Filler for Dummies

A quick guide on dermal fillers with frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Lone Tree, CO

Dermal filler for dummies

Elite Medical & Aesthetics offers natural appearing results for filler in Lone Tee, Colorado and South Denver. Schedule a Free Consultation!

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gel like substances used alone or in combination of other procedures to restore or add volume, correct wrinkles, and contour the face. They are common for lips and can also be used in other areas of the body such as the neck, chest, hands and even butt!

Learn all about lip filler and how to tell if you’ll look ducky HERE.

What is facial filler used for?

Filler can be used all over the face but some specific examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Adding volume and shape to the lips.
  • Treating lines around the mouth and lips.
  • Treating smile lines around the nose and mouth.
  • Filling in fine lines and deep lines all around the face.
  • Adding contour and shape to the cheekbones, jawline, chin, brows.
  • Restoring lost volume in the cheeks and mid-face, temple hollows, under eyes.
  • Pulling the skin away from sagging areas such as jowls.

How long does it take to see the results after a filler treatment?

Results are seen immediately after a filler treatment but due to swelling it can take 7-14 days for the final result. We will usually show the client the results immediately after the filler is placed, prior to the swelling kicking in, so that they can see what their final result will come back to.

I tell people, “don’t love it or hate it for 14-days because it’s still settling”. Some people love the swollen look and others can’t wait for it to calm down a bit (after a few days). Learn more about the swelling stages of filler HERE.

Depending on the client, and amount of volume loss, it may take several treatments to reach full correction for the desired outcome.

What are the different types of dermal fillers?

There are many different types of fillers on the market, the most common being hyaluronic acid (HA)  fillers, such as the Juvederm family of fillers (Voluma, Juvederm Ultra, Vollure, etc.), Restylane family, and Versa (the newest HA filler).

Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in our bodies but breaks down really fast. So many filler companies will “cross-link” the filler with other substances to make it last longer or to change the viscosity (how thick it is). Some areas of the face need a thin filler, like around the eyes and lips/mouth. Other areas need thicker filler, like in the cheeks, chin, and jawline.

Another common filler is Radiesse, made from Calcium hydroxylapetite which is found in our bones. This is a firm product that is great for enhancing bone structure in the face, restoring lost volume and helping with collagen production.

For a full list on types of fillers check out Filler 101.

What are the side effects of facial fillers?

Most side effects of dermal fillers are mild and include: mild pain or tenderness at the injection site, redness, swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, or uneven results. Severe side effects are typically associated with vascular occlusion (filler getting into a blood vessel) but this is relatively rare and can be prevented with proper injection technique, aspirating (pulling back on the syringe to look for blood), and using a blunt tipped cannula.

Worst case scenario your injector should be trained on how to respond to any adverse reaction or emergency. We keep an emergency kit with us at all times.

Do facial fillers hurt?

Some areas are more sensitive than others but most people find the procedure to be quite tolerable.

Depending on the area injected there are many ways to reduce pain, including: ice, vibratory pain tools, numbing cream or numbing injections, and some offices even use laughing gas!

If you are concerned about pain talk to your injector to come up with a plan that you are satisfied with to keep you comfortable during your procedure.

What is the cost of facial fillers?

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure you are not just paying for the product but also the quality, expertise and technique of the injector.

The best price does not equal the best result and it can cost much more in the long run to have a poor result corrected than getting a great result from the start. Especially with fillers.

To answer the question this range can be anywhere between $600-1200/syringe or area on average. At EMA it will depend on what area is injected, the type of product, the amount of product and if you are doing multiple syringes or multiple procedures together. To learn more about the basics of our pricing click HERE.

An exact price can only be given during an in person consultation because each person is so different. One individual may need 2 syringes to reach full correction and another may need 10. Schedule a free consultation, and talk to one of our providers at Elite!

What is the cost of filler vs Botox?

Botox is priced per unit whereas filler is priced per syringe or area injected. So for instance, if you are getting Botox for your 11’s (frown lines between brows) and forehead, a typical treatment is 30-40 units total and you would multiply how much your injector charges x the number of units. For example, $13/unit x 30 units=$390.

If you are getting filler for say your lips, the injector will likely charge for the syringe plus their training and expertise. An injector that is more specialized will cost more (as above).

Often filler and Botox are used together with the best result being when Botox is used 7-days prior to getting filler.

What age should you start getting filler?

The age to start getting filler varies between individuals but essentially we all start losing facial volume around age 25.

The most common age to start filler seems to be around 40-50 but many people start in their 20’s and 30’s as well. Common reasons to start earlier include: wanting to enhance a specific feature (i.e. lips, cheeks, chin), early signs of aging or volume loss (fine lines, hollows under eyes), want to prevent signs of aging, or after weight loss.

Really you can start filler at any time but when you start will depend on how much you need for full correction. Obviously a younger patient will require less filler than an older person. Filler can definitely help at all ages and stages of life 🙂 .

Do fillers make skin sag?

It is a common misconception that after getting facial fillers that the skin will sag when it wears off. Many fillers actually help create more collagen so even when the filler wears off the skin appears more youthful than before.

If the skin does return to absolute baseline it is unlikely that filler made it saggy but rather that the individual got used to the plump appearance and then felt that their skin looked saggy without it.

If you look at pictures of Kylie Jenner after she dissolved her lip filler you’ll see that there is no deflated appearance, if anything they still look more plump than before she had anything done.

How long is recovery from fillers?

Depending on area injected, brand and technique many people can go about their daily activities within 24-72 hours after filler. Swelling and bruising can persist for 10-14-days or more afterwards however so we typically tell people not to love it or hate it until 2-weeks after. Learn more about tips to prevent swelling and bruising HERE.

Will people know I had filler?

Certain areas, such as the lips, tend to really swell after filler. So if you go to work the next day people will likely notice that something is different. If you wait 72 hours or more results are much more subtle (depending on what you’re going for).

Most clients that have filler on a Friday go to work and then text me to tell me that they got tons of compliments but no one could quite pinpoint what was different. 

The best result is one that is noticeable yet natural in appearance.

How long before an event should I get filler?

If you have never had filler before we would recommend getting it done 1-2 months prior to a big event.

This is accounting for the 14-days that it takes for the product to settle and to also give time if a touch up is needed or if you decide that you want more product.

Can Vegans get filler?

Most hyaluronic acid fillers are made from bacteria but depending on brand may or may not be tested on animals.

Depending on your belief system we would recommend calling the manufacturer that makes the filler you are interested in to get more information on how it is made and how it is tested.

To learn more about Vegan friendly procedures check out THIS article.

For more comprehensive information on dermal fillers check out Filler 101

If you are located in the Lone Tree, CO area, be sure to schedule a free consultation to talk to one of our providers at Elite Medical & Aesthetics!