SERVICES: Facial Filler

Overview:

 

Facial fillers are some of the most exciting products available for facial rejuvenation.  They offer patients and physicians powerful ways to rejuvenate the face, while avoiding the downtime that comes with more invasive strategies like surgery.  New products continue to enter the market and our experience with existing products continues to grow.  

 

What products are on the market? 

 

Voluma®, Belotero®, Juvederm®, Restylane® plus many more.  Most of these products are made of materials that are similar to structural elements found naturally in our bodies called hyaluronic acids.  Other products have a different make-up; for example, Radiesse®, is made of calcium hydroxylapatite, another well-tolerated material.  

 

How do fillers work?

 

Fillers help restore a youthful contour to the face by adding fullness to areas that have lost volume with time.  Sometimes, fillers are used in areas that have lost overall volume, like the cheeks.  At other times, they are placed beneath wrinkles, acting to fill the valley of the wrinkle and smooth the surface.  

 

What areas can you treat with fillers?

 

Many areas of the body can be treated with fillers.  Voluma® is FDA-approved for the treatment of age-related volume loss in the cheek, or mid-face, area.  Other fillers are FDA-approved for other areas of the face, such as the lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds).  There are also fillers approved for the lips and the back of the hands.   

 

What can I expect on the day I come in for a consultation?

 

Dr. Repp will discuss your goals and tailor a treatment plan to your specific concerns.  You will also discuss any medical conditions you may have that would prevent you from safely getting treatment with facial fillers.  If you are a good candidate for fillers, you will likely have the opportunity for same-day treatment.  There is minimal downtime for most patients, and most patients resume normal activities immediately after their treatment session.  Some patients may notice bruising, swelling and redness immediately after the treatment.  

 

How soon will it take until I notice an effect?

 

Unlike neuromodulators, like Botox Cosmetic®, facial fillers add volume.  Their effects are visible immediately.  

 

Can I get a neuromodulator, such as Botox®, at the same time?

 

Likely yes – talk with Dr. Repp about your goals to help tailor a treatment plan to your unique concerns.  

 

How long will the effect last?

 

Different fillers last different amounts of time – some last between six months and two years.  Generally, you can get retreatment after that time.  

 

Can you reverse the effect?

 

Dr. Repp can dissolve many types of fillers using a medication to help rapidly break-down the filler, although this type of medication does not work on all fillers.  The body naturally breaks down most fillers over months-to-years, depending on the type of filler placed.