Losing volume is a natural if not-so-fun byproduct of aging. The skin begins to sag, wrinkles become more prominent, and you can start to look and feel less vibrant. Dermal fillers can help not only reverse that process but address those quirks that have always bothered you, from deep under-eye circles to cheeks that could use a boost.

Learn more about how fillers can rejuvenate the skin you’re in and why they’ve become such a popular cosmetic treatment with this guide to dermal fillers in San Diego.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are an injectable cosmetic treatment used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skin’s elasticity and return volume to areas that need it.

What are dermal fillers made of? Injectable dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance in the body. The substance is essential in keeping your skin hydrated, a key component in volume and elasticity. 

Once injected, the fillers work to boost much-needed collagen production, improving results over time. As you’re working with a substance already found in the body, the risk of adverse reaction is low.

Why Dermal Fillers?

Dermal filler injections have become a popular tool in adding volume to the face, reducing the effects of aging and shaping areas of the face that have lost tone or have always lacked the contours you crave. 

Botox vs. Dermal Fillers

Botox injections and dermal fillers are both effective when you’re looking to reverse the signs of aging or rejuvenate areas of the face that have lost their luster. Let’s look at some key similarities and differences between Botox and dermal fillers.

How long do dermal fillers last?

Wondering how to make fillers last longer? How long your dermal fillers last depends on the type of injectable you choose for your treatment, the areas injected, how much movement the targeted area will see over time, and your health status. 

Generally, the expectation is for your dermal fillers to last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. 

How to Choose Your Ideal Filler

There are different types of dermal fillers out there, and it can feel confusing when choosing one over another. Your provider can help you choose based on a few key criteria:

• Filler longevity: Some fillers last longer than others, with most lasting at least six months. 
• Areas targeted: The ideal filler for you depends on the places you’re looking to target. 
• Skin texture: Fine lines and wrinkles require a different approach than deeper set lines, as would thinner skin, extensive scarring and other factors unique to your skin.
• Filler cost: The cost of your fillers can vary based on the type you choose. 
• Desired result: Most dermal fillers are known for natural-looking results, but some are more subtle than others.

Different Types of Dermal Filler

Different types of dermal fillers can lead to different results, which is why it’s important that you share your desired results at a consultation. Your provider can help you understand the subtle differences.

JUVEDERM

SDBotox carries a number of Juvederm products:

• Juvederm Ultra XC: A classic injectable, this product works best for moderate to severe wrinkles and folds.
• Juvederm Ultra Plus XC: A slightly thicker formula than Juvederm Ultra XC, this filler may work better for deeper set lines in the face.
• Vollure: Promising a softer result, Vollure is a popular filler for nasolabial folds.
• Volbella: A popular lip filler in San Diego, Volbella is often used to add volume to thin lips.
• Voluma: This filler is ideal for returning volume and plumpness to the cheek area.

RESTYLANE

There are multiple different Restylane products: the original Restylane, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Lyft and Restylane Defyne. The severity of your wrinkles will be a determining factor in what your provider would recommend. 

BELOTERO

Belotero is often used as a finishing product in targeting fine lines and wrinkles, as it’s injected closer to the skin’s surface. Its firm consistency works well in the lines that run from your lips to your nose.

RADIESSE

Radiesse is often used to target deep-set wrinkles, lines and folds, as well as to bring volume back to the cheeks and define the jawline. Many patients report longer-lasting results than other injectables.

How Much Do Dermal Filler Injections Cost in San Diego?

How much your dermal fillers cost will depend on several different factors, from your desired results to the type of injectable you choose to how many treatments you’ll benefit from over time. Our dermal fillers range from $600-900/syringe. SDBotox can work with your budget to come with a plan for you.

What Can Dermal Fillers Be Used For?

Where can you have dermal fillers, and what can dermal fillers be used for? Let’s take a closer look.

Smooth Lines and Wrinkles

Dermal fillers can smooth moderate to severe lines and wrinkles around the face, including marionette lines that run along the jawline from the mouth, smile lines and crow’s feet.

Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

While the result is more subtle than the surgical procedure, a non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers can help shape and contour your nose and the skin around it.

Lip Enhancement

Lip fillers are one of the most common applications for dermal fillers, whether you’ve always wanted to look into lip augmentation for thin lips or have lost volume in the lip area over time. Seeking a lip filler in San Diego? SDBotox can help.

Neck Rejuvenation

Patients seeking sagging neck solutions have turned to dermal fillers to reduce neck wrinkles and smooth out the neck, resulting in an overall more youthful appearance.

Under-Eye Rejuvenation

Rejuvenate under-eye skin with an under-eye filler. Can dermal fillers help eye bags? Yes! Dermal fillers can be used for deep-set bags under the eyes by returning volume to hollow areas.

Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical alternative to surgical lifts. Dermal injections targeted at certain areas of the face result in an overall more youthful, defined appearance without a scalpel in sight.

Non-Surgical Butt Lift

Dermal fillers can give your butt a more rounded appearance and subtle lift. It is a much safer option than a surgical BBL and comes with way fewer risks and complications. It won’t be as dramatic a result as a surgical BBL, but using injectables means essentially zero downtime. 

Even better, it’s a perfect option for patients who do not have enough transferable fat for a surgical BBL.

Scar Reduction

Patients with a history of deep acne scarring may benefit from dermal fillers to fill in any indentations in the skin and boost collagen production to improve scarring over time.

Combining Fillers with Other Cosmetic Treatments

Dermal fillers are perfect for combining with other cosmetic treatments. There are many benefits when doing so. Your provider will be able to come up with a plan for you if you’re open to combining fillers with something else.

Customized Treatment

If you’re dealing with both fine lines and deep-set wrinkles, dermal fillers alone may not get you that desired result. Combination treatments allow your provider to customize your treatment plan to get you the results you want.

Treat Various Issues at Once

Shape and smooth. Fill in and define. Combination treatments allow you to treat multiple areas and multiple issues in the same session. Different injectables and cosmetic treatments have other purposes.

Longer-Lasting Results

Combining fillers with another injectable like Botox could help extend your results, as Botox temporarily freezes and relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkling. This can keep your fillers from breaking down in areas of the face that are more expressive.

Best Treatments to Combine with Dermal Filler

Your provider will talk you through safe combination options based on where you’re getting your fillers, with recommended wait periods in between treatments.

Botox

Botox is the most common injectable used in combination with fillers, and it can be more successful in treating dynamic wrinkles than fillers. The use of both can even improve and lengthen the results of your fillers, as your provider can use Botox to relax targeted muscles.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments can be used to improve the tone and texture of the skin. Your provider will propose a waiting period of 4-6 weeks between laser treatments and fillers to give your skin time to heal and to better determine how much filler is needed after your laser treatment.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel treatment can reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Superficial peels are recommended over moderate to deep peels, as they can lead to some inflammation. Your provider will give you an appropriate waiting period in between both, as well.

Don’t Forget About the Body

There are a number of body treatments that are appropriate for use in combination with your fillers including CoolSculpting and Emsculpt. Think about your body goals and make it happen, whether you’re looking to reduce cellulite, remove hair, or sculpt areas of the body that lack tone.

How to Prepare for a Dermal Filler Appointment

Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for dermal filler to make sure your treatment is efficient and effective. Those pre-care instructions will include the following:

• Avoid blood thinning and anti-inflammatory medications for up to 14 days before treatment. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (including brand names like Advil and Motrin), fish oil supplements, vitamin E and other NSAIDs.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for a week before your appointment
• Reschedule your appointment if any rashes, cold sores or blemishes appear in the treatment areas. If you have a history of cold sores, let your provider know. A prescription will be needed to eliminate the chance of any sores after your treatment.
• Eat a healthy breakfast before your procedure.
• Consider taking arnica for a week before your procedure to prevent bruising.

What to Expect from a Dermal Filler Appointment

Most dermal filler appointments last about 30 minutes, with minimal downtime required after. In the case of any facial swelling and bruising, though, it’s a good idea not to schedule any big events for up to a week after your treatment.

As far as what to expect after dermal fillers, you can expect some level of immediate results after treatment. Most will need to wait anywhere from 7-10 days before seeing those final results.

Do fillers hurt?

Most patients compare dermal fillers to Botox in terms of the pain level. However, it does depend on where they’re being injected. You can feel more discomfort if the injectables are going into more sensitive areas of the face. Some patients request a topical cream to numb pain in the treatment sites before injection.

Dermal Filler Aftercare

Your provider will share your aftercare instructions with you post-treatment, but expect the following:

• Avoid massaging or touching the treatment areas for 24 hours after your fillers.
• Avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
• Limit sodium and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment to avoid excess swelling.
• In the case of swelling, use a cool compress for 5-10 minutes every hour, and try to sleep slightly elevated on your back. Tylenol is appropriate for mild discomfort.
• In the case of bruising, ice and arnica gel can decrease the duration of bruising. Your provider may also recommend additional treatments to reduce the appearance of bruising.

Top 8 Dermal Filler Myths

You’ve already learned quite a bit about dermal fillers and what they can do to reverse the signs of aging. There are still several myths out there about fillers and their long-term effects. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Fillers Will Ruin Your Face

Dermal fillers are temporary, with the upper maximum on results around two years for most fillers. The results are meant to be less dramatic than surgical options out there, as most are looking for subtle enhancements to aging skin.

It Won’t Look Natural

Dermal fillers are perfect for those keeping a more natural-looking cosmetic treatment. The final result is a more youthful-looking appearance and a boost in volume where it’s been lost. A good provider will caution you against overdoing it, as well, to keep results natural.

If I Don’t Like It, I’ll Be Stuck with It

All dermal fillers that SDBotox carries are reversible with the exception of Radiesse. If you don’t like the result, schedule a follow-up with your provider to dissolve the fillers. We always recommend waiting until any swelling subsides before making a final decision about your results.

I Should Expect Bruising and Other Side Effects

Some swelling, redness, or bruising can happen after your treatment, but all of that should subside within a week. You may have the same or no reaction after a follow-up appointment, as well. Some patients report no side effects at all, and almost all will report no serious side effects.

Fillers Are All the Same

We’ve given you a primer on the different types of dermal fillers out there. The kind you choose may depend on your desired results, skin texture, and even your results’ longevity. Some fillers are even used in combination. Your provider can help you come up with a solid treatment plan.

I Can Get the Same Results with Topical Creams

There are some excellent products out there that can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and your skin’s overall tone and texture. They won’t have the same effect as dermal fillers, though, especially on deeper-set lines.

Men Don’t Get Dermal Fillers

Fillers and other injectables are only growing in demand among men who want to share in the movement to get younger-looking skin. Some men lose even more volume in the face than women and turn to fillers to return that lost volume.

Cheaper Is Better

All dermal fillers aren’t created equal. Shopping around for the best price when it comes to any cosmetic treatment may not get you the results you crave, and your treatments may not land in the best hands.

Our providers at SDBotox are experienced, professional and will work with you to ensure your treatments are safe, efficient and effective. If you’re seeking a consultation to talk through your options, book an appointment today. We’re here to help you get the results you want, with the expertise you need to make it happen.