Dermal Filler
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
Dermal Filler
Overview
From pumping up thin lips to softening facial creases to removing wrinkles and enhancing shallow contours, injectable dermal fillers solve a variety of problems
They’re designed to restore volume and fullness in the face, while reducing facial lines and improving the look of recessed scars.
So why do all these problems crop up? It’s due to aging. As we get older, our faces lose the fat below the skin, forcing the facial muscles to work closer to the skin’s surface. This accentuates crow’s feet and smile lines. Overexposure to sunlight, heredity and lifestyle choices can also impact the loss of facial volume.
In addition to working on their own, dermal fillers can be used in combination with other procedures for facial rejuvenation. Unfortunately, soft tissue fillers cannot replace surgical procedures like brow lifts, facelifts or other surgeries.
Are you a candidate for dermal fillers?
As with most elective cosmetic procedures, there are several basic criteria that determine if you’re a good candidate for dermal fillers. They include:
- You enjoy relatively good health without any medical conditions that could jeopardize your healing or present surgical risks
- You’re a non-smoker (smoking can impair the healing process), and you have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
In addition, you may want to consider other cosmetic skin procedures, like a brow lift, eye lift or facelift. By having a combination of procedures, your results will be enhanced. Dr. Jimerson can review the options that are available to you.
Cost for dermal fillers
The costs involved in this procedure include facility fees, medical tests, cost of the dermal filler, Dr. Jimerson’s fee and any medication or any additional treatment that may be required. Our staff will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your procedure.
Risks involved with dermal fillers
As with any procedure, there are risks. Dermal fillers are relatively safe, and complications are rare.
Risks include:
- Infection ª Skin rash
- Skin redness and itching
- Acne-like skin eruptions
- Asymmetry
- Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- Lumps
- Skin damage with a wound or possible scarring
- Under or over-correction of wrinkles
You may have to have the procedure done over a period of time, as it may not be possible to achieve the results you want with a single procedure. In addition, fillers may dissipate over time, requiring you to repeat the injections.
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with Dr. Jimerson prior to your surgery. If you have a question – please ask!
Recovery
The best part of dermal fillers is that there is no downtime following injections. You will be able to return to work and resume most of your activities immediately following the procedure.
Please note that after any dermal filler you may have an “over filled” appearance to your treated area. You may also experience mild swelling or bruising, along with temporary numbness or redness. If your own fat is used as the injected dermal filler, the healing process may take up to a few weeks.
If you do experience sell or bruising, you can use topical icing to reduce the discomfort.
Types of dermal fillers
Another type of fillers is fat injections.
This procedure requires fat taken from a donor area, like your abdomen or buttocks, using liposuction to extract the fat. The results are not quite as predictable as dermal filler injections.
Please note that fat transfer is a minor surgical procedure.
The procedure
The face is cleaned using an antibacterial cleanser. Depending on the type of injection you may have an instrument used to chill the skin, an anesthetic ointment applied or local anesthetic injected to reduce the pain.
Injections are done, taking only a few minutes in each site. If your face was marked, they will be cleaned off. Ice may be used to reduce any swelling or help with the discomfort. While the area may be tender, pain medication is not usually needed.
Meeting with Dr. Jimerson
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.
Questions to ask Dr. Jimerson
During your appointment, it’s good to ask Dr. Jimerson questions about your surgery.Here are some questions to consider:
– What surgical technique is recommended?
– How long will the recovery period be for my surgery?
– What risks are associated with my surgery?
– What type of complications can happen?
– When will I be able to see the results of my surgery?
– Do you think that I’m a good candidate for this procedure?
Bes sure to ask any other questions you have about Dr. Jimerson, the procedure or anything else that concerns you about your surgery.
Results
If you use your own fat as the filler, healing takes longer – up to several weeks. Fillers will absorb over time, and aging will play a role in how long results will last.
Why use Dr. Jimerson and the Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions team?
The team is committed to meet your unique needs, with a natural, long-lasting look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Jimerson offers patients reduced operative times, which means faster recovery times. In addition, he strives to use techniques that are safer than traditional procedures.
Schedule your appointment
The best way to determine if dermal fillers is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson. The doctor will discuss the procedure, evaluate your concerns relating to your body and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your appointment click here.