Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin can work all sorts of magic: enhance facial contours, restore lost volume and add fullness, plump thinning lips, give eyebrows a lift, enhance cheekbones, erase under-eye circles, smooth smile line , treat aged hands and leave you looking more rested and rejuvenated—and yes, even, a few years younger.

Temporary is the key word when talking about the only other potential downside of facial fillers: They don't last forever, Sometimes the effect wears away after 6 months months, depending on the filler and how it's used. 

How to Choose Before You Use

There are a variety of FDA approved filler products that we use in our clinic.

Juvederm and Restylane

What it can do: is a collection of fillers that comes in different forms and  are designed to be used in different areas of the face. Its made from Hyaluronic acid a naturally occurring sugar found in the body that gives the skin moisture, volume, and elasticity. When injected, HA acts like a sponge to attract water into the skin. As a result, it plumps up the area in which it was injected.Injections may also stimulate natural collagen production, so fewer touch-ups may be needed and less material necessary when they are. Wondering about the pain factor? Though not totally painless, most HA fillers are infused with the anesthetic lidocaine to minimize discomfort during and after treatment. 

How long it lasts: Depending on the material (some are thinner and more "flowy," others thicker, so they can potentially last longer), the effects can last from 3 months to 12 months (depending on the area it was injected) before the body gradually absorbs the material. If you're wondering what happens if you don't love your result, fear not: Fillers that contain HA can be partially or completely removed with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA.

Radiesse

What it can do: Radiesse is used to treat moderate-to-severe facial creases, such as the nasolabial folds. It also can be used to plump up cheeks and other facial contours. It's not used on the lips. Radiesse contains microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite, a type of mineral that's found in human teeth and bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are tiny and suspended in a thick gel-like solution. While Radiesse immediately replenishes lost volume, over time the gel is absorbed and the body metabolizes the calcium, leaving behind your own collagen. 

How long it lasts: Results with Radiesse last a year or more. However, because calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates natural collagen production, fewer touch-ups (and less material) may be necessary to maintain the result.