Dermal fillers are gels that are injected beneath the skin to add volume. At CosmeticsMD, we offer hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers from Juvederm and Restylane. HA is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body. In its natural state in the body, it is hydrophylic and helps the skin retain moisture, hydration, and softness.

We also offer Sculptra, an FDA-approved dermal filler containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) that gradually stimulates collagen production to improve facial volume and reduce wrinkles, offering long-lasting, natural-looking results for up to two years.

We assess each client's facial anatomy during our comprehensive initial consultation. The amount needed varies depending on the client’s age, skin type, sun exposure, volume loss, and client goals.

However, generally, you may budget the following per session:

• Lips ($750)

• Subtle cheek augmentation ($900)

• Cheek augmentation ($1,700)

• Mid-face augmentation ($1,700)

Volume loss! As we age we lose volume in our bones and tissues as well as loss of hydration in our tissues, leading to the appearance of aged skin, wrinkles and overall volume loss.

Dermal filler is used to replace this volume loss and restore hydration, most commonly in cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips, chin, jaw and temples.

Dermal fillers also are used to add volume to restore balance and symmetry in the face and enhance existing features. This especially applies to people who want a more defined chin, jawline, lip, cheek bone.

The amount used varies based on each client's goals, however common ranges for each area of the face are:

• Lips: 1 syringe

• Cheeks: 2+ syringes

• Nasolabial fold: 1-2 syringes

• Marionette lines: 1-2 syringes

• Chin: 1-2 syringes

• Jawline: 2-4 syringes

The filler products we use (Juvederm and Restylane) offer various lines lasting between 6 months and 2 years. Our certified cosmetic injectors will discuss your options and goals to select the fit fit.

While downtime varies for each client, general timelines are:

• 24 hours after filler: no rigorous exercise, makeup, alcohol consumption, ibuprofen (you can take Tylenol for pain as needed)

• 3-5 days of tenderness, bruising, swelling

• By day 7, bruising/swelling/tenderness should have resolved and results will be looking amazing

• By day 14, results are usually set!

Most cosmetic procedures can continue a few weeks after having dermal fillers except for non-ablative and ablative lasers for skin tightening. For this more aggressive laser treatment, we recommend clients wait 4 months after having dermal fillers.

For people looking for non-surgical procedures, dermal fillers offer minimally invasive, minimal downtime, long- lasting results.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a product that naturally exists in our bodies, so HA fillers will gradually reabsorb into your body over 6 months to 2 years depending on your metabolism, type of filler used, and area treated. Filler can be easily dissolved with the injection of an enzyme. You will be back to baseline when filler is dissolved (naturally over time or with the enzyme).

Sculptra, on the other hand, acts as a collagen stimulator. It doesn't provide immediate volume like some other dermal fillers but instead works gradually over time to stimulate collagen production. The results from Sculptra can last for up to two years or even longer in some cases, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a long-lasting solution for facial volume loss and wrinkles.

• Both can be used to provide a refreshed, natural, younger appearing look

• Both will not permanently change your face

• Both are safe and FDA approved for cosmetic use

• Botox is a water-y liquid substance, while filler is a viscous jelly-like substance

• Botox temporarily reduces muscle movement, which over time reduces appearance of static lines and wrinkles

• Botox is primarily used for upper face (forehead, frown lines between eyes, and crow’s feet around eyes)

• Filler replaces volume loss to reduce appearance of aging and enhance specific features (lips, cheeks, chin, and jaw)

• Filler is primarily used on the mid-face (cheeks) and lower face (Nasolabial folds, jaw, chin, marionette lines, and lips)

• Your provider will go over your medical history to ensure you are a candidate for dermal fillers and then sit down with you to assess your face.

• Your provider will then discuss your care plan and provide you with an estimate of the recommended services.

• You will be informed of pre- and post-care instructions.

• We want to ensure all of your questions are answered and you feel confident in the treatment plan!

Clients can earn points by joining one of the free rewards programs offered by Alle (Juvederm Collection of Fillers) or ASPIRE Galderma Rewards (Restylane Fillers and Sculptra). Every 100 points = $10 of rewards.

Learn more at Alle.com or ASPIRE Galderma Rewards