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. Belotero, Juvederm, Volbella, Voluma, Vollure, Restylane (Silk, Refyne, Defyne, Lyft, 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 or Restylane L or Silk or Refyne for lips and nasolabial folds. Restylane Lyft / Defyne, 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 one year. |
Does it hurt? | A topical numbing cream is applied before injection into the face; a dental block may be performed prior to injection into the lips, since they are so sensitive, for n additional cost. Most fillers we use have numbing (lidocaine) pre-mixed into the gel. Radiesse has numbing mixed into it just prior to injection. |
How much will I need? | It all depends on how much deficit you have, or how full you want your lips or cheeks. Dr. Ling will determine this when she examines you in person. Generally, you will need one syringe for deep smile lines; moreso if you have some deflation in your face…at least half syringe for the lips. |
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, 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 $650 per syringe. Radiesse 1.5 cc is $750 per syringe. You may also use half a syringe, which is $325 for Juvederm, etc. |
Who shouldn’t get dermal fillers? | If you have allergies to Restylane or Juvederm, or other products similar to these, you shouldn’t get this 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. JUVÉDERM® is not for people with severe allergies. |
How long is my appointment? | 15 – 30 minutes, if you’ve never met Dr. Ling or had dermal fillers before, so she can answer all your questions, and you can get sufficiently numbed before the injection. This will be enough time if you plan to get filler only in your laugh lines or cheeks. If you may want some in your lips, arrive earlier to apply the numbing cream. |