what are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are game changers in the field of medical aesthetics. For the last decade the choices of fillers and advancements in techniques have allowed us to reverse the effects of aging, perfect and celebrate our natural beauty, and to add finesse to our facial features. Dermal fillers made with Hyaluronic acid (HA) are designed to replace volume loss in the areas of cheeks, temple, mid and lower face, chin, jawline and lips. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (glucose molecule) which is naturally occurring in our body as it is a building block of our connective tissues.

how do dermal fillers work?

We are fortunate to offer many HA fillers in our practice. However, not all fillers are the same and are therefore not interchangeable. Fillers have unique chemical and physical properties, and are designed to be injected into specific areas of the face. Fillers that are intended to create a lift are thicker gels, which create vertical lift. Other fillers are designed for mobile areas, such as lips. Those fillers have unique properties allowing for free and unrestricted mobility of the tissues. Fillers have different longevity based on their physical structure, mobility of the treatment area, and metabolic rate of the client. For example, fillers placed in lips have the shortest duration due to constant movements of the lips (3 to 9 months). Fillers used for cheek bone enhancement have the most longevity, up to 12-24 months.

am i a good candidate for dermal filler?

This is a great question. Filler is indicated to treat volume loss of the face, for correction of asymmetry, and for diminishing fine lines and folds. Clients often wonder if there is a particular age they should be starting to think about fillers. The answer is no. We frequently treat younger clients with the purpose of beautification, such as hydrating and defining lips, chin and jawline contouring, and correction of asymmetry. Restoration treatments are applicable for more mature clients who frequently look for replenishing of volume loss, correction of folds and fine lines.

There are several contraindications for fillers based on one’s medical conditions. Some of the contraindications include history of severe allergies, pregnancy and breastfeeding, known allergy to HA filler or lidocaine, active infectious process, and being treated with blood thinners. As far as aesthetic indications, we make those determinations on a case by case basis.

whAT CAN I EXPECT DURING DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT?

Your provider will discuss with you the procedure, including goals, realistic expectations, potential complications and after care. In our practice we utilize ultrasound to avoid inadvertent arterial injection, and we use Accuvein device to avoid bruising. We also use micro cannula technique to ensure safety and accuracy, and to minimize any chance of bruising. Your comfort during this treatment is our great priority. We use various techniques to enhance your relaxation and minimize discomfort.

HA fillers are reversible by a naturally occurring enzyme called hyaluronidase which can be used to reverse HA filler in the rare case of complications of undesirable effects.

HOW DO i PREPARE FOR DERMAL FILLER BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

Unlike many other aesthetic procedures, filler requires very little preparation. In order to minimize bruising, we recommend avoiding alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen-type medications, flaxseed and vitamin E 2-3 days prior to treatment. Please let us know if you are recovering from infections, have been recently vaccinated or scheduled for vaccination in the next 2 weeks, and if you EVER had a history of cold sores.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT?

The exciting aspect about dermal fillers is that the results will become apparent immediately. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FILLERS

Rejuve Medspa is located at the Newcastle Commons in Newcastle, WA. This area is conveniently close to Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Issaquah, Renton, and Redmond.