Dermal Fillers FAQs

What Are The Advantages Of Dermal Fillers Over A Facelift?

The main advantages of dermal fillers are the fast results, cost and the recovery. Dermal fillers are an affordable, popular quick fix to improve many features. In addition, they are much cheaper than facelifts, and they are not permanent, so you can afford to go back and make adjustments in the future. Dermal fillers can frequently be paid for out of pocket, and even if you do have to get financing, the lower price means you can make smaller payments and still pay the debt off more quickly, with less interest than a more invasive surgery.

Another main advantage of filler injections is that they are much less invasive than certain laser treatments and facial surgeries. Dermal fillers are a very simple procedure with virtually no pain or downtime. The recovery period after fillers is almost immediate, and most patients only experience light bruising after their injections.

Can Dermal Fillers Be Used Other Places Then The Face?

Yes. Dermal fillers can be used any place on the body to help smooth out wrinkles or old scars, or add a little extra fullness.

Are The Effects Of Dermal Fillers Permanent?

No, they are not. Fillers typically last between three, six and nine months. Your doctor can give specific information on the expected longevity of the fillers you select.

What Is The Best Kind Of Filler?

This is a very common question, but there really isn't just one "best" kind of filler. Different types of fillers are better are treating different areas and issues, from fine lines in sensitive areas - to larger folds or creases - to adding volume to thin lips or sunken cheeks. Some fillers work more quickly, while others are longer-lasting. Occasionally people even have troubles with allergic reactions to one kind of filler or another depending on the ingredients.

The best way to figure out which filler option is best for you is to decide what problem or problems you want to fix, and then schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetic surgeon in your area. If you tell them what sorts of changes you'd like to make, they can help explain your different options to you and find the right filler for you.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Dermal Fillers?

The cost of dermal fillers varies widely depending on what kind of fillers you get, who your doctor is, how many wrinkles you have, and how deep they are. Dermal fillers are pre-measured and sold in units. You probably won't pay less than $350 on the low end, and your price could be as much as $3,000. For more specific information on prices, check out our cost page.

How Much Does It Hurt To Get Dermal Fillers?

Fortunately, there is very little pain, because fillers are injected, and the pain lasts about as long as the shot. Because the needles dermatologists use to inject dermal fillers are so fain, there isn't much pain associated with the procedure. Also, many doctors offer a topical anesthetic or the filler is pre-packaged with pain medications such as lidocaine already mixed in the syringes with the filler, so that cuts down on the pain even more.

Most patients experience a minor amount of pain at the injection site(s) for a day or two after getting their dermal fillers, but rarely anything major. If you are concerned about the pain, ask your doctor if he or she could recommend a list of over-the-counter pain medications you can take at home. Be sure to ask before you use them-some common pain medications thin the blood, which can lead to more bruising and other complications after your injections.

One other thing you can try is gently massaging the skin over the injection site. This can help ease any pain you might feel.

I Just Got Dermal Fillers And Now here Are Weird Lumps Under My Skin. Is This Normal?

The development of small lumps under the skin, called nodules, is uncommon after dermal fillers, but it is possible. The good news is they are completely harmless and, left untreated, will eventually go away on their own. Many times they can be massaged to look normal, because the lumps represent excess filler in that area, which is malleable. However, if massaging does not help, then your surgeon may have other options. He or she may have another chemical they can inject you with to help break down the lumps more quickly. Eventually, they will dissolve on their own.

I Just Got Dermal Fillers And Now My Skin Is Red, Bumpy, And Itchy. Is It An Allergic Reaction?

Although allergic reactions can occur after getting dermal fillers, redness, swelling, and itching at or near the injection site are all common side effects and are perfectly normal. Even red bumps like a rash can be just a side effect. The best advice is just to monitor the site closely. If it seems to be spreading to other parts of the body or if you have difficulty breathing, call 911.

If More Experienced Doctors Charge More For The Same Procedure, Should I Just Find Somebody Less Experienced?

While bargain shopping can be very appealing, when it comes to cosmetic surgery, you do not want to compromise your appearance or your health. After all, if you are even considering dermal fillers, it is because you want to look better. Why would you risk that in order to save a little money?

Although some think otherwise, all dermatologists and aesthetic surgeons are not created equal. There are great variations in skill from doctor to doctor. The best doctors have spent years increasing their skills and learning everything there is to know about injecting fillers in a safe, effective, and beautifully natural way. On the other hand, there are doctors who have received the minimum amount of training possible and who lack the experience necessary to give you the best results.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery of any kind, a good deal isn't always a good deal. Saving money - even hundreds of dollars on a procedure is not always cost effective, especially if it requires a subsequent corrective procedure, or if it means you have a greater risk of complications.

Now, this doesn't mean that you should purposefully avoid dermatologists or clinicians who offer relatively inexpensive dermal fillers. There are plenty of fine doctors who offer inexpensive services, and there are also some poor doctors who charge exorbitant fees. What it does mean is that you should be very careful who you pick, regardless of what they charge. As you search for your dermatologist, make quality rather than cost the ruling factor in your decisions.

My Question About Dermal Fillers Isn't Addressed Here - Now What?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for here or on any of our other pages, you may want to ask colleagues, family or friends who have had filler injections. Most people like to talk about their opinions and experiences, so don't hesitate to ask them what kind of dermal fillers they had, who their doctor was, how it went, or anything else you want to know.

Once you've spoken to all the people you know personally, the internet can also help you find more information, both on the procedure in general and on individual doctors in particular. In order to get the search results you want, be as specific as you can. Searching for "dermal fillers" will give you a huge number of results, but most of the pages you get will probably be too general to help you. Try searching for your exact question instead, such as, "Who is the best dermatologist in Newport, Oregon?" Be forewarned, though, that most clinics have websites of their own, and many of them pay a lot to get into the top rankings, so you'll probably find several on the first page. Although these sites can be a good source of information on the procedure itself, they are always biased in the favor of their doctor(s).

There are also a number of online directories for cosmetic surgeons that you can access. If you are interested in getting dermal fillers, these can be very helpful in giving you a starter's list of doctors in your area.

Are you ready to find a filler specialist near you? Use our surgeon directory to find a clinic or surgeon near you!