Injectable Facial Fillers
- Hyaluronic Acid: Juvèderm, Voluma
- Hydroxyappetite: Radiesse
About the Procedure
Injectable facial fillers are a useful, non-invasive method of improving the overall appearance of the facial area. Through the use of these injectables, our doctors can restore facial contour in areas prone to fine lines and wrinkles caused by the aging process.
Hyaluronic Acid is typically used to add definition to the area around the nose and lips (nasolabial folds or “parenthesis), while reducing the appearance of fine lines around the mouth and eyes.
Hydroxyappetite is often used as a deeper volumizer to restore lost jaw definition and can enhance volume in the cheeks.
- Length of Procedure: Approximately 30-minute office procedure with topical anesthesia and dental blocks.
- Side Effects: Temporary stinging, fullness, faint redness, bruising requiring cover-up.
- Recovery: Immediate. Cold pack 1 to 2 hours after injection.
- Duration of Results: 6 to 18 months.
- Follow Up/Office Visits: 1st and 2nd treatment 4 to 6 weeks apart.
What is Juvèderm?
During the aging process, skin can lose fullness and definition, leading to sagging around the mouth, eyes, and jawline. Juvèderm is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid, a substance which occurs naturally within your skin, whose purpose is to add hydration and volume to your facial surface.
This injectable is used to fill in creases that have formed over time, causing premature wrinkling and sagging.
Juvèderm Injectable Gel Benefits
Injectable fillers, such as Juvèderm, offer a safe option for patients seeking facial rejuvenation without the risks of invasive cosmetic surgery.
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, injectable fillers are the fastest growing non-surgical aesthetic procedure in the United States. However, of the many products on the market, Juvèderm is the only hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved by the FDA to last up to one year.
Because of Juvèderm’s unique manufacturing process and chemical properties, the consistency of the product resembles a cream, rather than a granular substance. This allows the injectable to flow more smoothly into the desired area, giving a more natural appearance after injection. Juvèderm’s unique properties also eliminate the need for allergy testing prior to the procedure.
Juvèderm’s Voluma
As you age, it’s not just about lines and wrinkles. Your cheeks can lose volume and skin may begin to sag. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is the first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to instantly add volume to your cheek area to correct age-related volume loss in adults over the age of 21. It can provide you contour and a subtle lift for up to two years with optimal treatment.
Contains lidocaine to help improve comfort during treatment.
How Juvèderm Works
Juvèderm is a hyaluronic gel that is directly injected into the mid to deep-dermis. The substance itself is similar to that produced naturally in youthful skin. This substance allows the skin to retain the appearance of fullness and youth. The doctor simply injects the substance into the areas of concern, filling the underlying tissue, reducing or eliminating unwanted creasing.
Because of Juvèderm’s properties, the body does not see Juvèderm gel as an unwelcome substance. This allows it to be safely absorbed into the body, without the typical side effects that can arise with other products.
What to Expect During Juvèderm Treatment
In the week prior to treatment, it is recommended that patients refrain from taking any medications which may prolong bleeding or encourage bruising, such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
The doctor will use an injectable anesthesia to numb the area prior to the procedure, to limit discomfort caused by the injection. Once the anesthetic has taken hold, the doctor will slowly ease the Juvèderm beneath the skin to smooth away lines or wrinkles. Once the substance is in place, the doctor will gently massage the area, setting the placement of the dermal filler.
The injection process is typically finished in about 30 minutes and is completed as an outpatient procedure.
About Radiesse Dermal Filler
Radiesse, used widely throughout Europe, is approved in the United States for use as an aesthetic treatment to eliminate moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles. It has also been approved for treatment of lipoatrophy (facial fat loss) in patients suffering from the effects of HIV.
The side effects of Radiesse are consistent with those experienced by patients using other dermal fillers and may include injection site discomfort, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness. Side effects typically dissipate within a few days and generally disappear completely within two weeks. No long-term adverse effects of the procedure have been reported.
Facial Filler Post-Operative Care
Results from injectable procedures are usually immediately apparent. The patient’s initial appearance may include:
- Mild swelling or bruising
- Temporary numbness or redness
- A slightly overfilled appearance at the treated areas
- Irritation at the injection site
- Bumps near the injection site
Most of these symptoms can be mitigated by icing the area. Symptoms should improve within a few hours, although they have been documented as lasting a few days post-procedure.
Symptoms can last several weeks when fat is used as the dermal filler.
In the first 24-hours after the procedure, it is important for patients to remember a few safety precautions to ensure that the best possible result is achieved from the procedure:
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid excessive sun or heat exposure
Facial Filler Cost
Facial fillers vary in cost depending upon the size, scope, and complexity of the area to be filled. While some patients find that they receive adequate results with a minimum amount of product in just one sitting, others have a need for more extensive treatment.
Currently, our fee for this procedure is:
- Radiesse or Juvederm: $650
- Voluma: $800
- Volbella: $525
- Vollure: $800
To learn more about how dermal fillers can benefit you, contact Boulder Plastic Surgery at (303) 578-4193 to schedule a consultation. The doctor will review your specific concerns, procedures available, and provide you with documentation regarding risks and side effects. We look forward to your visit!