Cosmetic Fillers

Injectable fillers have become a “go-to” treatment for many of us who want to combat the signs of aging or just target a specific area for improvement but not deal with the invasiveness or downtime of surgery. These popular cosmetic dermatology treatments can address a variety of skin concerns for men and women. At North Metro Dermatology, our providers will customize a treatment plan to suit your needs and aesthetic goals. Our skilled, experienced, board-certified dermatologists use injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to help you achieve attractive, natural results.

Contact our office to schedule your filler consultation today.

FAQs About Fillers

What are injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers?

Healthy, youthful skin contains an abundance of a naturally hydrating substance called hyaluronic acid. Aging, smoking, and sun exposure cause hyaluronic acid in our skin to diminish over time. This lack of hyaluronic acid results in volume loss of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA-approved, smooth gels that are injected in the skin to temporarily replace the natural hyaluronic acid that the skin has lost – restoring volume and smoothing facial wrinkles and folds.

Areas often treated with HA fillers include:

• nasolabial folds (“smile” lines or “parentheses” around the mouth)
• marionette line (downward lines from the corners of the mouth)
• vertical lines around the mouth (“smoker’s lines”)
• cheeks
• lips
• hands
• tear troughs (under eye area)
• acne scars
• ear lobes

What products are used?

Our filler products include Restylane®, Restylane Silk®, Restylane Lyft,®, Restylane Defyne®, Juvederm Voluma®, Juvederm Volbella®, Juvederm Ultra Plus®, and Juvederm Ultra®.

What does the procedure feel like?

Although injectable filler treatments are generally well tolerated, we offer topical anesthetic application 30-45 minutes prior to your procedure for a more comfortable experience (especially for more sensitive areas such as lips). The injectable agents also contain a numbing agent which allows for the treatment to be more tolerable as well. Prior to the procedure, we thoroughly clean the skin. Ice is applied to each area immediately prior to injection to minimize discomfort. Injections are made in the treatment areas with very small needles.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

• You should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen 7-10 days prior to treatment to minimize the risk of bruising.
• You should also avoid supplements including gingko biloba, garlic, cod liver oil, coQ10, flax oil, fish oil, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
• You should let us know if you are taking any blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto, Lovenox, Eliquis, etc) but do not stop these medications. If you are taking Coumadin and regularly get your INR checked, please report any abnormalities to us prior to your appointment.
• If you develop an infection, rash, or cold sore prior to your appointment, please call the office to speak with our medical staff.
• If you have a history of cold sores, be sure to notify your doctor prior to your appointment – a medication may be prescribed to take reduce the likelihood of a breakout.
• You should avoid alcohol consumption 2 days prior to treatment as alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bruising.
• You should not visit the dentist or have a colonoscopy 2 weeks before and after your filler treatment to minimize the risk of infection.
• You should try to schedule your filler treatment 2 weeks before any special social events or professional commitments to allow for possible bruising, swelling, and/or redness to subside.

What can I expect after my treatment?

You may experience redness, swelling, and soreness at injection sites which can sometimes last up to one week. You may develop bruising which can persist for 2 weeks. Ice may be recommended after treatment to help minimize swelling and bruising. We recommend that you avoid exercise for 48 hours after treatment to minimize delayed bruising. Please wait at least 2 weeks before receiving any other facial treatments. Avoid dental visits and colonoscopy procedures for 2 weeks after filler treatment to minimize risk of infection.

When will I see results, and how long do they last?

You will see an immediate effect, but full results are appreciated in the two weeks following treatment.

Results typically last 6-12 months, although longer for some types of filler.

Who cannot have the treatment?

• You cannot have filler treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have an allergy to lidocaine, you cannot have treatment with filler products that contain anesthetic. You should notify us prior to scheduling a filler appointment so that we may confirm that we have the appropriate filler product available.

Please notify us if you have any severe allergies, autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, or any other significant medical issue that arises prior to your appointment.