Dermal Fillers

Face, brow, and neck lifts can totally rejuvenate the face and remove years from the profile, but they can be costly and require too much downtime. For those who don’t require an extensive procedure to restore some youth to their skin, dermal fillers can be just as effective.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a category of injectable cosmetic procedures that use different substances to restore volume and youthfulness to the face and other areas of the body. They can often help diminish wrinkles and other sunken areas that lose fat over time due to aging. Many have recognizable brand names and accomplish different things.

What kinds of Dermal Fillers are there?

Juvéderm is a family of dermal fillers that use hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the skin that helps retain moisture and nutrients. When injected, it adds volume to the areas that need it. Juvéderm uses a different formulation of hyaluronic acid for each different injectable in order to best suit the area being treated. The “XC” family of Juvéderm injectables contains lidocaine to aid with any discomfort during injection.

  • Voluma XC is a Juvéderm injectable that specifically treats hollow cheeks through a deep injection of hyaluronic acid. This can help add volume to any wrinkles or folds and create a smoother, more youthful contour of the face.

  • Volbella XC is another Juvéderm injectable used in the lips to add subtle, natural volume and smooth vertical lines around the area.

  • Ultra Plus XC is a Juvéderm injectable is a colorless hyaluronic acid gel that is used for wrinkle treatments and overall facial enhancement. 

Radiesse is a long-term injection that uses calcium hydroxylapatite to naturally stimulate collagen production in areas of the body that have lost volume, including the face and hands. The calcium hydroxylapatite is then absorbed into the body over time. This injection also includes lidocaine to reduce any discomfort during injection.

What about Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer is another popular option to add volume to the face, but requires a Liposuction procedure and is often done in conjunction with surgical procedures that utilize the Liposuction technique. Fat can be taken from areas of the body where excess is stored, like the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen, and then be optimized to be injected into areas like the cheeks where volume has been lost. This result is totally natural since the fat injected comes from the same body, and is a mostly permanent result.

How do I decide which one is right for me?

Your surgeon can help you determine what filler will best treat your problem areas, as well as address any concerns you might have. Fillers that use hyaluronic acid can be reversed if the result is not satisfactory, and most results will fade after a year. If you want to see results but don’t want to consider a surgical procedure, a dermal filler is a good, low-pressure option.

To find out what injection is beneficial to you, contact our office today. We would be happy to schedule your consultation with Dr. Richardson.

Facial Fillers FAQs


How long do facial fillers last?


The time period for which facial fillers last depend on the product being used, the patient, and the area of the treatment. Usually, the denser the filler is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last. In order to maintain your results, your surgeon will repeat the treatment, adjusting the technique and amount of filler as required so that you get the best results. HA or hyaluronic acid fillers are the most temporary option and are recommended for first-time patients. These will last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. When the filler is used for lip augmentation, it will last for lesser time than when it is used in the nasolabial folds. Some fillers are designed to last longer but its uses are limited to a few areas like the cheeks.

Since synthetic fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra are not absorbed by your body, they last longer. Results from these fillers will last for a few years and you must choose a qualified surgeon to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Fat injections are meant to last forever; however, some of it may not survive.


Which facial fillers last the longest?


Some dermal fillers can last up to 2 years and those that last the longest are Radiesse, Juvederm Voluma, and Sculptra. Of the Hyaluronic Acid fillers, Juvederm Voluma lasts the longest and it is used to add volume to your cheeks. Radiesse is an anti-aging filler that boosts the production of collagen resulting in effects which last for about 18 months. Sculptra is similar to Radiesse and the results may last as long as 2 years. The newly introduced Evolence lasts for about a year as well.
Lip fillers like Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella can last up to a year since their special formula makes them resistant to high levels of movement. Even the most basic dermal fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero used for facial wrinkles last for about 6 months or longer.

Your body breaks down these fillers at different rates, hence they have varying lifespans. Several other factors like the area of treatment and your lifestyle contribute to how long the dermal fillers will last.


How long does Botox last?


Botox is a common injectable used for a range of cosmetic as well as medical applications. It is a safe and effective noninvasive cosmetic procedure. Once you get the injection, you will see your results in 3 to 5 days while the complete results will be visible within 14 days. With multiple treatments, your muscles will be conditioned and respond well to botulinum toxin. With each session, your results will last longer since your skin would by now have learned how to regenerate collagen that fills in the lines and wrinkles. When injected for cosmetic reasons, your results will last for about 4 to 6 months. Some factors that contribute to how long your results will last include how diluted the injection is, how fresh it is, your metabolism, the dosage of Botox, the area in which it is injected, and your age.


What is Dysport used for?


Dysport is a similar injectable to Botox and it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. FDA approved it as a wrinkle treatment in 2009 and the treatment is more beneficial since it spreads farther from the injection site. This means that you get optimal results from lesser number of injections than what you would get from Botox. Since it could easily spread to areas which do not require relaxation, you must choose an experienced surgeon.

It is injected into the facial muscle for treating the fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure lasts for about 15 minutes and you will see a smooth appearance within a week’s time. Your youthful results achieved with Dysport will last for about 4-6 months.


How does Botox work?


Botox is used for various cosmetic treatments like reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as medical treatments like excessive sweating and urinary incontinence. It is widely used as a cosmetic treatment for improvement in moderate to severe frown lines and crow’s feet. Very fine needles are used to inject the Botulinum toxin into the treatment area. The ingredients in Botox block the nerve signals to your facial muscles which in turn reduces its capacity to contract and form the lines and wrinkles.

Botox is a neuromodulator which binds to the acetylcholine receptor in order to block the signals that are sent by the nerve before they reach the muscles. When injected by an experienced surgeon, Botox has been approved by the FDA as a safe procedure that gives you results which last for 3 to 6 months.