a smaller amount may be sufficient, while others may require more to achieve the results they want.
Lip Fillers Before and After
Before opting for lip filler treatments, it’s helpful to review lip fillers before and after photos to set realistic expectations. The photos will give you a better understanding of the potential results and help you visualize how the filler can enhance your lips according to your unique features and goals.
Types of Dermal Filler
There are a number of effective dermal filler options, including, but not limited to:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
The most widely used dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance found naturally in the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are ideally suited for augmenting the lips, replenishing lost facial volume, and filling in facial wrinkles and folds. Thanks to their smooth texture, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are generally appropriate for all skin types — even thin, sensitive skin — and results typically last from six to eighteen months. A key advantage: they are reversible, as the filler can be dissolved with an enzyme (hyaluronidase) if needed.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a thicker, non-hyaluronic-acid filler used to add volume to the face — most often in the cheek and temple regions — and to the hands. Along with providing immediate volume, it stimulates the body’s own collagen production, making it a good option for patients seeking more immediate, longer-lasting results, which can last up to one year.
Collagen-Stimulating Fillers (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
Poly-L-lactic acid is a collagen-stimulating injectable that works gradually by prompting the body to rebuild its own collagen, rather than adding volume directly. It is well suited to restoring volume across larger areas of the face, with results that can last up to two years after the initial series of treatments.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinno will assess your facial anatomy and treatment goals in order to help you select the appropriate dermal filler (or combination of fillers).
Aside from any minor swelling or bruising (which subsides in three to five days), the visible results of your dermal filler treatment will be apparent immediately after your treatment. It should last between five months to one year (depending on the specific filler you had injected). Periodic maintenance treatments are recommended, in order to preserve your initial dermal filler results.
How Long Does Filler Last?
Dermal fillers typically last from nine to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used, the area treated, and other individual factors. With areas like the lips that are prone to more movement, the effects may begin to fade sooner, while fillers used in areas with less movement, like the cheeks, tend to last longer. Regular touch-ups can help maintain the results.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Dermal fillers are generally considered to be safe, especially when administered by a trained and experienced professional. The fillers are made from Health Canada-approved materials, such as hyaluronic acid, which are naturally found in the body. Furthermore, if you’re not happy with the results or experience complications, dermal fillers have the added benefit of being reversible via injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, that is used to dissolve the filler. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks, so it’s essential to choose a qualified practitioner to ensure the best results and minimize potential side effects.
Botulinum Toxin and Fillers
Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers work in different ways to address the signs of aging. Botulinum toxin reduces wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause them, particularly in areas like the forehead and around the eyes. By contrast, fillers plump and restore volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness, such as the cheeks or lips, giving a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. When done together, both treatments complement each other for a smoother, more completely refreshed look.
What is the Post Dermal Filler Advice and Care?
Day procedure
A Dermal filler procedure usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes. Minor swelling and bruising is normal and to be expected. Icing the injected area can help reduce swelling.
Bandages
No bandages are generally necessary after dermal filler injections. Ice packs can be applied for the first few hours after filling, to help minimize bruising and swelling. This is usually not necessary.
Showers & Washing
Dr. Sinno recommends that his patients avoid hot baths or showers at least four hours after dermal filler injections to prevent the undesired dissipation of the product to adjacent muscles.
Activity & Exercise
You will be advised to refrain from all activities that may increase your heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. for at least four hours after the injection.
Patients are generally able to go back to work and drive after dermal injections.
General Healing
Although very rare, some patients may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak one to two days after injections and usually subsides within a few days.
Dermal Fillers Before and After
Before opting for dermal filler treatments, it’s important to review dermal fillers before and after photos to set realistic expectations for yourself. The photos allow you to see potential results and help you better understand how the filler can enhance areas like the cheeks, under the eye or any other concern you may have.
What are the Risks and Potential Complications of Dermal Fillers?
All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will better allow you to be able to provide informed consent based on the comparison to the potential benefit of the desired procedure.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. Dr. Sinno will help you to understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
Your investment for dermal fillers at Dr. Sinno’s clinic starts at $850 per treatment with Dr. Sinno, and $700 per treatment with a nurse, plus applicable taxes. The final amount will depend on the product selected, the number of syringes required, and the areas being treated.
