Let’s Talk Dermal Fillers

by Kate Wilde | Aesthetic Nurse Provider

Our faces consist of 4 main components: skin, fat, muscle, and bone. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and the scaffolding structures of bone, muscle, and fat that support our skin also recede and lose volume. Over time this leads to creases, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. Studies show that after age 35, we lose roughly 10% of the volume in our faces each decade of life. Dermal fillers can help replenish that loss and turn back the clock to achieve a refreshed, youthful, and natural look.

Where did Dermal Fillers come from?

The history of dermal fillers is quite profound. These injectables have been around for over 40 years and started as bovine collagen injections derived from cows. The most significant drawback of bovine collagen is that the human body considers it a foreign substance, requiring sensitivity and allergy testing before injections. This treatment also didn’t have substantial longevity. The industry knew it needed a better option, and shortly after that, hyaluronic acid fillers were introduced to the market in the early 2000s.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are often a form of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid is crucial in providing hydration to our skin and keeping it supple. These fillers are soft, gel-like substances injected beneath the skin layers that can address several concerns. For example, they can be used to lift the cheekbones, soften the under eyes, volumize the lips, and soften creases and lines around the mouth.

What do Dermal Fillers do?

Facial skin laxity was traditionally believed to be the effect of gravity over time. However, studies have shown that the real culprit leading to the formation of creases and folds as we age is profound fat loss within our facial structures. Dermal fillers can help replete the volume loss in our midface, which often is the root cause of multiple areas of concern for most patients. Additionally, fillers are used to refine and define specific facial structures to provide more balance throughout the face and enhance our natural features.

What to expect before, during, and after receiving Dermal Fillers

If you’ve been thinking about dermal fillers, you’ve probably done a Google search to explore what the experience may look like. There is a lot of overwhelming information out there, so let’s keep it simple.

Things to know before your procedure:

  1. We recommend refraining from NSAIDs, alcohol, multivitamins, and fish oil supplements for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of bruising. It’s also a good idea to start arnica tablets a few days before your procedure to also mitigate bruising risk.
  2. Let your provider know if you have recently suffered from facial cold sores, as the procedure can lead to another outbreak. We can prescribe you medication for prevention prior to treatment.
  3. Also, let the provider know if you are currently taking any antibiotics, as we want to ensure our treatment area is clear of infection.
  4. Lastly, communicate any major events coming up. We want to create a special timeline for you to allow for healing prior to significant events.
    During the appointment, we will take your photos for baseline comparison, review your medical and cosmetic history, and conduct a thorough consultation to discuss treatment options, expectations, and answer any questions you may have. Your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on their expert recommendations to meet your aesthetic goals. Before treatment, we numb the area to provide the most comfortable experience possible. Depending on the area being treated, the level of discomfort varies; however, receiving dermal fillers is a very tolerable experience. The entire treatment takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The greatest trait of dermal fillers is results are immediate! Nevertheless, we like to allow 4 weeks to assess the desired outcome after the filler integrates with your natural tissue.

Recovery from dermal filler treatment is actually very simple. After receiving treatment, you may experience mild to moderate localized swelling. Bruising is very common after this treatment; therefore, a topical arnica serum or tablets are recommended post-treatment. Ice can be applied to the area to help reduce any swelling and discomfort. Additionally, it’s important to note that we can reverse hyaluronic acid fillers; therefore, this procedure is not permanent.

How long do dermal fillers last?

In today’s market, there are a variety of dermal fillers available for use. Each has its own unique attributes that make them ideal for one area of the face verse another. One size no longer fits all, which has been a great advancement in the industry. Some dermal fillers last longer than others. Your provider will recommend the filler required to address your cosmetic needs. Most fillers last anywhere from 9-12 months, while some can last up to 2 years.

Many people ask, what happens when they go away? Your body metabolizes the hyaluronic acid dermal filler the same way we metabolize our intrinsic HA. Some individuals metabolize it faster than others based on various lifestyle factors. Ideally, as we break down the dermal filler, our body will try to repair itself and stimulate new production of our own natural collagen.

How much do dermal fillers cost?

Again, the cost of dermal fillers varies due to the array of dermal fillers on the market. They can range anywhere from $650 – $1000 per syringe, depending on longevity. Each facial area requires a different amount, and one person may need more syringes than another. Talk with your provider to discuss various treatment options to achieve the best result within your desired budget.

Why choose Pur for dermal filler treatment?

Here at Pur Skin Clinic, our professionally-trained, experienced, and licensed providers represent over 40 years of combined experience. We offer the most advanced cosmetic treatments and are proud to be in the top 2% of cosmetic dermatology practices in the nation. Pur Skin Clinic is recognized by Allergan (the creators of JUVÉDERM® dermal fillers) as a Black Diamond Certified partner. At Pur, we are committed to providing a level of excellence to enhance your confidence while refining the true you.

Refine the True You
With Pūr Skin Clinic

Pūr Skin Clinic offers the highest level of personalized care with advanced skin treatments performed by caring experts. Schedule your consultation with us for a truly one-of-a-kind experience and radiantly natural results designed specifically for you. We proudly serve patients in the Edmonds, Kirkland, Shoreline, Mill Creek, and Wallingford/Seattle areas, as well as our destination patients from around the country and the globe.

1002 Lake Street South, Suite 102, Kirkland, WA 98033

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