Dermal Filler Injections 

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Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected under the skin. They can address a number of common concerns including lifting of cheekbones, volumization of the lips, smoothing of lip lines and nasolabilal folds (the creases that run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth), and rejuvenation of the hands.

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Dermal fillers can be composed of a variety of substances, some naturally occurring and some synthetic. One of the most common compounds used in dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, and it plays a major role in keeping skin hydrated and volumized. 

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Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane products, are a popular non-surgical option, offering temporary lip enhancement at an affordable cost. When administered by an experienced provider, dermal fillers can last 4 to 12 months and achieve soft, natural-looking results depending upon the region injected.

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Patients need to avoid aspirin, oral anti-inflammatory medications(ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, meloxicam, Celebrex), fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and heavy alcohol consumption for one week prior to injection to lessen chance of bleeding & bruising.

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Benefits of dermal lip fillers

• Treatments take less than 60 minutes

• Little to no downtime is needed

• Improvements are usually noticeable immediately after treatment

• Results are final within 2 weeks

• Side effects are typically mild and include temporary bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site. Serious complications are extremely rare when treatment is performed by a qualified provider

 

Considerations

• Treatments must be repeated periodically to maintain results

• A very small percentage of patients may be allergic to ingredients in manufactured fillers

• Dermal fillers are contraindicated if active shingles or herpes infection in the intended injection area. Prophylactic antivirals to prevent virus reactivation are best considered if there is a history of herpes simplex infection in the intended injection area.  Filler treatments are contraindicated in active autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, scleroderma or allergy to lidocaine.  Patients with multiple, severe allergies and a history of anaphylaxis are not candidates for dermal filler injections.

• Dental procedures and visits to the oral hygienist are best avoided during the 2–4-week period before and after filler treatment to reduce the risk of hematogenous bacterial seeding and potential development of biofilm.  Teeth bleaching/whitening frequently implies concomitant dental descaling and should also be avoided during this period. 

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