Aging gracefully can be achieved with the use of fillers. As we age, wrinkles start developing and we lose volume in areas which were once plump and voluminous. This can be corrected with the use of filler to replace the loss of fat, collagen, and bone under our skin. This will lead to improvement of wrinkles, deep folds, and lines.

At The Gallery of Dermatology and Advanced Aesthetics, we offer a full line of Restylane(-L, Silk, Lyft, Kysse, Refine, Defyne), Juvederm (Ultra, Ultra plus, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure), Radiesse, RHA (2, 3, 4), and Sculptra products. The procedure takes less than 45 minutes to perform and little to no downtime is expected. The cosmetic results usually last for a year or more. All injections are performed by our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Kerri Davis-Fontenot, only.

Areas that improvement can be seen with fillers:

• Cheeks
• Temples
• Tear troughs
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin fold
• Contour of the jawline
• Lips
• Hands

The procedure:

• The procedure is quick with minimal discomfort. Your physician will assess your face to determine which filler is appropriate to fix your cosmetic concerns. Expectations will also be discussed during this consultation.
• Depending on the area being treatment, topical or injectable numbing medication may be performed.
• Using a small needle or canula (blunt-ended tip), he/she will inject the filler into the skin at multiple injection sites. You may notice a mild pinch or burning sensation that generally resolves within seconds. You may also notice swelling after your procedure, which is normal and can last for 24-48 hours. You may be sent home with an ice pack to prevent bruising and swelling.

Preparing for filler:

• Avoid blood thinning agents for at least 2 weeks before treatment if possible. This will prevent bruising after your treatment.
• Aspirin, vitamin E, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, Omega 3, fish oil, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium- Motrin, Advil, Aleve).
• Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before your treatment. Again, this will prevent bruising after your treatment.
• Schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to any special event. It can take up to 2 weeks for swelling or bruising to resolve. In addition, sometimes small bumps may be noticeable or felt which are generally areas of excess filler. These can be smoothed and corrected by your provider approximately 2 weeks after your treatment.
• Some patients find that taking Arnica a few days before injections helps with bruising.
• Be sure to eat and drink prior to your appointment to prevent any lightheadedness during your treatment.
• Schedule your appointment 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after any dental cleanings or dental work.
• Try to come to your appointment with a freshly clean face. If you are unable to, your physician will remove your makeup (if present) and cleanse your skin prior to treatment.
• If you develop a rash or open wound in the area you wish to have treated, please reschedule at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Injections should not be done if a rash or open wound is present.

Post-care instructions:

• Avoid massaging the treatment area(s), unless instructed by your physician.
• Do not exercise for 24 hours.
• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours. Tylenol is preferred if needed for pain.
• If you have swelling, you may apply an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes each hour.
• Try to sleep with your face up and elevated on a pillow to assist with swelling.

When to notify your physician:

• If you develop signs of infection such as pain, redness, warmth, or drainage in areas of treatment.
• If you develop significant pain, prolonged blanching (white or pale color), dusky purple skin color, of coolness of the treatment area.
• If you develop large nodules/bumps that may be pink or red in treatment areas.
• If you have vision changes or other significant change in your health, seek emergency care and notify our office.