TL;DR Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to add volume, reduce lines, and improve facial features. Different types target specific areas such as the lips, jawline, and under-eyes. The procedure involves placing filler beneath the skin with fine needles to enhance facial shape and contours.
Results depend on how well the treatment is planned for each concern. Different areas require a personalized approach to achieve natural outcomes. Explore the treatment process and what you can expect at MarSha MedSpa in Garner, NC.
What are fillers?
Fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable treatments made of gel-like substances to restore facial volume and shape. As the skin ages, it naturally loses collagen, fat, and elasticity, leading to wrinkles, hollow areas, and less defined features. Fillers help address these changes by adding subtle volume and internal support.
They are commonly used to smooth lines, enhance lips, and define areas such as the cheeks and jawline. The results appear natural and develop instantly, making fillers a popular non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation.
Types Of Dermal Fillers
Multiple dermal fillers are used for specific skin concerns and facial areas. Some provide instant volume, while others work gradually by stimulating collagen. The choice depends on your goals, skin condition, and desired results. Below are the most commonly used types you can have.
Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, others)
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most widely used option. This substance naturally exists in the skin and helps retain moisture. These fillers add soft, natural-looking volume while improving hydration.
They are commonly used for lips, cheeks, and fine lines. Results appear quickly and usually last several months to a year, depending on the area treated.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
This injectable filler contains a mineral-like substance found in bones. It provides structure and is often used for deeper lines and contouring. In addition to adding volume, it supports collagen production over time. It is commonly used in areas such as the cheeks and jawline, offering firmer, longer-lasting results than softer fillers.
Polylactic Acid
Polylactic acid works differently from traditional fillers. Instead of adding instant volume, it gradually stimulates the skin to produce collagen. This leads to subtle, long-term improvement in skin thickness and firmness. It is often used for overall facial volume loss and deeper folds, with results developing over several sessions.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
PMMA fillers contain tiny microspheres suspended in a smooth gel. These particles remain under the skin and provide long-term support. Over time, they help maintain structure while encouraging collagen growth around them. This type is often used for deeper wrinkles or areas needing more lasting correction.
Autologous Fat Injections
This method uses fat from your own body, typically from areas such as the abdomen or thighs. The fat is processed and then injected into targeted areas of the face. Because it uses natural tissue, it offers a more organic result. It is often chosen for restoring volume in cheeks or undereye areas.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is a refined version of fat transfer. The extracted fat is purified before being carefully placed into specific facial areas, including the cheeks, temples, and around the eyes. This technique allows for more precise contouring and smoother results. It is often used for larger-volume restorations and can provide longer-lasting improvement than temporary fillers.
Permanent Soft Tissue Filler (Bellafill)
Bellafill is designed for long-term correction and offers both immediate and lasting results. It contains 80% bovine collagen, which provides instant volume, and 20% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres that remain in the skin to support ongoing collagen production.
This filler is commonly used to improve smile lines and certain acne scars. Due to its long-lasting nature, it is often chosen by patients seeking more durable and extended results.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Dermal filler treatment follows a simple and structured process designed for safety and natural results. Each step, from preparation to recovery, plays a role in achieving balanced and refined outcomes. Here’s what to expect from start to finish.
Before the Procedure
The process begins with a consultation to assess your facial structure and treatment goals. Your provider reviews your medical history and discusses suitable filler options. The treatment areas may be marked for accuracy. You may be advised to avoid certain medications or habits that increase bruising before your session.
During the Procedure
Once your skin is prepared, the treatment begins in a calm and controlled setting. A numbing cream is applied to the targeted area to ease discomfort. Your provider then uses a fine needle or a small cannula to precisely place the filler beneath the skin.
Small amounts are added gradually, allowing the provider to shape and balance the area as it goes. You may feel slight pressure or a gentle pinch, but it is usually easy to tolerate. The provider may lightly massage the area to ensure smooth placement and natural contour.
The session is quick, yet carefully performed, focusing on subtle enhancement rather than overcorrection.
After the procedure
After treatment, mild swelling, redness, or tenderness may appear. These effects are temporary and settle within a few days. Most people can return to normal activities shortly after. Results are visible immediately, with improvements becoming more refined as the filler settles and the skin adjusts naturally.
Fillers Before and After Results
Filler results before and after show an immediate change, with added volume and smoother contours visible right away. As swelling settles over the next few days, the final look becomes softer and more natural. Within a few weeks, the skin appears balanced and refined, revealing subtle yet noticeable enhancement in overall facial appearance.
Dermal Fillers Benefits
Dermal fillers offer a simple way to improve facial appearance without surgery. They work beneath the skin to restore volume, refine features, and support overall skin quality. Results appear quickly and continue to improve as the skin responds over time.
- Fine lines and wrinkles appear softer with added support under the skin
- Facial volume is restored, creating a fuller and more balanced look
- Lips, cheeks, and jawline gain better shape and definition
- Skin texture feels smoother and looks more even
- Hydration improves, helping the skin appear fresh and healthy
- Collagen production is supported, leading to gradual skin improvement
- Results are visible quickly and settle naturally within days
- Minimal downtime allows a fast return to the daily routine
- Treatment is non-surgical, avoiding cuts or a long recovery
Side Effects/Risks
Dermal fillers are generally well tolerated, but mild reactions can occur as the skin adjusts. Most effects are temporary and resolve within a few days. Understanding these possibilities helps you feel prepared and manage recovery with confidence.
- Redness may appear at the injection site soon after treatment
- Mild swelling can occur and usually settles within a short time
- Slight bruising may develop, especially in sensitive areas
- Tenderness or discomfort can be felt for a day or two
- Skin may feel firm or slightly uneven before settling
- Itching or minor irritation can occur during early healing
- Small lumps may form, but often smooth out over time
- Rarely, an infection or an allergic reaction may develop
- In very uncommon cases, improper injection can affect blood flow
Choosing a qualified provider helps reduce risks and ensures safer, more controlled results.
Why Choose MarSha MedSpa in Garner, NC?
Choosing the right provider ensures both safety and natural results. At MarSha MedSpa in Garner, NC, dermal filler treatments are performed by medical professionals with strong knowledge of facial anatomy.
Only trusted brands like Juvéderm® and Restylane® are used for consistent outcomes. Each treatment is personalized after a detailed consultation to match your goals. Schedule your appointment for consultation to begin your personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best filler for older skin?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are commonly recommended for aging skin. They help restore lost volume, improve hydration, and soften visible lines for a more refreshed appearance.
How long do fillers actually last?
Most fillers last between 6 to 12 months. The duration depends on the type of filler used, the treatment area, and how your body responds.
How long do lip fillers last?
Lip fillers typically last around 6 and 12 months. In some cases, results may extend slightly longer depending on the product and individual factors.
What is better, Botox or fillers?
Both treatments serve different purposes. Botox targets expression lines by relaxing muscles, while fillers restore volume and enhance facial contours as per your specific concerns and goals.
