In short, dermal fillers like Juvederm or Versa products, “fill” in where we have lost facial support due to aging, or where we desire to add additional support to enhance the contour of our facial features. Think about it like airbrushing your face – you will look like you, but better!
Juvederm, Versa and Belotero are injectable medical treatments made of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found sugar in our bodies and helps us retain moisture. As we age, we lose hyaluronic acid in our skin (along with collagen and elastin), leading to a loss of volume, hydration, and plumpness. When dermal filler is injected into the “dermal layer” of the skin, it “fills” in where we have lost volume (to smooth fine lines and lift sagging folds) or where we would like to add volume (and contour, definition, and balance) to our facial features such as our lips, cheeks and chins.
Compared to neuromodulators like botox, this would be considered more painful BUT we have tools to make your procedure comfortable. Most of the dermal fillers already contain lidocaine, a numbing agent, so many patients do not require anything more. For more sensitive areas like the lips, we can apply a strong topical numbing cream or perform a nerve block prior to the procedure. We will discuss all options with you during the consultation to make sure that you are comfortable during the procedure.
The procedure may take up to 30-45 minutes, depending upon how many areas are treated. If you require topical numbing, it will take an additional 30 minutes. Minor adjustments may take 10 minutes or less. The length of time that the treatment lasts depends upon the type of filler used.
Most fillers last 6-12 months.
This will depend upon your treatment goals. We recommend gradually building up your facial features to keep the results natural. You will likely need more than a half syringe per area treated to see a difference. It’s been said that you may need a syringe per decade of life to start, due to the cumulative effects of aging. From then on, you will require less for maintenance.
Swelling and bruising are the most common side effects, and typically last a few days to weeks. Avoiding over the counter anti-inflammatories and certain supplements the week before the treatment will help reduce bruising. The use of cold compress and topical or oral supplements may further reduce bruising. We will discuss all potential side effects, as well as pre and post care instructions that will help reduce side effects, with you during your consultation.
Dermal Fillers should not be used if you have an active infection or inflammation at the site to be treated, or if you have a known allergy to an ingredient in the formulations. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have the treatment.
For 48 hours it’s recommended to avoid anything that makes you red – tanning, exercise, hot showers, etc. as this may increase discomfort and swelling. Use a cool compress, and consider use of the topical and oral supplements which may help reduce bruising. Try to avoid touching your face for the first 6 hours. Avoid any unnecessary pressure to the area, and avoid the application of makeup for 24 hours, or until the area has healed. We will go over the aftercare during the consultation, and you will receive an aftercare instruction sheet with this information.
Other questions? Give us a call and we’d be happy to talk over any concerns!
Let us know if we can answer any questions or help with booking. Looking forward to meeting you and helping make your treatment experience a comfortable and convenient one!
