Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin to help smooth fine lines and boost facial volume. Patients often undergo dermal filler injections to achieve a more youthful appearance with as little downtime as possible. Fillers are available to target nearly any area of the face, including crow’s feet, laugh lines, and thin lips. These simple in-office procedures are minimally invasive alternatives to cosmetic surgery and can dramatically reverse the signs of aging.

Dr. Amber L Allen of Allen Aesthetic Surgery in Raleigh, NC, has experience and expertise in performing dermal filler injections. She can work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and goals. Dr. Allen prides herself on dermal fillers that result in a natural-looking and youthful boost to the face. Find out what her skills can do to take years off your appearance. Call (919) 676-5052 or fill out our online form, and we will return your call shortly.

About Dermal Fillers with Dr. Allen

The aging process leads to changes in the face that are both predictable and complex. These changes can vary depending on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as:

Dermal fillers are popular for addressing volume loss, scars, wrinkles, and other facial aging signs. They can be used to create a more youthful appearance through facial sculpting, contouring, and augmenting specific areas such as the cheeks and lips. 

How popular are dermal fillers in the United States? A 2020 study showed dermal fillers were the second most frequently performed non-surgical aesthetic procedure, with an estimated 58% increase in injections over a five year span. ^[1] Non-surgical cosmetic treatments with fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, RHA, VERSA  and Bellafill have given patients an option to meet their cosmetic goals, time constraints, and budget. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each so you can determine which will best address your needs.

Is Bellafill Right For Me?

Bellafill is made of microspheres of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) suspended in a base of bovine collagen. The PMMA microspheres provide a scaffold for the growth of new collagen, which helps to improve the skin’s structure and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Initial volume is provided by the collagen present in the produce, but with time, the collagen is absorbed by the body and new collagen is produced around the microspheres.  Bellafill is the best dermal filler on the market to address acne scarring, but it can also improve the contours of the cheeks, smile lines, and chin. ^[2] It is a long-term treatment, and the results can last several years.

How Does Bellafill Form New Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that helps to support the skin and gives it structure. When Bellafill is injected into the skin, it creates a scaffold for the skin’s own collagen to grow around. The microspheres in the filler are made of a biocompatible and semi-permanent material that remains in the skin. Over time, the body’s own collagen fibers grow around the PMMA microspheres, creating a natural-looking and long-lasting result.

What do fillers provide to replenish volume in an aging face?

 Many of the fillers, such as Restylane, RHA and VERSA are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. There are many different viscosities of fillers allowing treatments in various areas of the face. Thicker substances are used in the deeper tissues for volume restoration while the more pliable or thinner fillers allow softening of fine lines and wrinkles while still allowing natural animation of the face. 

The human body contains a significant amount of hyaluronan, a water-loving polysaccharide that is found in many connective tissues. This substance creates a swelling pressure that allows the skin to withstand compressive forces; this makes hyaluronan an ideal component for maintaining the proper structure and function of tissues by adding volume, lubricating surfaces, influencing cell integrity, and proliferation. One of the key advantages of hyaluronan as a skin filler is that its chemical structure is consistent across species, reducing the risk of immunological reactions and rejection. ^[3]

How Long Do Hyaluronic Fillers  Last?

The majority of these types of dermal fillers typically last between 6 to 12 months. The longevity of the product may vary based on factors such as the patient’s age, skin type, and lifestyle habits. The longevity of the product may also be affected by the amount of product used and the technique used during the treatment. Hyaluronic acid is metabolized by the body after time, so touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired results.

What are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers like Bellafill and Restylane are a simple solution to the aging problem. Without surgery, and in minutes, patients can see a dramatic improvement of the contours of their face. Dermal fillers are designed to mimic the natural structure of the skin, which helps to create youthful results without looking artificial. 

Certain formulations of hyaluronic acid fillers have been structured to allow the filler to move naturally with the movements of your face. You will not have downtime with dermal fillers, and the results are instant so you can go about your day looking youthfully refreshed.

Candidates

You may be a candidate for dermal facial filling if you are unhappy with your facial volume or are looking for a non-surgical way of smoothing fine lines.

Ideal candidates for dermal fillers are individuals who have:

People with active skin infections, rashes, or open wounds near the injection site, a history of scarring, bleeding disorders, and those patients who are pregnant may not be suitable candidates for dermal filler treatment at present. Dr. Allen and her staff are happy to help you determine if dermal fillers are right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Allen will start by asking you what your goals for facial cosmetic improvements are and why dermal fillers interest you. She will assess your skin, and ask questions about your health and medical history to determine if dermal fillers are the best treatment for you. You are encouraged to bring in pictures from your youth, but Dr. Allen has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and will be able to make recommendations based on your individual needs and goals. 

She will also discuss the various types of dermal fillers available, their risks and benefits, and how long the results are likely to last. It is important to have realistic expectations and to fully understand the procedure before making a decision. Dr. Allen will also explain the recovery process and any aftercare instructions you may need to follow. Overall, the consultation will be a time for you to ask any questions you may have and for Dr. Allen to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you.

Preparation

Here are some things you can do to prepare for a dermal filler appointment after the consultation:

Keep in mind that you may experience some mild swelling, bruising, or redness after the procedure. It is best to avoid any activities that might cause injury to the treated area, such as intense exercise or sun exposure, for at least 24 hours following the procedure.

What to Expect During a Facial Filler Injection Appointment

Getting facial fillers is as easy as dropping by our office on your lunch break. We will prep your skin by cleaning it and applying a gentle numbing agent. Using a very fine needle, your filler will be injected just beneath the surface of your skin. You will experience little or no discomfort and can return to work immediately after the procedure!

Recovery After Dermal Fillers

As mentioned, you may experience some swelling and redness at the injection site. To ease any discomfort you can apply cold compress. Patients should keep their head elevated as much as possible. Avoiding sun exposure, vigorous activity, and alcohol in the first 24 hours after the appointment will further boost the speed with which the patient recovers. 

What Results Can I Expect After Injections?

Dr. Allen’s knowledge and understanding of facial beauty, ideal proportions, anatomy, and aging help her achieve optimal facial aesthetics. Symmetry and balance are often considered the key elements of facial beauty and ideal proportions. While many people out there offer dermal fillers, the beauty of seeing a licensed practitioner can be experienced when you see your final results.

Patients will see their results emerge as the swelling and redness subside. Their face will become volumized and smooth, with a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Dr. Allen’s expertise with aesthetic principles allows her to create natural-looking results that enhance the patient’s individual beauty.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Some patients who choose dermal fillers for their cosmetic treatment, consider Botox an important close cousin for complementary treatment. Botox is a type of injectable treatment that uses a purified form of botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze the muscles in the face. While dermal fillers add volume and plumpness to the skin, Botox can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines caused by muscle movement.

Dr. Allen offers various treatments for all of your cosmetic concerns. Ask her about Botox, or any of the cutting-edge treatments she offers such as laser resurfacing, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and microneedling. These treatments can address a variety of skin concerns such as age spots, scarring, and uneven skin tone.

What is the Cost of Dermal Fillers in Raleigh, NC?

The cost of your treatment will be disclosed during your consultation so we can combine any additional treatments and factor in the amount of dermal filler you need to create the beautiful results of your dreams. Schedule your consultation today by calling (919) 676-5052 or by filling our our online form. We look forward to treating you!

References

1. Akinbiyi T, Othman S, Familusi O, Calvert C, Card EB, Percec I. Better Results in Facial Rejuvenation with Fillers. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10). doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002763
2. Joseph JH, Eaton LL, Cohen SR. Current Concepts in the Use of Bellafill. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015;136(5S):171S. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000001839
3. Matarasso SL, Carruthers JD, Jewell ML. Consensus Recommendations for Soft-Tissue Augmentation with Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006;117(SUPPLEMENT):3S34S. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000204759.76865.39