Facial Fillers
Facial Fillers
Ask the Experts –
Dr. Toscano and Dr. Teleszky answer your questions about . . .
Facial Fillers
Q: What are Facial Fillers and what are they used for?
A: Facial Fillers are used for several reasons. We all have lines which start at the outside edges of the nose and continue downward to the corners of our lips and sometimes even further down to the jaw line. As we age, these lines deepen and become more noticeable. These lines point like an arrow toward the nose and direct attention away from our most attractive features – our eyes and lips. Filling in and softening these lines is one of the major uses of Facial Fillers.
Also, as we age, we tend to lose volume in certain areas like the lips and the cheeks. Facial Fillers can help plump these areas and make them look more youthful.
Q: I don’t want it to be obvious that I’ve had my lips done. Can you achieve a result that is subtle but still effective?
A: Absolutely, subtlety is very important, especially around the lips. You have surely seen women whose lips were plumped up too much or were asymmetrical. The effect is neither subtle nor attractive.
The Physicians of REDBAMBOO Medi•Spa I have been trained by nationally-recognized expert, Dr. Sharon McQuillan in the use of Facial Fillers. We begin by placing the tiniest bead of filler along the vermillion border between the lips and the skin. This softens the little lines that cross the border and makes the lips more noticeable and well-defined. Commonly, then we might add a little bead of filler to the areas underneath the peaks of the upper lip and the middle of the lower lip to achieve a subtle pout and a youthful, luscious look.
Q: What are Facial Fillers made of?
A: There are many types of Facial Fillers made from various different substances but most patients who get Facial Fillers for the first time receive Restylane or Juvederm. Both of these products are made of a substance called hyaluronic acid which we all naturally produce in our own bodies. Restylane and Juvederm are actually excellent choices for your first experience with Facial Fillers. The effect wears off after about 9 to 12 months so, at that time, you can decide if you would rather use a longer lasting product for your next treatment.
There are many other fillers made of various different substances and they last for different periods of time. Your aesthetic physician can help you choose which filler is right for you.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: The lips are a very sensitive area so we, at REDBAMBOO Medi•Spa, use topical anesthetic as well as mixing the fliers with a local anesthetic. If our patients prefer, we can also use a dental block to completely numb the area before injecting fillers. Our patients’ comfort is very important to us and we never charge extra for anesthetic or a dental block.
Q: Will I be sore, swollen or bruised afterward?
A: The lips are a very vascular area and some minimal swelling is to be expected and occasionally some very minor bruising as well. This usually resolves after a day or so. Ice is very helpful for reducing bruising and swelling and so our patients are all given a small ice pack. Soreness is usually not a problem.
Q: Will it look like I’ve had something done?
A: Again, our goal is for the change to be subtle but effective. Someone looking at you should subconsciously have their attention directed away from your nose and toward your lips and eyes. You should look refreshed and more youthful.