Facial fillers, also called dermal fillers, are injectable gels used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are commonly made of hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA).

The most common types include:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers – Teoxane/Teosyal, Restylane (most popular, temporary, and reversible). Nurse Brenda uses this type of filler most often.

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers – Radiesse (longer-lasting, stimulates collagen)-Nurse Brenda does not offer this treatment.

• Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers – Sculptra (stimulates collagen, used for deep volume loss) Nurse Brenda offers this treatment.

• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers – Bellafill (semi-permanent, used for acne scars and deep wrinkles)- Nurse Brenda does not offer this treatment.

Fillers can enhance or restore volume in:

• Cheeks (lift and contour)

• Lips (plumping, definition)

• Nasolabial folds (smile/laugh lines)

• Marionette lines (corners of the mouth)

• Jawline (sharpening and sculpting)

• Chin (enhancement and balance)

• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)

• Hands (to restore youthful volume)

• Nose (non-surgical nose job) Nurse Brenda does not perform nose procedures.

It depends on the type:

• HA Fillers (Teoxane/Teosyal, Restylane): 9-12 months

• Radiesse (CaHA): 12-18 months

• Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic Acid): 2+ years

• Bellafill (PMMA): 5+ years (semi-permanent)

Most fillers contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort. Patients may feel a slight pinch or pressure during the injection, but numbing cream or ice can be applied for added comfort.

Common side effects include:

• Mild swelling, redness, or bruising (usually resolves in a few days)

• Tenderness at the injection site

• Temporary lumps or unevenness (can be massaged)

Rare but serious risks:

• Vascular occlusion (if filler blocks a blood vessel, requiring immediate treatment)

• Infection (very rare but possible)

• Allergic reaction (uncommon, mostly with non-HA fillers)

The price varies by location, provider, type of filler and amount used for the desired effect. Average costs per syringe: $650.00-$900.00. Most treatments require 1-3 syringes, depending on the desired result.

Only hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA instantly or within 24-48 hours. Other types of fillers (Radiesse, Sculptra, Bellafill) cannot be reversed but will naturally dissolve over time.

Results are immediate, but mild swelling may take 1-2 weeks to fully settle.

Before fillers:

• Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, fish oil) for 24-48 hours to minimize bruising.

After fillers:

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the area for 24 hours.

• Stay upright for 4 hours post-treatment.

• No strenuous exercise, heat exposure, or alcohol for 24-48 hours.

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Yes! Botox relaxes wrinkles, while fillers restore lost volume. They are often combined for a more youthful and balanced result.

Avoid intense exercise for 24-48 hours to prevent swelling and migration of the filler.

When done correctly by a skilled injector, fillers enhance your natural features without looking overdone. Overfilling or poor injection technique can lead to an unnatural or “puffy” appearance.

You should avoid fillers if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have active skin infections at the injection site

• Have severe allergies to filler ingredients

Look for a licensed, experienced medical professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or nurse injector.