Yes, when done by skilled professionals, cheek fillers create subtle definition without an overfilled appearance.

Results are visible immediately, with the final look settling within a few days as any swelling goes down.

WHAT IS A DERMAL FILLER?
The most typical product for dermal filler is a colorless hyaluronic acid that is designed to be injected into facial tissue to smooth wrinkles and plump folds. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in all living organisms, and has the same chemical structure in all species and tissues. In the skin, hyaluronic acid binds water to add volume and pliability. As we age, our skin loses its ability to produce hyaluronic acid.

WHY GET A DERMAL FILLER INJECTION?
Dermal filler is injected into the skin to create volume thereby smoothing wrinkles and providing a fuller shape. These are non-permanent, with results lasting between 3 and 18 months. This is a great non-surgical tool to rejuvenate and contour your face.

HOW LONG DO DERMAL FILLERS LAST?
Results typically last 6-12 months following the injection and therefore will need to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain the effects.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH DERMAL FILLER?

• Cheeks
• Under eyes
• Nose
• Chin
• Lips
• Jaw line
• Jowels
• Marionette lines
• Nasolabial folds

WHAT ARE THE AVERAGE PRICES?
$600-$800 for a syringe or 1 ml is the typical cost.

WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR THIS INJECTION?

• Active cold sore or skin infection in the area being treated
• Allergies to lidocaine a numbing agent
• Bleeding disorder or on medications (e.g. aspirin, warfarin/coumadin) that increase risk or make you prone to bleeding
• Pregnant/breastfeeding
• History of scarring or pigmentation disorder
• Autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
• Permanent implant located in area to be injected
• Using immunosuppressive therapy

WHAT IS THE MOST SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT?
Vascular occlusion:

This small risk is when a blood vessel is inadvertently injected and could result in serious complications due to the blockage of blood flow. The surrounding skin and tissue will start to die without adequate blood supply. It may have permanent vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin.

The signs of vascular occlusion which include immediate, severe pain and a change in skin color, which can look like white spots or blotches. Some bruising and redness is normal but any intense pain or severe bruising is a concern. If this occurs during the procedure we will need to stop. We will then use a medication to dissolve the filler immediately as you may have a vascular occlusion. Each person has a slightly different anatomy and this blood vessel should not be near the location of our injection. Unfortunately, the filler treatment would need to be stopped and you could not be injected again. You would still be charged for the treatment.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS?

• Swelling/Bruising/Redness: Most people have swelling for the first several days and up to a few weeks. You can use Arnica tablets or gel as well as a cold pack or compress to treat this swelling. You may need to sleep with your head elevated as long as there is swelling
• Lumps/Bumps/Hardening: This generally softens over time but can take several months
• Migration: Dermal fillers may move from the place where it was injected
• Scabbing/Sloughing/Scarring: In less than 1% of treated patients, sloughing of the tissue at the treatment site has been noted

HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE THE FULL BENEFITS?
Average 4-6 weeks to see the final level of correction. After 2 weeks you may need additional dermal filler for injection to reach a higher level of correction. I agree to communicate with my practitioner for evaluation and/or additional correction if needed.