FAQ’s Dermal Fillers
What is a Dermal Filler? | There are several dermal fillers available to help with deep lines and wrinkles. They all work in different ways, in different locations and depths. Belotero, Juvederm, Volbella, Voluma, Vollure, Restylane (Silk, Contour, Refyne, Defyne, Lyft, Kysse, and L), and Revanesse Versa are all hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that humans make that helps keep their tissues hydrated and juicy. This clear gel can be used in all areas of the face, including lips. Belotero and Restylane Silk are best for hollow undereyes (tear troughs). Volbella or Juvederm Ultra , Restylane L or Kysse, or RHA 2 or 3, Revanesse Versa for lips and nasolabial folds. Restylane Lyft / Defyne / Contour, RHA 4, Voluma or Vollure for cheekbones. Radiesse is calcium hydroxylapatite, which is calcium matrix that is injected that creates a platform on which your body builds its own collagen. This white gel is used in all areas of the face, except lips. It can also be used on the backs of hands or earlobes, and the nose and chin. Radiesse lasts up to one year. Hyperdilute Radiesse is a different use of Radiesse to stimulate collagen production under the surface of the skin. Sculptra (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) are tiny particles suspended in water, that the body builds collagen on. This biostimulator filler is used in the cheeks, neck, hands, and buttocks. |
| Our potent topical numbing cream is effective when applied at least 15 minutes prior. A dental block may be performed prior to injection into the lips, for an additional cost. Most clients do well with just the topical cream. Most fillers we use have lidocaine pre-mixed into the gel. Radiesse and Sculptra have numbing mixed into it just prior to injection. |
How much will I need? | It all depends on how much deficit you have. Dr. Ling will determine this when she examines you at the Initial Cosmetic Consultation. Generally, you will need one syringe for deep smile lines; more syringes, if you have some deflation in your face…at least half syringe for the lips. One cc syringe is 1/5 of a teaspoon, for reference. No matter how much you beg and plead, Dr. Ling will not overfill you, or make you look artificial or alien. She takes pride in her work. |
Does it work right away? | Yes. What you look like at the end of the visit is slightly more than what the final appearance will be for the next several months to a year. |
How long does it last? | Belotero and Restylane Silk, Restylane Refyne: 6 – 9 months, but best for finer superficial lines, like lipstick lines or hollow tear troughs Volbella: 6 – 9 months Juvederm Ultra / Ultra Plus, RHA 2-3, Versa, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Defyne: 9 months – 1 year Radiesse: 1 year Voluma and Vollure, Restylane Lyft: 1 – 1.5 years (approved for outer cheeks currently) They last less time if you are an avid exerciser, take hot showers, or crush the area where the filler is placed (like sleeping on your side) All last longer if you return to add more before they totally resorb. |
How much does it cost? | Juvederm 1.0 cc and Radiesse 0.8 cc are each $675 per syringe. Radiesse 1.5 cc is $800 per syringe. You may also use half a syringe, which is $350 for Juvederm, etc. *Pricing is subject to change, but is most current on the scheduling site. |
Who shouldn’t get dermal fillers? | If you have allergies to hyaluronic acid fillers, or Radiesse or Sculptra, you should not receive these again. |
Are there serious side effects? | Treatment side effects are usually mild to moderate, lasting 7 days or less, and include temporary injection-site reactions such as redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps.There is a possibility of occlusion of blood vessels. Please read all pre- and post-procedure instructions for best results. |
How long is my appointment? | The Initial Cosmetic Consultation for new clients is 30 minutes long; 15 minutes for established clients. Arrive early to self-numb, so the full time of the appointment slot is used for the consultation and procedure. |