Dermal Filler
Dermal fillers are used in many ways to rejuvenate the face, correct asymmetries and condition the skin.
Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a substance our bodies make naturally. Advanced technology allows us to create cross-linked HA so it creates volume, strength, or both to correct signs of aging.
What is the difference between dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restalyne, Versa, and RHA?
These are all brands of HA fillers. Each brand makes unique formulations for cheeks, lips, smile lines, under eyes, skin strengthening, etc. One size does NOT fit all when it comes to filler. A product that is soft and luscious for lips would not stand up to the structure needed in a cheek, for instance. Your injector knows which filler would be best for which area. In addition, some technology may be better for those with a higher metabolism.
How much filler do I need?
Everyone has different aesthetic goals and needs. A consultation is the best way to determine how much filler you need.
One syringe of HA filler = 1 mL, or 1/5 of a teaspoon. This is approximately the size of a BLUEBERRY. The graphic to the right shows what an mL looks like in comparison to a teaspoon.
Over the age of 50, patients need different types of volume replacement such as Sculptra or Radiesse in addition to HA fillers. Click here to learn more about Sculptra.
Lip augmentation ranges from requiring 1/2 to 2 mLs depending on your goals.
How often do I need treatment?
HA fillers last 6 - 12 months depending on the type of filler and area treated. Every patient will metabolize fillers differently, some faster and some slower than others. With any aesthetic treatment, fillers require maintenance to preserve the initial correction.
In general:
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Lips are treated every 6-10 months
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Cheeks are treated every 8 - 12 months
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Tear troughs are treated every 12 months
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Lip lines (vertical lines) are treated every 12 months
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Chin/jawline is treated every 8 - 12 months.
Common Concerns
"I don't want to look fake or over-done. I see celebrities on TV who look very unnatural."
We agree! First, we aim for rejuvenation and restoration, not to create something you never had. Restoring volume that you lost will make you look refreshed and turn back the hands of time. Second, skilled injectors think outside the box and curate treatments specific to your features and goals. At Four Sisters, we aim for our work to be noticeable but "undetectable". No one will be able to pin point what you had done, but they will notice your renewed confidence!
"When the filler wears off, will my skin or lips be saggy or stretched out?"
We use filler to replace volume you've lost due to natural aging. When the filler is fully metabolized, your skin will return to it's original shape. In other words, when the filler wears off, you will look like you did when you arrived for your first filler appointment!
"Will I bruise?"
With any injection, there is a risk of bruising. Filler placed around or in the lips has a higher chance of bruising. In fact, we recommend that you PLAN for bruising if we treat these areas. Bruises can last 5 - 14 days. Wearing cover up and/or lipstick can camouflage a bruise.
Filler placed in the cheeks, chin or jawline has a lower chance of bruising but again, we recommend that you give yourself plenty of time before photos or important events to heal.
Swelling will also occur with injections and is most significant during the first 48 hours post injection. Over the following 2 weeks, swelling will resolve so you can enjoy the final product!
