DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal filler is one of the tools I use when shape, proportion, structure, or volume is contributing to facial imbalance. It can be used for a small adjustment to one feature, such as the lips or chin, or more comprehensively as part of facial balancing.

Most of the fillers I use are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the body. There are many types of HA filler, and they don’t all behave the same way. I select the product based on the area being treated, the characteristics of your tissue, and what I want the filler to accomplish.

Common treatment areas include the lips, cheeks and midface, temples, chin, jawline, nasolabial folds (laugh lines), and other areas where additional volume or support may be beneficial. I don’t believe that every area of volume loss needs to be filled. Sometimes restoring one area improves the balance of the face enough that another area doesn’t need treatment at all.

The initial change is visible immediately, although swelling and bruising can temporarily affect the result. HA fillers are temporary, but longevity varies considerably depending on the product, treatment area, amount used, and individual patient. Rather than automatically replacing filler on a set schedule, I prefer to reassess your face over time and add or maintain only where it’s needed.