Dermal Filler Injections: How It Works, Who It’s Right For, FAQS, and More
Looking for a non-surgical solution to help you target fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, or other skin imperfections?
Dermal filler injections are a popular option due to the natural-looking results, minimal downtime, and targeted application.
Read on to explore the mechanics of dermal filler, looking at how it works, who might benefit from injections, and more.
What Is Dermal Filler?
A dermal filler is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure where a substance is injected into the skin to:
- Add volume
- Smooth out wrinkles; or
- Improve the overall appearance of the face
Over the past five years, dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular rejuvenation modality, rated as the second most common nonsurgical aesthetic procedure performed with an estimated 58% increase in injection prevalence.
Dermal fillers are injected directly into the skin with a thin, hollow needle or cannula.
How Dermal Filler Works
With time and photoaging, the collagen and elastin fibers that keep the skin supple and smooth begin to break down, causing loss of facial volume and increased dynamic wrinkles.
These folds and creases eventually become a part of the resting facial structure and can make the face appear drawn and aged.
With the help of dermal filler injections, lost volume can be regained and those wrinkles can be smoothed out, turning back your skin clock and renewing and refreshing your appearance.
Areas Where Dermal Filler Can Be Used
Dermal fillers are commonly used to restore overall volume in the face, often aimed at filling out wrinkles around the mouth, adding volume to the cheeks, or creating fuller lips.
Commonly targeted areas or problems for dermal filler include:
- Cheeks
- Nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines
- Marionette lines
- Fuller lips and lip lines (ie smokers lines, whistle lines)
- Chin or jawline
- Temples
- Hands
Ideal Candidates for Dermal Filler Injections
While all dermal fillers have the potential for complications, they’re a generally safe and effective option for those who wish to add more volume to certain facial features or areas of the body with more delicate skin, like the hands.
However, dermal filler injections may not be the best option for everyone depending on their health and desired results. People with certain health conditions, such as allergies and inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, should consult a medical professional before getting dermal filler injections.
Those who are considering dermal filler should consider the following:
- You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding, having taken an antibiotic in the last 14 days, have had or plan to have a dental appointment (including cleanings) within 2 weeks before and after your appointment, or have any allergies to the product including lidocaine.
- Please do not take any blood thinners within 7 days of your procedure (ie. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil) or alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment.
If you have a prescription blood thinner such as Eliquis or Heparin, please let your provider know. We would like a note from your prescribing physician stating it is okay to stop this prescription, and if not, your provider at Goodskin will discuss the related risks of taking your prescription.
It’s important to remember that results may vary from person to person and that setting realistic expectations will help ensure your happiness with your appearance following dermal fillers.
How Long Does Getting Dermal Filler Take?
Our facial treatments generally take about 60-90 minutes. Coupled with minimal downtime, you could be back to your day in under an hour.
FAQs About Dermal Filler
Does Dermal Filler Hurt?
Patients may experience any discomfort during dermal filler injections,
While dermal filler treatment should not be painful, a topical anesthetic is applied before the injection to mitigate any discomfort, and most fillers now include a lidocaine anesthetic mixture to combat any pain.
Light bruising and swelling for one to three days is a common side effect of any filler injection. Downtime varies from person-to-person and how quickly you may heal.
Is There Any Downtime for Dermal Filler Treatment?
There is not necessarily downtime following dermal fillers, but there will be some time off from strenuous activities for a day or two following your cosmetic treatment.
Healing time varies from person to person for swelling and bruising. It typically takes about four days for this to resolve, but a full two to four weeks for it to settle and feel like your own tissue.
When scheduling your appointment be sure to not schedule, at minimum, two weeks before any big events along with 10 days post-treatment with no flying for traveling.
How Do I Know If Dermal Filler Is Right for Me?
The best way to determine if dermal filler injections will help you achieve the results you’re after is to book a consultation.
Before beginning treatment, our cosmetics team will make sure that dermal fillers will address your skin concerns, or they can recommend a more fitting procedure based on your individual skincare goals and expectations.
What Types of Dermal Filler Injections Are Offered at Goodskin’s Clackamas and Troutdale Locations?
Here at the Goodskin office, we offer Juvederm collection of dermal fillers composed of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally found substance in our bodies that lubricates the joints and acts as a building block for the skin.
The solution safely encourages volume and evenness of the skin and naturally breaks down in the body.
Juvederm®, Radiesse®, Perlane®, Restylane®, Versa®, RHA
These fillers are made to target moderate to severe facial wrinkles around the mouth and the eyes, such as:
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Laugh lines
- Marionette lines; and
- Drool lines
- Sunken cheeks
- Lip plumping
- Smoker’s lines
- Defined jaw and chin
- Skin hydration
How Much Does Dermal Filler Cost?
The cost of dermal filler treatments will vary depending on the type of filler used, how many sessions are needed, and your desired results.
Schedule a consultation with Goodskin Dermatology’s cosmetics team at our Clackamas or Troutdale locations.
How Long Do Dermal Filler Injection Results Last?
The longevity of dermal filler results depends on what the filler is composed of.
Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last an average of six months to three years.
What Are the Benefits of Dermal Filler?
Depending on the type of dermal filler used, benefits may include:
- Eased wrinkles and folds
- Increased volume
- Evenness of the skin
Dermal fillers also offer immediate results, minimal downtime, natural-looking (and long-lasting) results, and are safe and effective.
Remember, results will vary from patient to patient. Consult with your dermatologist or healthcare professional to set realistic expectations of results.
Are There Any Aftercare Instructions I Need to Follow?
Immediately after dermal filler injections, you can get right back to living your life — although you may continue to ice to help with any swelling.
It’s important to stay well-hydrated to encourage blood flow and help mitigate any bruising.
If you’re worried about swelling, avoid workouts or activities such as hot tub or sauna that may strain your facial features for a day or two after your injections.
Other aftercare instructions we provide our patients include:
- No travel, including flying, for up to 10 days post-treatment
- No vaccines 2 weeks before or after treatment
- No blood thinners for 7 days prior to appointment
- Avoid blood thinners or alcohol 2-4 days post-treatment
- Schedule around big events like weddings to allow for healing and best results, at a maximum 2 weeks before event
- No procedures to the face or treatment area 2 weeks post-treatment such as massage, facial, waxing, chiropractor etc.
- Do dental procedures, including cleanings, for 2 weeks pre- and post- treatment
- Makeup can be applied the following day but be sure to use clean makeup brushes/sponges for application. You can wash your face that night with a gentle cleanser, but no exfoliants or retinol for 7 days after treatment.
- Tylenol and arnica tablets can be used for discomfort, but avoid blood thinners for 2-4 days post-treatment to prevent the risk of worsening any bruising. Cold compresses will help alleviate swelling for the first few days after and should be placed 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
Please call 503-654-7546 if you are experiencing any severe pain or notice unusual skin discoloration.
Contact Our Goodskin Dermatology Clackamas and Troutdale Locations for Your Dermal Filler Needs
From hair removal to vein treatment and Botox, our cosmetic dermatology services are provided with expert customized care for the utmost guarantee of satisfaction by our highly-trained staff and physicians.
Our variety of dermal filler injections can reverse signs of aging, restore volume, or correct asymmetrical facial features.
Ready to achieve significant cosmetic improvement in just a few minutes and with little to no downtime?
Schedule a dermal filler appointment at Goodskin Dermatology’s Clackamas or Troutdale locations today.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.