The Skin RN, on fillers:
“We all lose volume and collagen over time—it’s a natural and inevitable part of the aging process. Dermal fillers allow us not only to recapture youthful fullness, but to create new balance and symmetry. Custom blends of filler allow me to contour, sculpt and shape the face. And I avoid that telltale overfilled look that can be all too common with dermal fillers.
Filler treatments on their own can have a fantastic effect, but I almost always recommend them in tandem with other therapies to maximize their effectiveness—for instance, artfully applied fillers combined with a series of laser resurfacing treatments can dramatically reshape the face and rejuvenate your skin’s texture.”
Fill me in?
Filler basics:
Biostimulatory Fillers
These wondrous compounds do exactly what their name implies: they supercharge vital biological processes that counteract deep signs of aging like skin sagging, loss of skin elasticity, and declining bone mass. Unlike HA fillers, their results are not immediate: they blossom and improve over time and are long-lasting.
The biostimulatory fillers I use in my practice are Sculptra®, Radiesse® and Bellafil®.
Biostimulatory fillers are:
ideal for natural-looking, long-lasting results that improve over time.
excellent for treating mid- and lower-face, as well as targeted areas of the neck and body.
appropriate for any age, including for younger patients as part of a proactive, preventative treatment plan.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
These are the “traditional” fillers, made primarily from hyaluronic acid, a compound that naturally occurs in the body. We use HA filler to counteract volume loss, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and add structure and symmetry to the face and lips. And because HA occurs naturally in the body, the chance of adverse reaction is minimal.
The hyaluronic acid fillers I use in my practice are all products of the highly-regarded Restylane® family.
HA fillers are:
used to counteract volume loss, smooth skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and add structure.
excellent for use on most areas of the face and hands, including on the temples, tear troughs, smile lines, cheekbones, jawline and chin.
the fillers we use to build your perfect lips.
best for when you’re looking for immediate and dramatic results.
a renewable protocol and can last from six months to a year, depending on treatment area and desired result.
Helping hands.
Our hands are a telltale sign of aging that all too often are ignored. Fillers in the hands can be a tremendous help.
For even more dramatic results, the plumping, reshaping power of fillers in combination with the CoolPeel laser resurfacing, is among the most powerful ways we have to turn back the clock on these delicate, intricate tools.
Kiss and tell.
Dermal fillers fillers and artful injections = beautiful, kissable lips. My patients love their results.
I’d had my lips done before, but I’ve never felt this good about them – they’re literally perfect: pouty and full, but totally naturally looking. Thank you so much, Francine!
- Marcia B.
Stick your neck out.
The neck ages very differently than the face, losing not only collagen but also elastin at a more rapid rate. That dual loss is what gives us crepey skin and, ultimately, the dreaded “turkey neck.”
I have just the fix: Radiesse® placed into the neck in dilute or hyper-dilute form. It works wonders against the most visible signs of aging in our necks. Over the course of this treatment, collagen and elastin production flourish and the skin on the neck becomes tighter, less crepey and less wrinkled. And because Radiesse® is long-lasting, the results on the neck are long-lasting, too.
Let’s talk about it!
Filler FAQ:
Am I a good candidate for fillers?
Dermal fillers can be used to plump areas that have volume loss, enhance the size and shape of the lips, soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles and even restore the youthful volume to hands. Some can stimulate collagen, build support, diminish the appearance of acne scars and even restore elasticity to the skin. If any of these concerns sound like you, dermal fillers may be a good choice for you.
What can I expect during my appointment?
A filler procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. We use a variety of to make your procedure as painless as possible. Most patients experience only mild discomfort. Be advised that bruising and swelling are possible.
When will I notice results?
Results are visible immediately after treatment. The healing process then begins, which involves swelling for approximately 3-7 days depending on the amount injected, area injected, and how your body reacts to the procedure. The product then settles and you’ll enjoy your final results about 2-3 weeks after injection of HA fillers and 6 to 12 weeks with biostumilators. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks before any events or vacations in case of residual bruising or swelling.
How long will my dermal fillers last?
Dermal fillers are long-lasting, but not permanent. Each patient's results will be unique in duration as they metabolize filler differently. Duration is also dependent on the product. As a general rule of thumb, filler results generally last 6-18 months and sometimes longer. Treatment may be repeated every few months to years to soften the signs of aging and maintain facial contours.
Fillers work even better with friends.
Your face is a beautiful, sacred temple.
Artfully applied fillers work wonders for keeping its structure firm and shapely. Adding a state-of-the-art C02 laser treatments and RF microneedling can accent the effects of fillers with dramatic resurfacing, tightening and even more collagen stimulation. This combination treatment is a real patient favorite.