Facial Fillers

What are facial fillers?

As a leading cosmetic plastic surgeon in Encino, I consider the application of facial fillers (also known as derma fillers) an art form. When patients come to me seeking help to stave off the signs of aging, dermal fillers are often a great solution.

As we age, facial tissues tend to become thinner, and fine lines appear due to a loss of facial volume in areas such as the nose, cheeks, and mouth. Applying dermal fillers replaces lost volume and smooths out wrinkles, restoring a youthful appearance

Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like materials injected under the skin to fill volume, smooth lines, and generally soften or enhance facial contours.

What’s the difference between dermal fillers and Botox?

Let’s start at the beginning and look at the one similarity between Botox and dermal fillers: both are cosmetic procedures involving the injection of a medication. That’s where any likeness ends.

Botox works by temporarily freezing the muscles to reduce lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Treatments mostly focus on areas around the eyes, forehead, and upper face.

Dermal fillers, as previously mentioned, use a filler to plump up areas that may have lost volume with age. They are often used around the cheeks, mouth, and lips.

While Botox results typically last for four months, dermal filler outcomes last for varying times, depending on which substance is used.

Because they have different uses, doctors often prescribe a combination of the two. Millions of these combined procedures take place each year and are considered safe.

What are facial fillers made of?

There are several types of dermal fillers, which vary in substance and where they work best. The two main components of the FDA-approved fillers I use are:

• Injectable Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a natural substance that is found in your skin and is responsible for keeping your skin curvy and hydrated. Most HA fillers contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort before and after your treatment. HA is sold under the brand names Juvéderm and Sculptra Aesthetic.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA). CaHA is a natural matter found in your bones. This type of dermal filler contains microscopic calcium particles in a soft gel. In addition to being thicker, it helps stimulate natural collagen growth. It is usually used for deep lines and creases and is marketed under the brand name Radiesse®.

Facial fillers that improve your appearance that I use in my practice include:

Juvéderm Plus XC

Juvederm Plus XC is a thick filler used to treat deep creases around the mouth.

Juvéderm Voluma

Juvederm Voluma filler injections provide volume in the cheek area.

Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC

Juvederm Ultra XC is used around the mouth and cheek area to add volume.

Juvéderm Volbella XC

Jevederm Volbella XC plumps lip lines.

Juvéderm Vollure XC

Juvederm XC is used to restore facial volume and causes less discomfort during treatment than other brands.

Restylane and Restylane-L

Restylane and Restylane-L are deep injections used for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and lips.

Restylane Silk

Restylane Silk plumps the lips and the vertical lines above them.

Restylane Lyft

Restylane Lyft adds fullness to cheeks, midface, and back of hands.

Restylane Refyne

Restylane Refyne is used on the side of the nose and corners of the mouth toward the chin.

Restylane Defyne

Restylane Defyne corrects deep lines and wrinkles, improving chin projection.

Sculptra Aesthetic

Sculptra Aesthetic gradually replaces lost collagen in the face.

How long do dermal fillers last?

The answer to this question depends on which product is being used. I will guide you through this choice. For first-timers, we might want to start with a smaller dose and then increase it as we see how your body responds. In this way, we get the perfect dose for the best outcome.

Specifically, HA dermal fillers are the most short-term option. Lip injections typically wear off faster than those in the folds around the nose. HA injections usually last between six and 18 months.

Dermal fillers made of a synthetic substance last a bit longer because they are not absorbed in the body. Some can even last years.

Are there side effects with facial fillers?

All FDA-approved dermal fillers are considered safe, but reactions can occur. Possible side effects include:

• Rash and itching
• Bruising or swelling
• Over-correction of wrinkles
• Wound infection and scarring
• Filler can be felt under the skin
• Blindness (very rare)
• Death of skin cells where dermal fillers have been applied

Women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should refrain from dermal filler treatments.

What dermal fillers cannot do

Minimally invasive dermal filler treatments are temporary and should not be compared to a facelift, which is major cosmetic surgery.

Each year, more than one million people opt to undergo this rejuvenation treatment. Undergoing dermal filler treatment costs less than a facelift and allows patients to look younger with no downtime.

ONLY trust your filler treatments to a board-certified plastic surgeon

Though this procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive, there are still risks to be considered. For that reason, Dr. Saber is known in Encino and Los Angeles as the top plastic surgery injector. She has specialized training and an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. A graduate of Stanford University Medical School, the doctor took her residency at USC, followed by a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at NYU.

Even though dermal fillers are a non-surgical procedure, they require special, advanced training. You must allow an expert to help you roll back the years.

Some patients seen in our office have tried to get injections at a medspa (medical spa) or another nonmedical office that offers dermal filler treatments. To say those patients underwent months of dissatisfaction before coming to Dr. Saber to remedy the inferior results or even mistakes would be an understatement.

Why Choose Dr. Saber for Dermal Fillers in Encino?

Dr. Saber’s practice is located in Encino, CA, serving patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

Dr. Saber performs a full range of treatments and procedures, including breast augmentation, laser hair removal, rhinoplasty, ear surgery, facelifts, and more.

To request a consultation, call 818-770-7050 or schedule a consultation online.