Dermal Fillers from Root Medical Aesthetics
Dermal fillers work by replacing volume and adding support where the face loses fullness and structure over time. As we age, deep fat pads that help support the structure of the cheeks and middle face start to diminish in size. In addition, the natural production of tissue-plumping aids, including hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin start to decrease around age 30-35. This combination of changes lead to sagging of the tissue toward the middle of the lower face leading to heavy lines, creases, wrinkles and even the creation of the dreaded jowls. Fortunately, when these changes happen, dermal fillers can help.
What To Expect
The vast majority of dermal fillers used currently are hyaluronic acid fillers. The selected product is injected into the layer of tissue appropriate for each treatment area and is used to correct the appearance of facial wrinkles/creases, to add volume to the tissue and to help offer support where it has been compromised due to the natural aging process. In clinical studies most fillers have been shown to last for 9 months to 3 years depending on the area being treated.
Dermal filler injections are typically well tolerated by most patients, as most of them come pre-mixed with lidocaine, a fast-acting anesthetic. Topical numbing creams and/or application of an ice pack can make the procedure even more comfortable.
The injection site may be associated w/ mild redness, swelling, and even bruising, which can last for up to 2-4 weeks. No post-procedure downtime is necessary for most patients. Patients will see results almost immediately but it can take a full 2-3 weeks for the filler to fully integrate with the tissue.
Post-treatment Instructions
Applying ice to the area treated for no more than 20 minutes at a time every 2 hours can help reduce swelling and redness. Avoid touching or massaging the area treated for the first 48-72 hours following treatment. After the swelling has resolved, the treated area may feel slightly uneven, firm or even lumpy. This is very normal and if these areas of unevenness are still present 3-weeks after treatment despite daily gentle massage, the client should notify the provider for further recommendations.
Vascular occlusion (blockage of a blood vessel) is a known risk factor for filler treatment. Although rare, and despite risk being decreased with an injector with thorough knowledge of anatomy, it is still a risk all clients must be aware of prior to treatment. Signs of vascular occlusion can include redness outside the area that was treated, a dusky gray/white appearance of the treated area, vesicle/pustule formation on the skin surface, or development of bruising with a lacy appearance. It is important to notify your injector immediately should any of these signs/symptoms occur, as time is of the essence when treating or managing a vascular occlusion.
*All Hyaluronic Acid treatments are reversible with Hyaluronidase.
It is important to notify the clinician if you have a known allergy to lidocaine or are pregnant or breastfeeding, as dermal filler treatments have not been studied in these patient populations. Pre- and post-treatment pictures will be taken for comparison.
All treatments provided through Root Medical Aesthetics are performed by a certified physician assistant and all products used are obtained directly from the manufacturer.
