Dermal Fillers
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA
Enhancing your complexion with dermal fillers is one of the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, balance your facial proportions, and naturally restore volume to your skin. Fillers can reduce signs of aging or increase facial volume to smooth the surface of the skin and diminish the appearance of lines and folds. If you recently experienced changes to your face from aging or weight fluctuations, dermal fillers are designed to correct soft tissue volume issues while providing natural-looking results. They are nonsurgical and minimally invasive, which is ideal for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery. Injectables are an effective treatment that makes up approximately 30% of all nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. (1)
Dr. Jeffrey Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is renowned for his ability to help patients transform their appearance with surgical and non-surgical treatments. At JL Plastic Surgery, we can improve your appearance with customizable dermal filler treatments and effective non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Contact our Boston office or call (617) 340-2822 to learn more.
Contents
About Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin to add volume and effectively address signs of facial aging such as nasolabial folds (the lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth) thin lips, hollow cheeks, and other contouring goals such as chin, jawline, and nose. Although there are several different types of dermal fillers, most are composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. In 2023, hyaluronic-acid-based dermal fillers were the second most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure due to their short recovery times and high satisfaction rates– specialists performed more than 3,441,000 dermal filler treatments that year. (2)
Dermal Fillers for Facial Balancing
Facial balancing is a treatment that balances your features if you recently lost facial volume from aging or weight fluctuations. If you have asymmetrical features, we can balance them and contour different areas of your face such as your chin or jawline. Facial fillers are a safe and effective option for treating a wide variety of aesthetic facial issues:
- Wrinkles
- Folds
- Nasolabial folds
- Thin lips
- Cheek Sagging
- Poor chin definition
- Nose reshaping
- Jawline contouring
Cheek Filler
Cheek fillers can improve the appearance of your cheeks by restoring their volume if you have lost it from aging or weight changes. Over time, your skin loses collagen and the fat in your face can decline or atrophy, resulting in a droopy appearance. Gaunt cheeks and sagging jowls can make you look older than you are. If you desire fuller cheeks and have been looking for an effective solution to age-related volume loss, dermal fillers can help you achieve better cheekbone definition and enhance your facial appearance. Cheek fillers typically consist of hyaluronic acid to add volume and provide the additional benefit of hydration to your skin.
Juvéderm
Although many companies make hyaluronic acid-based fillers, one of the most common brands is Juvéderm. Juvéderm is FDA-approved for addressing a variety of common aesthetic issues including folds, wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss. Each of these fillers comes in a variety of thicknesses and the best product to use depends on the area you would like to treat. By strategically placing Juvéderm in these areas, patients can achieve natural-looking results that enhance their features without appearing overly manipulated. We can use the treatment to improve the appearance of your:
- Cheeks: Adding volume to sunken cheeks for a more youthful look
- Lips: Plumping lips for enhanced definition and fullness
- Nose to Mouth Lines (Nasolabial Folds): Softening laugh lines and improving overall facial symmetry
- Marionette Lines: Reducing lines that develop from the corners of the mouth down to the chin
Lip Filler
If you would like fuller, plumper lips, we can help you increase their volume with lip fillers specifically designed for delicate tissue. Lip filler is a cosmetic treatment that enhances the size and shape of the lips. For many people, having fuller or more defined lips can improve their overall facial aesthetics and boost self-confidence. As we age, the level of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases, leading to thinner lips and a loss of definition around the mouth. Many individuals seek lip filler to restore lost volume, enhance lip symmetry, create a youthful appearance, and express their individuality through facial aesthetics. Lip fillers are also helpful for correcting asymmetrical lips.
Dermal Filler Benefits
After dermal filler treatments, you can enjoy:
- Wrinkle reduction: Dermal fillers smooth fine lines and deeper wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.
- Restored facial volume: After dermal fillers, you can enjoy a fuller, plumper appearance because the treatment provides natural volume to correct gaunt cheeks and thin lips.
- Increased self-esteem: Enhancing your appearance can help you improve your self-confidence and personal relationships.
- Natural-looking results: Since dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, they can help your skin maintain its moisture and elastic appearance. (3) We also offer dermal fillers that stimulate collagen production to renew your skin barrier.
- Improved skin hydration: The presence of hyaluronic acid enhances the skin’s overall hydration levels. (3)
- Customizable Options: You can combine your dermal filler treatment with other procedures or receive several different types of fillers during one appointment.
- Comfortable treatment: Many of our dermal fillers contain lidocaine for a more comfortable treatment.
- Minimal downtime: Dermal fillers do not require incisions or downtime, making them a convenient option compared to surgical alternatives.
Candidates & Consultation
During your consultation, we will perform a full facial analysis and recommend the best place to add filler. During your consultation, we can discuss your medical history, allergies, current medications, and aesthetic goals. There are many areas where filler works well, the most common areas include the cheeks, nasolabial folds, chin, and mouth. While every patient is different, the most commonly requested procedures are nonsurgical rhinoplasty, nonsurgical chin augmentation, and/or lip augmentation. We will perform a facial analysis and determine if you would be a good candidate for facial filler. Suitable candidates would like to treat volume loss or wrinkles in specific areas of the face and:
- Are in good health and possess realistic expectations about treatment outcomes.
- Do not have active skin infections or significant scarring in the treatment area
- Prefer non-surgical methods for cosmetic improvement.
We can also combine your treatment with other procedures if you have multiple goals. To learn more about our additional procedures, see our blog.
Preparation
To prepare for your dermal filler appointment, you will need to:
- Avoid blood thinners for 1-2 weeks before and after your appointment
- Stop drinking alcohol 24 hours before your appointment
- Limit sun exposure and protect your skin from the sun to prevent any damage to your skin that would cause us to delay your treatment
- Ensure you are well-hydrated leading up to the procedure for optimal skin health
- Avoid any abrasive treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion immediately before your treatment
We may also ask you to stop using retinoids, depending on the type of treatment you need. We can discuss your treatment plan during your consultation and provide preparation instructions based on the type of filler you need.
Procedure
During a dermal filler procedure, we will cleanse your skin and inject the filler into the treatment area for increased volume and a smoother look. We may use a topical numbing depending on the type of filler you receive. Facial filler typically takes 20-40 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. You can return home or resume your daily routine immediately because dermal fillers do not require downtime.
Recovery & Results
Although you can return to your daily routine immediately after the treatment, you will need to avoid wearing makeup and participating in any strenuous exercise or activities that could irritate the treatment area for 24 to 48 hours afterward. You can use a cold compress for comfort if you experience any swelling or irritation around the injection site. You can enjoy long-lasting and natural-looking volume. The length of your results will depend on the type of filler you receive. On average, facial fillers can provide results that last 6-12 months (lip fillers tend to last 2-3 months).
Cost of Dermal Fillers in Boston
The cost of your treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area. Dermal fillers are an excellent non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation that can provide beautiful and natural-looking results. If you are interested in dermal fillers and would like to know if they are right for you, contact our Boston office or call (617) 340-2822 to schedule a consultation for your dermal filler treatment in Boston.
FAQ
How long do dermal fillers last?
Most dermal fillers last between six months and two years, depending on your treatment, your metabolism, and whether or not you take good care of your skin.
Do dermal fillers provide a natural-looking result?
Yes, we take care to inject the filler strategically to prevent an “overfilled” appearance and help you achieve a natural look.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Yes, dermal fillers are a safe, well-tolerated treatment when administered by a qualified professional.
Will I need multiple filler treatments?
Over time, your body will absorb the filler, and you will need touch-up appointments to maintain your results.
Is there any downtime after receiving dermal fillers?
While you may experience temporary skin irritation near the injection site, most patients can resume normal activities right away.
Will the injection hurt?
Although the injections should not hurt, some patients experience a slight pinching feeling when we administer fillers. Most dermal fillers contain lidocaine, and we can also use a topical numbing agent for your comfort.
Can I reverse my dermal fillers?
Yes, if you receive a hyaluronic acid-based filler, we can dissolve it with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. (3)
References
- Mashhrawi A, AlNojaidi TF, Alkhaldi RA, Alshami NS, Alhadlaq AS. Awareness and Knowledge of the Adverse Effects of Dermal Fillers Among the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. Published online June 12, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40322
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Walker K, Basehore BM, Zito PM. Hyaluronic Acid. Nih.gov. Published October 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/