Dermal Fillers
What is filler?
Most dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid which is a hydrophilic compound that our body naturally produces. Because it is hydrophilic, a small amount of filler can have an outsized impact on volume as it binds to water molecules.1 Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix; it’s role ranges widely from joint lubrication to wound healing. The average human body has 15-20 grams of hyaluronic acid in it at any given time.
How do we use it?
What to expect during the procedure?
What to expect after the procedure?
How long does it last and is it reversible?
Filler is commonly quoted as lasting 12-18 months and is said to be “temporary”. We here at Sage & Needle would use the term “semi-permanent” instead. Some filler is absorbed by the body over time and some slowly migrates or spreads out. Recent MRI study’s tracking filler over time shows that it can remain in the body years after first injected. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as we want to continuously “top up” or “fine-tune” over time as facial fat and bone are lost due to age. A slow buildup of filler as maintenance while aging can help you keep a consistent youthful appearance.
In case of emergency or if too much filler is used, it can be safely dissolved using hyaluronidase.2
Juvéderm Collection of Fillers
Juvéderm Ultra XC
A soft versatile filler excellent for restoring volume while maintaining a natural appearance.
Target: Deep and superficial fat pads
Juvéderm Volluma
An excellent filler to lift, sculpt and contour.
Target: Facial bones & ligaments
Juvéderm Vollure
A soft versatile filler excellent for restoring volume while maintaining a natural appearance. Vollure has slightly more lifting power than Juvéderm Ultra XC.
Target: Deep and superficial fat pads
Juvéderm Volbella
A soft, smooth, hydrating filler. Excellent in delicate areas where skin is thin. Great to fill superficial wrinkles, under eyes, and provided a “hydrated” look for lips without changing the lip shape.
Target: Superficial fat pads and skin (dermis)
Restylane Collection of Fillers
Restylane Refyne
Provides a restored natural appearance when used in nasolabial folds and marionette lines. This product moves with you so it is an excellent choice for areas with high expression such as around the mouth.
Target: Deep and superficial fat pads, ligaments
Restylane Kysse
A product perfectly designed to meet all the needs of a lip. It is soft, supple, and provides flexible movement and natural looking volume.
Target: Superficial fat pads & skin
Restylane Contour
Great for a soft cheek or chin enhancement to provide a youthful yet sculpted appearance.
Target: Deep fat pads, ligaments
Restylane Defyne
Slightly more lifting capability than Refyne for deeper lines and folds but it has many of the same properties. It can also be used for chin enhancement if you have a retrusive chin.
Target: Deep fat pads, ligaments & bones
Restylane Lyft
Great for cheek augmentation and chin augmentation resulting in a contoured and well-balanced look. It is also FDA approved to improve the appearance of aging hands.
Target: Bones & ligaments
Restylane Silk
Great for delicate areas including lips, under eyes and perioral lines.
Target: Superficial fat pad and skin changes