Dermal Fillers | Lisa Hwang, MD I Bay Area

Dermal Fillers.

refresh. Rejuvenate.

Are you looking for a quick way to freshen your look without the downtime of plastic surgery? Visible signs of facial aging can develop as a result of sun exposure, lifestyle, and heredity. Early signs include loss of facial fullness and formation of wrinkles. Injectable dermal fillers offer a quick solution—they restore and enhance volume and contour in the face while softening the facial lines. Dr. Lisa Hwang uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to rejuvenate your appearance.

BOOK NOW

YOUr Goals.

smooth.

More superficially, dermal fillers can correct acne scars and other indentations. They can be used as an adjunct to Botulinum toxin to correct deep rhytids (wrinkles). In select cases, the tear trough can also be treated to smooth the under eye area.

contour.

Naturally, bony structure and soft tissue anatomy vary widely among individuals—some desire higher cheekbones or a stronger jawline, while others desire fuller cheeks, chin, or lips. Dermal filler can also be used to perform a “liquid rhinoplasty” and modify the shape of the nose in individualized circumstances.

plump.

With aging, we lose both bony and soft tissue volume in our faces, while also developing skin laxity and skin excess. To rejuvenate the face, we aim to reestablish lost volume in areas of hollowing, i.e. cheeks, temples, and chin.

hyaluronic Acid

dermal fillers.

There are many different types of dermal filler. As facial structure and anatomy continually evolve with age, the volume-deficient areas can be expected to change as well. Therefore, the only type of dermal filler we use is temporary, specifically hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, contained in soft connective tissue, cartilage, and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid can be extracted and reformulated for use as injectable soft tissue filler. As such, HA dermal fillers have the capability of being dissolved by hyaluronidase, reversing its effects.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler injections are customized to every patient, depending on his or her individual needs. HA fillers cannot stop the aging process; however, they can temporarily diminish the appearance of wrinkles and reestablish a more youthful appearance. HA fillers used by Dr. Hwang are FDA-approved to treat facial wrinkles and folds. Applications vary by product—uses in other areas are considered “off label,” meaning that they are approved medical treatments but not directly reviewed for a specific application. HA fillers include JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC, and JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA®.

Filler Treatment.

Hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the dermis (skin) during an office procedure. Topical anesthetic cream can be applied to minimize discomfort. Depending on the areas being treated, treatment can take between 15 to 30 minutes. Results are immediately apparent. Following injections, common sequelae include minor redness, discomfort, swelling, minor bruising, which usually resolve by the end of the first week. To lessen the risk, please avoid activities such as strenuous exercise , overexposure to sun and heat, and consumption of alcohol.

Recovery.

Following injections, common sequelae include minor redness, discomfort, swelling, minor bruising, which usually resolve by the end of the first week. To lessen the risk, please avoid activities such as strenuous exercise , overexposure to sun and heat, and consumption of alcohol. The body slowly absorbs the HA filler; hence, effects are temporary. Results may last 6-12 months, depending on the type and area of injection. Medications and treatments are subject to patient variables; hence, effects and outcomes can vary from person to person. Follow up treatments are necessary in order to maintain the effects.

Risks & Complications.

Following treatment with dermal filler, problems may range from adverse effects to serious complications. Adverse effects include infection, under or over correction, nodule formation, granulomas, migration of the product from the injected area, allergic reaction, and patient dissatisfaction. Unintentional injection into a blood vessel, while rare, can result in serious complications with permanent sequelae. It can manifest as delayed wound healing, temporary scabs, permanent scarring, skin necrosis, vision abnormalities, blindness, or stroke. When desired or medically necessary, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be attempted to be dissolved by the administration of hyaluronidase. Persons who should NOT receive HA dermal fillers are pregnant or nursing mothers or persons who have severe HA dermal fillers are pregnant or nursing.

BOOK NOW