Fillers 101 - The Inside Scoop

Are you interested in learning more about fillers but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Everything you need to know about fillers, below!

What are fillers made of?

The majority of fillers we use in the US are comprised of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a natural sugar found in our soft connective tissue, joints, cartilage, the fluid around our eyes, and in our skin. As we age, our bodies produce less and less HA. By the age of 50, it is estimated that we have half the about of HA that we had in our 20's. Eesh!

"Our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decline with age due to exposure to free radicals and the aging process in general …With the ability to hold up to 100 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid (a sugar found naturally in human skin) is responsible for retaining moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid binds to water similar to the way a sponge absorbs water. Because of this, it hydrates the skin in the treated region. Hyaluronic acid fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers, enhancing the skin’s plumpness." New Beauty.

How long do fillers last?

Depends on the area treated and product used. Areas that have more movement such as the lips usually last up to 1 year. Whereas the cheeks and tear troughs can last up to two years.

Some examples of fillers you may have heard of:

Juvederm Voluma, Vollure, Volbella, Ultra
Restylane Lyft, Silk, Refyne, Defyne
Radiesse
Belotero

Most common areas injected:

Cheeks
Lips
Smile lines (nasolabial folds)
Tear troughs 

What is like to get fillers?

The good news about getting fillers today is that the pain associated with injections has been significantly decreased, thanks to fillers now having lidocaine mixed with HA.  I like to fully numb my patients so the discomfort is minimal and the appointment to get fillers takes 30-60 minutes, depending on how many areas are injected.

Post-injection there can be some swelling and bruising for the first few days post, so I always tell my patients to give themselves two weeks before a big event so everything has fully settled.

There you have it! All the basic info on getting fillers for the first time. Read this post to see if cosmetic injectables are for you!