Skip to main content
What Are Facial Fillers and How Do They Work?
Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable substances that help to plump up areas of the face where volume has been lost due to aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and the fat beneath the skin begins to diminish, causing the skin to sag and wrinkles to form. The face can lose its youthful heart shape (characterized by full cheeks and a smooth jawline) and become more rectangular or triangular.
Unlike Botox or other neurotoxin injectables, which work by relaxing the muscles to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles, fillers act as a corrective measure. The goal of fillers is to "restore facial balance" and recreate that heart-shaped face by adding volume to key areas where the face loses its natural fullness, such as the cheeks and lips. rather than prevent wrinkles, which is more of a focus with Botox.
Common Areas Treated with Fillers
Facial fillers are most commonly used to treat areas of the face that show significant volume loss or sagging over time. The two most frequently treated areas include:
- Cheeks: As people age, their cheeks tend to lose volume, causing the skin to sag and form deeper folds around the mouth and jawline. Adding filler to the cheeks restores volume, lifting the surrounding skin and creating a more youthful contour.
- Lips: Lips also lose volume over time, becoming thinner and more prone to lines and wrinkles. By adding filler to the lips, patients can regain the fuller, more youthful lips they had in their earlier years. When we add even a small amount of lip filler, we can make an older person's lips appear less "pursed," giving them a softer, more approachable appearance.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The process of getting fillers is relatively quick and minimally invasive. We start with a consultation appointment, the goal of which is to assess the areas of your face that have lost volume and create a personalized treatment plan for you. The consultation is important to determine the right amount of filler and the best areas to target to achieve a natural look.
The actual injection of the filler usually takes only a few minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. Fillers are typically made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that adds volume and moisture to the skin. Some popular brands we commonly use are Restylane® and Juvederm®.
Unlike Botox, which can take a week or two to show effects, the results of fillers are visible immediately. You’ll see the volume added to your face right after the treatment, though some swelling or bruising might obscure the final result temporarily.
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling or bruising for a few days. The treated area will "settle" over the course of about two weeks. Many patients find that they like the results after one week, love them after two weeks, and may even want more after three weeks. However, it’s important to give the filler time to settle before considering additional treatments.
How Long Do Fillers Last?
On average, the effects of fillers last between six months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and the area being treated. This is important, as your face continues to change as you age, and having the ability to adjust the filler gives you flexibility in maintaining your desired look. For that reason, we do not use permanent fillers because they don’t adapt to the natural changes your face will go through with aging.The fillers we offer are made from hyaluronic acid are temporary and break down naturally in the body over time. While they can be dissolved with a reversal agent, reversing filler does have some risks and is not something that should be performed unless necessary.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Fillers?
Facial fillers are suitable for a wide range of people, but there are some groups for whom the treatment might not be ideal:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: We recommend avoiding fillers during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of studies on safety in these populations.
- Individuals with Autoimmune Conditions:Some people with autoimmune conditions may have a higher risk of complication with fillers. During the consultation, we take a thorough medical history and can offer a strong clinical point of view as to the risks and benefits for you.
- Smokers: Smoking can increase the risk of complications from fillers, including possible infections.
- People on Blood Thinners: If you are on anticoagulation therapy or blood thinners, fillers may pose a higher risk of bruising. However, some patients might still opt for treatment after a thorough discussion with us.
Natural vs. Overdone: Striving for Subtle, Balanced Results
A major concern for many people considering fillers is the fear of looking unnatural or overdone—particularly when it comes to lips. The dreaded "duck lips" have become synonymous with poorly administered filler treatments. At Atrius Health, we are conservative in our approach and maintain a strong philosophy to create natural, balanced results and restore your younger self, not dramatically change your appearance.
The goal of facial fillers is to turn back the clock subtly, making you look like a more refreshed version of yourself. A well-executed filler treatment should be virtually undetectable to others. People might comment that you look more rested or youthful, but they shouldn’t be able to pinpoint exactly why.
Facial fillers offer a non-surgical way to restore lost volume and bring back a more youthful facial shape. With immediate results and relatively minimal downtime, fillers are a great option if you are looking to address milder signs of aging without having a more invasive procedure that produces more dramatic results, such as a surgical facelift. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and to work with a skilled practitioner who can customize the treatment to your unique facial structure.
By understanding how fillers work and what to expect from the procedure, you can make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty and give you a boost of confidence without looking overdone.
