#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!

Here at the Swan Center, we’ve helped thousands of Atlanta plastic surgery patients navigate the wide range of available treatments and procedures.

We put together the following guide to help you understand the level of invasiveness for various treatment types, and what effect they may have on your busy lifestyle.

What’s an invasive procedure?

The term invasive is typically used to describe surgical procedures that require incisions and appreciably alter skin or underlying tissues at the time of the procedure. As such, this class of procedures requires bed rest for a few days up to a few weeks. Surgical procedures usually include the option for general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.

Examples of common invasive plastic surgery procedures:

• Rhinoplasty (nose enhancement or repair)
• Breast augmentation (placement of breast implants)
• Facelift surgery (improvement of sagging skin on lower face and neck)
• Liposuction (fat reduction)

Total healing time: Two to six months, depending on the procedure, with patient rest averaging one to two weeks.

Results: Varies between one to six months.

The risks involved with invasive plastic surgery procedures are usually greater than non-invasive options. However, these procedures are particularly effective at delivering results and are considered safe when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.

So, what does minimally invasive mean?

Minimally invasive treatments require significantly less or no downtime and very little discomfort, but often involve a puncture or even a small incision. Minimally invasive procedures are considered less risky than other methods and do not require general anesthesia.

Examples of common minimally invasive options:

• Dysport®, Restylane®, and dermal fillers (injectable treatments)
• Skin procedures such as scar revision or dermaplaning
• Deep skin peels

Healing time: Zero to ten days, with patient returning to work immediately or within a few days.

Results: Varies between a few days to two weeks.

These cosmetic treatments are growing in popularity because patients can return to normal activities quickly, the risk of infection or complication is low, and the results can be impressive.

What about non-surgical options?

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments involve no needles, no punctures, and no anesthesia. Foreign objects do not enter your body at any time and the entire cosmetic treatment is done externally.

These types of treatments typically involve very little downtime, with patients being able to resume unrestricted normal activity very quickly after treatment. Non-surgical treatments may occasionally be considered invasive on some level, depending on how they affect both the treatment area and underlying tissues.

Examples of common non-surgical treatments:

• Laser treatments (such as fractional skin resurfacing or hair removal)
• Light chemical peels

Healing time: Anywhere between one day to two weeks, with patient typically feeling and looking back to normal within a few days.

Results: Varies between one week to three months.

Non-invasive treatments

Many skincare treatments are considered non-invasive because they do not puncture the skin or otherwise impact the underlying tissues. These treatments are quite comfortable and often relaxing. There is no downtime whatsoever.

Examples of common non-invasive treatments:

• Facials (to improve quality of skin through cleansing, exfoliation, & hydration)
• Medical-grade skincare (products used at home or applied professionally to improve skin)

Healing time: Usually minimal, with patient resuming normal activity immediately

Results: Typically, results can be seen immediately or within a few days

Non-invasive treatments are especially effective when used in conjunction with other procedures. Be sure to ask which treatment combinations are most appropriate for your skin type and goals.

How do I know what’s right for me?

We hope we’ve cleared up some of your questions here, but the best way to learn about effective cosmetic treatments is to talk to a trusted professional. Our board certified surgeons and skincare experts can guide you through the process and help you determine which treatments are a good fit for you.

The Swan Center offers private consultations for potential patients. We can answer all of your questions and develop a safe and effective treatment plan that suits your needs.