#1. What Are Dermal Fillers?

Often referred to as soft tissue fillers, dermal fillers consist of gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin’s surface. Many are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in the body and gives volume and hydration to the skin. Others, such as RADIESSE and Sculptra, contain ingredients that trigger your body to produce more of its own collagen. Fillers are used to plump up areas that have lost volume due to aging or other factors. At The Swan Center, we use dermal fillers to smooth wrinkles, create subtle lift, and enhance facial contours for a more youthful and defined appearance.

#2. How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

The longevity of dermal fillers varies depending on the type of filler used and individual factors such as your metabolism and lifestyle. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers (like those from the Restylane® and JUVÉDERM® family of products) can last anywhere from 6 to 2 years, based on the formulation.

RADIESSE®, meanwhile, contains calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres. This durable collagen stimulator can last 12 to 18 months.

#3. Where Can Dermal Fillers Be Used?

Dermal fillers can be safely used throughout the face and even injected into the hands or buttocks (such as in our Sculptra® Butt Lift). HA fillers (Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®) are great for treating wrinkles and folds in the lower half of the face and restoring volume loss in the mid-face.

Restylane and Juvederm can treat nasolabial folds, marionette lines (vertical lines at each corner of the mouth that extend down toward the jawline), lipstick lines, smile lines, and more.

Sculptra can also be used to help restore lost volume to the face. Both Radiesse and Sculptra can be used to help in different areas of the body such as hands, knees, and in the buttocks to enhance projection and correct hip dips.

Learn more about treating wrinkles in each area of the face in our related blog post.

#4. How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?

Dermal filler prices vary based on the type of filler used, the amount of product needed, and the provider’s expertise. At The Swan Center, we price our dermal fillers by the syringe.

You can get a ballpark figure on our pricing page, but keep in mind that most patients need multiple syringes. We will provide you with a personalized quote at your consultation after we have had a chance to evaluate your unique case.

#5. Are Dermal Fillers Safe?

Dermal fillers are generally considered safe, especially when administered by a trained and experienced provider. However, like any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of, including bruising, swelling, redness, and, rarely, allergic reactions.

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane can be instantly dissolved with hyaluronidase if you are showing any negative effects or are unhappy with how the filler looks. Choosing a reputable injector who follows proper injection techniques can help you minimize the already low risk of complications.

Get Started With Dermal Fillers

If you’re considering dermal fillers to rejuvenate your appearance and enhance your natural beauty, we’d love to chat! We will be happy to assess your unique needs and goals, recommend the most suitable treatment options, and answer any questions you may have.

If you are ready to take the next step, please request a consultation online or call us at (770) 667-0904 to schedule an appointment!

There’s no denying that a curvier, fuller backside is in vogue, and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures have helped thousands of patients enhance their derriere. But did you know there’s more than one way to achieve a better backside? 

Here, the expert team of plastic surgeons at the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta break down the differences between a surgical BBL and an injectable BBL and share their professional insight into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

What is a surgical BBL?

A surgical BBL is a two-part procedure that involves fat transfer. Your surgeon uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other areas of your body, typically the waist, abdomen, or thighs. This fat is then carefully purified and strategically injected into your buttocks to enhance the size and shape. 

Pros of surgical BBLs:

• Customizable body contouring. A 2-for-1 option is hard to pass up, especially when you consider the complementary benefits. Liposuction not only provides the fat you need to boost your buttocks, it also offers an opportunity for overall body reshaping by slimming other areas that are generally diet and exercise-resistant.
• Noticeable enhancement. A surgical BBL can be tailored to achieve modest enhancements or provide some serious va-va-voom! Your surgeon will discuss your goals and assess your available fat stores to determine how much enhancement is possible.
• Long-lasting results. The effects of a surgical BBL are generally permanent because a good portion of the fat transferred to your buttocks becomes a part of your body’s natural tissue. Most patients enjoy their new, shapely seat for many years!

Cons of surgical BBLs:

• Requires surgery. Since it’s a surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with anesthesia and surgery, plus possible complications related to fat transfer. (Choosing a plastic surgeon who specializes in surgical BBLs greatly reduces the chance that you’ll experience adverse effects and betters your chances of achieving beautiful BBL results.) 
• Considerable recovery process: Post-operative recovery can be a bit daunting and may require a significant time investment for healing. This isn’t because a surgical BBL is particularly invasive, but rather to ensure optimal results; you’ll have restrictions on sitting and lying down for about 6 weeks to prevent the pressure of your body weight from negatively affecting the shape of your newly enhanced buttocks.
• Initially tentative results: There’s no way to know for sure how much injected fat will stay where your surgeon places it; about 20-40% is reabsorbed by your body. Your surgeon will likely harvest and inject more fat than necessary to achieve your results to account for this factor. Diminishing fat stores may cause asymmetry or dents; some patients will want a secondary “touch up” BBL procedure to add more volume and smooth imperfections.

When performed by a BBL specialist, both a surgical and non-surgical BBL can safely achieve an alluring silhouette.   

What is an injectable BBL?

The injectable BBL is a non-surgical alternative to the traditional BBL that uses injectable fillers to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. Two popular products used in this procedure are Radiesse® and Sculptra®, which stimulate natural collagen production in your skin to gradually improve the size and shape of your buttocks over time. 

Pros of injectable BBLs:

• No surgery or downtime required. An injectable BBL avoids the scars and potential risks associated with surgery. You can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure; most appointments take under an hour! 
• Conservative results. The increased collagen stores will add subtle volume over several weeks, mimicking the booty-boosting effects that you might experience with exercise. This means it will not be evident you’ve just had a procedure to help sculpt a rounder, fuller buttocks. 
• No minimum body fat requirement. There’s a chance that if you lack volume in your buttocks, you may not have much to spare elsewhere on your body. The good news is an injectable BBL can help naturally thin patients add natural-looking curvature to their bottom half!

Cons of injectable BBLs:

• Temporary results. The results of an injectable BBL typically last between one to two years. Your individual results will depend on the product used and your body’s response.
• Multiple treatments. Most patients need 2 or more treatments to achieve optimal results, and you’ll need to schedule regular touch-up injections to maintain them. 

So, which one is right for you?

The first step in deciding which gluteal enhancement option is right for you is to have an in-depth consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in both procedures. They will consider your personal goals, anatomy, and lifestyle to guide you in the decision-making process and develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve the level of enhancement you’re looking for.

Schedule your BBL consultation at the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Whether you’re leaning towards a surgical BBL or considering an injectable BBL, our practice offers both options, and our board-certified plastic surgeons and fabulous patient support team will work to ensure your personalized procedure is performed correctly and safely. To learn more about your body contouring options and which procedure you are a good candidate for, schedule your consultation by calling 770-667-0904 or fill out our online form to receive a call back from our team—we’ve got your back!