Dermal fillers have revolutionized facial rejuvenation by offering a non-surgical solution to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance your natural contours with minimal downtime. Whether you’re looking to soften smile lines, plump your lips or add fullness to your cheeks, there’s a perfect filler option waiting for you.
At Worcester Dermatology Associates, our board-certified dermatologists offer a range of fillers, each with unique benefits. Understanding the available options is the first step in choosing the best treatment for your needs.
How Dermal Fillers Work
Ever wonder what actually happens beneath your skin during a filler treatment?
Different fillers work in various ways. Some provide immediate volume enhancement, while others stimulate natural collagen production for longer-lasting results.
Many dermal fillers work by literally “filling in” areas of the face that have lost volume or developed wrinkles due to aging, sun exposure, and other environmental factors. When injected beneath the skin, these gel-like substances add support that smooths lines and restores a more youthful appearance.
Collagen-stimulating fillers take a different approach. These formulations contain microscopic particles that create a scaffolding effect within your skin. Your body reacts by engaging a healing response that produces new collagen fibers that smooth and strengthen your skin.
The ideal filler choice depends on the specific area being treated, the severity of volume loss or wrinkles, and your desired aesthetic outcome.
Common Types of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are classified based on their key ingredients and mechanism of action.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are widely used to restore volume and hydration. JUVÉDERM® is a well-known HA-based collection that provides smooth, natural-looking results. Ultra and Ultra Plus effectively treat moderate to deep facial wrinkles, with effects lasting between 9 and 12 months. For mid-face volume loss, Voluma enhances cheek fullness and lift, delivering results that can last up to two years.
Restylane® is another trusted HA filler family, commonly used to refine nasolabial folds, restore volume to sunken cheeks, and enhance lips. It integrates well with the skin for a natural appearance, with results lasting approximately 6 months. Perlane®, part of the Restylane® line, contains larger particles, making it ideal for addressing deeper wrinkles and providing significant volume and lift.
Collagen-Stimulating Fillers
Biostimulatory fillers work by stimulating the body’s collagen production, creating longer-lasting effects. Sculptra®, formulated with poly-L-lactic acid, gradually restores facial volume over multiple sessions. Unlike HA-based fillers, it does not provide immediate results but instead enhances skin structure over time, with effects lasting more than two years.
Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers offer both instant volume and long-term collagen stimulation. RADIESSE®, composed of CaHA microspheres, is particularly effective for treating deep wrinkles and fine lines. It is also used for hand rejuvenation, reducing the appearance of prominent veins and improving overall skin texture.
Choosing the Right Filler for Different Treatment Areas
Your face is unique, and different areas require specialized approaches for optimal results. Luckily, this is easy to do when we have so many different filler options available to us.
Lip Filler
For lip enhancement, hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® offer excellent results with their smooth consistency, providing natural-looking volume while defining the lip border. Some formulations are made specifically for the lip area.
Cheek Filler
Voluma® excels at providing structural support and lift that can last up to two years in the cheeks. Its thicker consistency allows for deeper placement, creating the foundation necessary for mid-face rejuvenation. Sculptra® also works wonderfully here, stimulating collagen for gradual, natural-looking restoration.
Wrinkle Filler
For nasolabial folds and marionette lines, fillers with substantial lifting capacity like JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus, Restylane®, Perlane®, and RADIESSE® all provide effective correction. The choice depends on fold severity and desired treatment longevity.
Tear Trough Filler
The delicate skin underneath the eyes requires special consideration. RADIESSE® and thinner hyaluronic acid formulations work well in this area, providing subtle correction without an overfilled appearance.
Hand Filler
Hand rejuvenation has gained popularity as people recognize that youthful hands are as important as a refreshed face. RADIESSE® stands out here, minimizing the appearance of veins and tendons while improving skin quality and restoring lost volume. Results can last a year or longer.
What to Expect During Your Filler Treatment
Consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with one of our experienced providers. During this session, we’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any past cosmetic treatments to determine the best filler options for your needs. Open communication is key—feel free to ask questions and share your expectations so we can create a treatment plan that matches your vision.
Preparing for Your Treatment
To reduce the risk of bruising and swelling, we recommend avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil for 1-2 weeks before your appointment, if medically appropriate. It’s also best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to treatment. Arriving with a clean face, free of makeup or lotions, helps minimize infection risk and allows for a clearer assessment of your facial structure.
The Procedure
Filler treatments typically take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. Many fillers contain lidocaine to enhance comfort, and we can also apply a topical numbing cream if needed. Using a fine needle or a cannula, your provider will carefully inject the filler, making adjustments along the way to ensure a smooth and natural result.
Aftercare and Recovery
Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur after treatment, but these effects usually subside within a few days. Applying ice periodically during the first 24 hours can help minimize swelling. To promote optimal healing, we advise avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive heat (such as saunas and hot tubs), and alcohol for 24-48 hours. Additionally, if you’ve received facial fillers, sleeping on your back the first night can help prevent unnecessary pressure on the treated areas.
Find the Right Filler for You
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular ways to refresh your appearance without surgery or extended downtime. Our expert team is ready to help you discover how these innovative treatments can enhance your natural beauty.
Contact Worcester Dermatology Associates today to schedule your personal consultation. Whether you’re new to aesthetic treatments or looking to maintain your results, we’re here to help.
