Dermal Fillers in Austin – Lip Injections and Facial Enhancement
Dermal fillers are a safe, convenient way to temporarily restore lost facial volume, enhance facial features, and fill deep creases and scars. These versatile compounds also gradually improve the condition of the skin in treated areas by stimulating the production of collagen. Our plastic surgeons, Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi can use dermal fillers to treat specific blemishes, or she can incorporate them into a comprehensive liquid facelift.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, like Juvéderm® and Restylane®, contain a viscous gel made from hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is produced naturally by the human body, where it helps to strengthen our skin and connective tissues. Adverse reactions to dermal fillers are infrequent because HA isn’t a foreign substance; the body doesn’t usually produce an allergic or inflammatory response when this compound injected into the skin. In most cases, inserting HA improves the condition of the skin. HA aids in the formation of collagen, a protein that keeps the skin firm and supple. HA is, therefore, a great way to combat the collagen loss that occurs with age. Repeated dermal filler treatments may even make the skin more resistant to wrinkling and sagging.
Patient Experiences
I'm 25 and went to Dr. Amato with complaints regarding my sunken under eyes. I was a little nervous prior to the consultation, but the office was inviting and she was so helpful from the moment I arrived! She answered all my questions and I could tell she knew her stuff. I decided to get the filler injections after speaking with her and the result was exactly what I wanted- they look really natural I love them! She is definitely highly skilled and I will be going back! Absolutely recommend!
How do Dermal Fillers Work?
When HA gel is injected into the skin, it smooths and raises the area around the injection site. This process occurs because HA attracts water molecules and binds them to the surface, amplifying fullness in a gentle, natural way. When dermal fillers are injected into a deep wrinkle, for example, they fill the area, so the crease is no longer visible. Dermal fillers can also be used to add volume to the lips, cheeks, chin, and nose. They’re a sought-after way to treat age-related facial fat loss, which often creates hollows around the eyes and under the cheekbones. Filling in these hollows can subtly lift your features by reducing the amount of excess skin on your face.
Dermal fillers are available in a variety of different consistencies. Thicker gel formulas are ideal for sculpting small areas, like the lips, nose, or philtrum. Thinner fillers, on the other hand, produce more diffuse effects, making them perfect for amplifying large areas like the cheeks.
The results of dermal fillers usually last for about nine months, though some varieties may last for up to one year. Patients who want a more permanent solution for volume loss are advised to consider a facial fat transfer instead. During your consultation, our doctors will examine your face and help you decide on the treatment protocol that’s right for you.
How are Dermal Fillers Different than Botox®?
Though Botox® and fillers are both used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, they work very differently. Botox treats dynamic wrinkles (creases that appear when we smile or frown) by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles. Fillers treat static wrinkles (creases that are visible when the face is at rest) by directly filling in lines and strengthening thin, loose skin.
What Happens during Dermal Filler Treatment?
To administer dermal fillers, the injection locations are marked on the patient’s skin with a felt-tipped pen. Anesthetic cream is then applied to the skin so that the patient won’t feel anything during treatment. Finally, small amounts of fillers are injected into areas that require volume enhancement. Our doctors are careful to avoid over-filling the face, as this can create an unnatural, puffy look.
Dermal filler treatment is usually painless, though you may notice some mild tenderness and redness around the injection sites after your appointment. These symptoms will fade away naturally over the next 48 hours. You’ll be able to return to all your normal activities immediately after having filler injections.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are safe for most people, though they aren’t recommended for those who have severe health conditions, a compromised immune system, or bleeding disorders. You should also delay dermal filler treatment if you’re currently pregnant or nursing.
While dermal fillers can lift the face and reduce skin laxity, they can’t replace surgery. If you’re over 50, you should consider combining dermal filler treatment with a brow lift or facelift surgery.
Arrange a Dermal Filler Consultation in Austin, Texas
Our goal is to provide a comfortable, convenient, and safe injection experience for all of our patients. To learn more about dermal fillers, contact our Austin plastic surgery practice to arrange a free consultation, where you can explore your options with our expert plastic surgeons, Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi. If you decide you want fillers, we will do our best to administer your injections on the same day as your consultation.
Dermal Fillers FAQ
There are many types of fillers, but the fillers selected by Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi have the least amount of risk. Because they are mainly comprised of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a substance that your body naturally produces on its own, there is very little risk of having an allergic reaction. Our dermal fillers have been medically tested and approved over an extended period of time, which increases safety for patient use.
Other than avoiding intense sunlight, heat, or cold for the first few days after a dermal filler treatment, there are very few aftercare measures required. After your appointment, you’ll be able to drive home and resume your normal life. You will gradually see your results improve over the next week to two weeks. Some areas of the face will have more immediate reactions than others, such as swelling or bruising. We recommend using an ice pack periodically, and avoiding blood thinners or Arnica before treatment if you bruise easily.
There are many fantastic dermal filler options to choose from that vary based on the area used, consistency, and other factors. Which combination is best for you will ultimately depend on two things: what you are looking to achieve and Our doctor’s expert opinion. With 20 years of experience in filler treatments, we will take time to listen intently, inform you of the types and uses of each dermal filler, and then help you decide which options will be best for you. This is one of the many advantages of having board-certified experts like Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi on your side!
Historically, fillers have been more popular among older adults to reduce the signs of aging and restore a more youthful appearance, but younger patients are choosing fillers to enhance lips or other facial features. Our doctors will recommend which filler is best for you depending on your age, your skin’s quality and the specific issues you have to ensure the best outcome and a happy patient.
You will see some of your results immediately after your treatment session, although they will continually improve over the next few weeks once initial swelling or bruising subsides. How quickly you will see your results depends upon your body’s natural healing process, which is different for everyone.
Fillers generally last anywhere from 6-12 months. At your consultation, you can ask our doctors to recommend what filler is right for you, based on your preferences and receive treatment the very same day.