Filler.

Juvederm & Restylane are both hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers injected under the skin to augment the volume and thus to improve the overall aesthetics of the face. HA is a ubiquitous carbohydrate found in the human body consisting of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid. It is constantly made and broken down in the body, with a half life of just 24 to 36 hours. As we age, HA production slows down so the total quantity diminishes over time.

To combat the short half life of the natural HA, Juvederm and Restylane implemented a cross-linking technology that stabilizes HA. This cross-linking makes the chains of the HA molecules form a three-dimensional network that is very similar to naturally occurring HA, but it degrades much more slowly and thus have lasting structural support under the skin.

Mid and lateral cheeks : first area to lose volume from late 20s and can contribute to heaviness in the lower face. filler is used to lift and contour the cheeks.

Smile lines (nasolabial folds) : very common line as we age. often lack of volume in the cheek area can worsen the line. if there is no volume loss, a direct approach to the area can be considered. if there is volume loss, we need to address your cheek first.

Marionette lines : fancy name for lines you get on the sides of your lip down to the chin area. often lack of support in the lips can lead to these lines. you may need additional lip filler and consider botox to DAO (muscle pulling down the corners of your mouth).

Lip : one of the most popular areas of the face. ideal if you want to have fuller/hydrated lips and soften vertical lines around the mouth if appropriate. key here is not to create overfilled lips. natural is the key.

Chin/Chin shadows: ideal if you feel your chin sits too far back and creates a lack of definition. You may need jawline filler to create a smooth transition.

Jawline: ideal if you want to create sharper contours and improve jowls and sagging. You may need botox to jawline to create a sharper contour.

Under eye/neckline areas are coming soon.

1-2 hours

Results are visible immediately after treatment and last for 6-19 months depending on the type of filler. The healing process involves swelling for about 3-7 days depending on the amount injected, area injected, and how your body reacts to the procedure.

Due to the anesthetic in the filler, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure. You may have some moderate swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over the treated areas. Some people experience dull ache and tenderness over the treated ares which subsides over 48-72 hours. Mild, non-painful swelling can last for up to 2 weeks. Bruising is usually visible initially, which then becomes more obvious the following day before slowly fading over 7 to 14 days. Some bruises can last for 4-6 weeks.

Please give yourself a minimum of 2 weeks before going to any major events or vacation in case of the residual bruising and swelling.

For 48 hours, you should avoid exposure to UV light and heat (sauna, steam, sun beds, hot showers, strenuous exercise etc) as this may increased discomfort and swelling.

Keep the area cool with a cold compress, but don’t apply ice which can cause injury.

Try to avoid unnecessary pressure over any areas treated, especially in the first 48 hours.

Avoid facial massages or skin resurfacing until the area has fully healed.

Reduce the risk of infection and reaction by not touching the area for 6 hours.

Do not apply make-up over injection points until the day after the procedure.

Filler longevity differs from person to person and from treatment to treatment. You may metabolize the product faster than the others. Please see below for average duration based on treatment.

Cheek filler: 9-18 months

Nasolabial fold/Smile lines filler: 6-12 months

Marionette lines: 9-18 months

Lip filler: 6-12 months

Facial fillers are a temporary solution. Treatments will need to be administered on a recurring basis.