Dermal Fillers


Schedule your procedure in El Campo, TX

CONTACT US

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore lost volume, soften lines, plump the lips, and enhance facial contours. Injectable dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to restore facial volume, smooth wrinkles and folds, and improve facial contours. Both men and women can benefit from dermal fillers to rejuvenate their faces, as they are an effective option for looking younger without surgery.

Filler treatments are quick, minimally invasive procedures with little to no downtime, providing natural looking results. Dermal fillers can be used to achieve many different things, including:

  • Plumping the lips.
  • Diminishing lines.
  • Restoring lost volume.
  • Improving symmetry among facial features.
  • Treating deep wrinkles, skin folds, and nasolabial folds, and restoring facial volume.

There are several types of dermal fillers available, including hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and autologous fat. All of these are FDA-approved for specific treatment areas and concerns, and the choice depends on the treatment area, desired results, and other factors such as age and skin type.

Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA fillers) are the most common, are reversible using hyaluronidase, and are ideal for first-time patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is used for deeper wrinkles and skin folds, and for restoring volume in the cheeks and jawline. PMMA provides immediate volume and structural support, while biostimulators like Radiesse and Sculptra stimulate natural collagen production for longer-term results. RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4 are designed for dynamic wrinkles and facial contouring.

The results of dermal fillers can last from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the treatment area; deeper fillers for midface or jawline contouring may last up to two years.

It is important to choose a board certified provider with specialized training and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy to ensure safe, natural looking results. You should fully disclose your medical history and discuss other factors such as allergies, medications, and skin conditions during your consultation. Injectable fillers are safe, FDA-approved medical procedures, but still require expertise for optimal outcomes. Review before & after photos and ensure your provider has substantial experience performing filler injections. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active skin infections, or have known allergies to filler ingredients should not receive dermal fillers.

There is a selection of different dermal fillers that can be used today. At our office, we use the following dermal fillers:our office, we use the following dermal fillers:

Restylane Products

Restylane products are made up of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the body that delivers volume to the skin. Restylane products are HA fillers, which are FDA-approved, temporary dermal fillers that can be reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last from 6 to 18 months before the body gradually absorbs the particles, making them ideal for first-time patients due to their adjustability and temporary results. This line of products consists of:

  • Restylane Kysse
  • Restylane Silk
  • Restylane Lyft
  • Restylane
  • Restylane Refyne
  • Restylane Defyne

Restylane FAQs

Should you massage Restylane filler?

It's best to avoid touching or pressing on your treatment area for the first 1-2 days after treatment. This also includes getting a facial, massage, or skincare treatment.

How long does it take for Restylane filler to settle?

It can take about 2 weeks for filler to settle into its final appearance. During this time, swelling will gradually subside, and the product will meld to the surrounding tissues.

How long does it take for Restylane filler swelling to go down?

It's common to have some swelling and bruising after filler treatment. Most swelling subsides within 48 hours and can be managed with an ice pack.

Does Restylane filler get better with time?

Restylane® Fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar that can boost the skin's moisture levels and suppleness by stimulating collagen growth. With time, hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the skin's look and feel.

See All

Juvéderm Products

Juvéderm products are made up of hyaluronic acid as well. Juvéderm fillers are HA fillers, which are FDA-approved, temporary, and can be reversed using hyaluronidase if needed. This line of fillers includes:

  • Juvéderm Voluma XC
  • Juvéderm Vollure XC
  • Juvéderm XC
  • Juvéderm Volbella XC
  • Juvéderm Ultra XC

Juvéderm FAQs

How long does it take for Juvederm filler to work?

Although you'll see instant results after your filler treatment, it can take 2-4 weeks for your results to settle into their final appearance. During this time, the product will meld with the tissues and swelling will subside.

What should you not do after Juvederm filler?

After your filler injections, make sure to avoid drinking and smoking for the first 1-2 days. You should also avoid exercising and being exposed to hot environments which can exacerbate bleeding and bruising.

How long does Juvederm filler last?

Filler can last for as much as 24 months depending on your treatment area and your particular filler used. We offer many different filler products to customize your injection experience.

What to expect after Juvederm filler injections?

It's normal to experience some minor swelling and tenderness at the injection sites after filler treatment. Side effects can be managed with ice packs and usually subside within 1-2 weeks. Bruising sometimes appears after treatment and our team offers complimentary laser treatments to more quickly resolve any bruising.

How long does Juvederm filler take to settle?

It can take 4 weeks for dermal fillers to fully settle into their final appearance. After 4 weeks, if you're not satisfied with your results, you can return for additional units.

See All

Sculptra

Sculptra is a filler made up of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a collagen stimulator that helps restore the underlying structure of the skin, diminishing facial wrinkles. Sculptra is classified as a biostimulator that stimulates natural collagen production over time, making it an FDA-approved option for treating facial aging and providing longer-term structural support.

Sculptra FAQs

Does Sculptra stimulate collagen?

Yes. Sculptra stimulates the production of collagen which can help bring back some volume to the face.

How do I get the best results from Sculptra?

It's best to follow our team's detailed instructions to get the most out of your filler treatment. This includes returning for follow-up treatments and practicing good aftercare.

Can Sculptra work on jowls?

Yes! Since jowls are often caused by loss of volume in the face and sagging skin, as a filler, Sculptra can bring back volume to the face, tightening the skin, and reducing the appearance of jowls.

What are the most common side effects of Sculptra?

The most common side effects of Sculptra include injection site reactions such as bruising (21%), pain (13%), swelling (10%), and redness (2%). Itching and a warm sensation are also frequently reported.

How long do Sculptra side effects typically last?

Most injection site reactions from Sculptra last between 3 to 17 days on average. Redness, swelling, and tenderness usually subside within a few days to a week, while bruising can persist for about a week.

Are there any serious risks associated with Sculptra treatment?

While rare, serious risks can include infection, granulomas (small, firm nodules under the skin), allergic reactions, and potential nerve damage if not administered correctly. In extremely rare cases, unintentional injection into a blood vessel could lead to more severe complications.

Is Sculptra suitable for everyone?

Sculptra should not be used by individuals allergic to any of its ingredients, including poly-L-lactic acid. It's also not recommended for those with active skin infections or inflammation in the treatment area, or for patients with a history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation.

How long does it take to see results from Sculptra treatment?

Unlike some dermal fillers, Sculptra does not provide immediate results. The effects of Sculptra develop gradually over time as it stimulates collagen production in the skin.

See All

The Dermal Filler Treatment

Before treatment, the targeted area will be cleaned, and your healthcare provider may mark your face with a pen or marker to identify the targeted areas for injection. A topical numbing cream is often applied before the dermal filler procedure to minimize discomfort. Then, using a thin needle, your healthcare provider will perform dermal filler injections by injecting small amounts of filler into the treatment area at specific injection sites to achieve the desired results. After the injections, your healthcare provider will cleanse your skin. The dermal filler procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the product and the areas treated.

Dermal Filler Recovery

Following dermal filler treatment, there is no downtime required. Most patients experience some swelling, redness, or mild bruising at the injection sites, which typically resolves within a few days. These common side effects, including mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection sites, are temporary and do not significantly interfere with daily activities. Depending on the filler used and the areas treated, results should be immediately noticeable.

You can return to most daily activities immediately after the procedure, but it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise or excessive heat for 24 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. How long the effects of your dermal filler treatment will last will depend on the product used, the area of treatment, and your health. However, fillers typically last anywhere from 6-18 months before a touch-up treatment is needed.

Candidates for Dermal Fillers

Physically healthy adults, non-smokers who wish to improve lost volume in their face, smooth wrinkles, and lines, or plump their lips can often benefit from dermal fillers. During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. It is important to fully disclose your medical history, including any allergies, skin and neurological conditions, and medications, as these can affect your safety and results. Patients should always disclose their medical history to their healthcare provider before receiving dermal fillers, as certain allergies and medications can increase the risk of complications. Ask to see before & after photos of a potential provider’s patients.

The best way to determine if this treatment option is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Erwin. During this meeting, she will assess your skin and listen to your questions and concerns to recommend the best possible treatment option for you.

Contact Us Today

Contact our office today by calling 979-543-9933 to learn more about dermal fillers and how they can benefit you! We will be happy to assist you in scheduling your initial consultation appointment at Erwin Dermatology.