Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that can help restore volume to the skin. They can be used on their own for subtle, non-surgical enhancement, or they can be used in conjunction with facial cosmetic surgery for more comprehensive results.
If you are interested in a cosmetic injectable treatment, call Orange County Cosmetic Surgery today at 714-379-9777  to schedule your free consultation. We serve Huntington Beach, Orange County and Newport Beach.
Dermal Fillers
Dr. Miller offers a variety of dermal fillers, including:
- Juvederm and Restylane:Â The Juvederm and Restylane dermal filler families are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance that helps keep skin hydrated and elastic. These fillers provide instant results and require little to no downtime.
- Sculptra: Originally developed to help counter facial wasting in HIV-positive patients, Sculptra is now used as a cosmetic treatment to help reduce age-related volume loss. It has recently become popular as a non-surgical butt lift. Sculptra is highly effective in creating a more rounded, shapely backside in women and men who want gradual enhancement without surgery.
- Fat transfer:Â Fat transfer is not strictly non-surgical, as it requires fat to be harvested from another part of your body. However, it is a long-lasting and effective way to add volume to the face, buttocks, or breasts.
What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
Dermal fillers can be used in a number of ways, depending on your individual circumstances. Some of the most popular uses for dermal fillers include:
- Lip augmentation
- Cheek and chin augmentation
- Nasolabial fold reduction
- Filling of hollows in the cheeks or temples
- Reduction of under eye circles
- Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduction of acne scars
Dermal filler treatments are popular as a supplement to facial cosmetic surgery.
In addition, Sculptra butt lifts and breast augmentation using fat transfer are becoming more popular as less-invasive alternatives to traditional butt or breast implants. Ask Dr. Miller whether or not you are a candidate for these procedures during your consultation.
What Happens When I Get a Filler?
When you visit us for injectable treatment, you can expect the process to begin with a thorough consultation. It is during this conversation that you can ask any questions you have about your treatment options and what to expect. You can express concerns that you may have about injectable treatments, downtime, risks, side effects, and your treatment outcome. Doing so allows your provider to communicate with you about their experience and expected results. It is important to us that you feel comfortable with your treatment choice and have no lingering questions before we move forward.
Before the injectable procedure, your provider will observe your appearance and skin tone. Certain points on your face may be marked or otherwise noted as the most appropriate sites to inject your neuromodulator or filler. We may take a picture or two so that you can observe your results in Before and After fashion. Then, your provider will clean the areas marked for injections and proceed with administering the selected injectable as discussed. Treatments generally take less than 30 minutes. Due to our gentle techniques and use of a tiny needle, injectable treatments are far more comfortable than most people expect. Depending on the product you have selected, you may see all or some degree of improvement immediately.
What Must I Do After Getting a Filler?
There is very little to do after getting injectable treatment, but there are a few things not to do. Our objective is to ensure that your results occur exactly as expected with as few side effects as possible. To acheive this, your provider may advise you to avoid lying down for a few hours after your appointment. Remaining in an upright position can decrease the chances of swelling and also prevent the product from migrating away from its target tissue. Because treatment involves injections, your provider may also instruct you to avoid applying makeup or other products directly to the treatment area. Finally, postpone all strenuous activities for 24 hours. Doing so can keep you from developing more significant swelling, redness, and bruising.
Is There Any Downtime?
There is generally no downtime needed to recover from injectable treatments. If you follow our post-treatment recommendations for activity limitations, you can expect to return to your normal daily activities the day after your appointment. Due to the subtle nature of the side effects associated with injectable treatments, it is completely possible to return to work and light activities immediately after your appointment. The goal is to avoid anything that increases your heart rate too much.
Will I Look Natural After My Treatment?
Many people fear that getting injectable treatment will affect their natural appearance in a negative way. There is a risk of this happening, but it is nearly non-existent when you choose a provider who has sufficient training and ample experience performing treatments using various injectable products. Both dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport can achieve outstanding results that look completely natural when applied conservatively and to very particular points of concern. During your consultation, your provider can answer any questions you have about where and how and how much product they recommend, and why. Remember, you are the one who guides your injectable treatment. Our job is to understand your desired outcome and apply treatment in the manner that achieves it.
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport injections are among the most popular facial rejuvenation treatments in the nation. They provide a youthful appearance that can last for several months. The entire procedure can be completed on your lunch break, and you can immediately return to all of your normal activities.
Unlike dermal fillers that restore lost volume, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport create a youthful appearance by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to tense. When these facial muscles are relaxed, they also relax the skin above them, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Injectable Treatments?
Almost anyone can be a good candidate for cosmetic injectables. If you are not quite ready for a surgical procedure but still want to look refreshed and rejuvenated, a combination of injectable treatments may be the solution.
Since injectables are non-surgical, many of the restrictions placed on cosmetic surgery candidates do not apply. You can still have a cosmetic injectable treatment even if you are a smoker or obese. Most medical conditions also do not interfere with cosmetic injectable candidacy, although it is important that you let Dr. Miller know of any chronic medical conditions you may have.
Ideal candidates for cosmetic injectables:
- Are aware of the potential risks and complications
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand that results are not permanent
Dr. Miller will discuss your concerns during your consultation and let you know if you are a candidate for cosmetic injectables alone, or if you would benefit more from surgery or a combination of surgery and injectables. He will never pressure you into a procedure you don't want, but he will be honest about what type of procedure will best achieve your goals.
What is the Difference Between Fat Transfer and Dermal Fillers?
We are proud to offer you the choice of facial rejuvenation using dermal fillers or your own fat cells. The fat transfer technique is a two-part process that involves a minor liposuction procedure (or full liposuction to sculpt an area of your body) and injections into areas of concern, such as the cheeks or jawline. Common areas for fat harvesting include the hips, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. After obtaining the fat, we process it to isolate the purest, most resilient fat cells. These cells are placed into a syringe and injected into areas of depression or creasing.
Dermal fillers are products made to mimic the naturally occurring molecules that keep your skin plump and youthful, such as hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers are proven safe but are not as organic as your own fat cells. Dermal fillers do provide you with immediate and enduring results, but they don't last forever. Fat does, but not all of the fat injected will survive. Your provider knows how to plan for the natural resorption that occurs, so you can expect to achieve satisfying results.
While fat transfer and dermal fillers are used for the same purposes, the slight differences may make one a more suitable option for you than the other. We're happy to answer all of your questions about facial rejuvenation using these two techniques so you can make a confident decision about your best choice.
Can I Resume All of My Normal Activities Immediately after Getting Injectable Treatment?
You can resume most of your normal activities after receiving neuromodulator or dermal filler injections, but not all of them; not immediately. After receiving injections, your body will naturally have an inflammatory response. This is why you might notice some redness and swelling in the areas that have been treated. You can also develop bruising. The risk of these side effects occurring or being more substantial is higher if your heart rate increases. For this reason, your provider may advise you to avoid exercise, excessive heat, and any strenuous exercise for at least four hours after your injectable treatment. You may want to avoid these restricted activities for up to 48 hours. Additionally, there is a slight risk that a neuromodulator or dermal filler could migrate away from the target area if you lie down or bend over too soon after treatment, so don't head straight to the yoga studio or home for a nap after your appointment. Also, avoid rubbing the treatment area for a day or two. Be extra gentle when you wash and dry your face.
Following these minor recommendations after your injectable treatment is relatively easy. You can go about your normal routine, including returning to work, right after your appointment, and can expect to be fully engaged in your life in every way within just a few days!
Schedule Your Cosmetic Injectable Consultation
If you are interested in cosmetic injectable treatments, don't hesitate to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Miller by calling 714-379-9777  today. Orange County Cosmetic Surgery helps women and men from throughout Huntington Beach, Orange County and Newport Beach, California.
