Dermal Filler

Individuals who are experiencing moderate to severe folds and lines, wrinkles, or volume loss due to age or who have a facial traits they would like changed can all benefit from a dermal filler.

If you are concerned about any of the following, then you may be a candidate for an injectable filler treatment:

• Deep lines between your eyebrows (frown lines)
• Wrinkles and lines around your eyes (crow’s feet)
• Hollow and depressed areas under your eyes (tear troughs)
• Deep lines around your mouth and the corners of your lips (Marionette lines)
• Deep nasolabial folds and lines
• Jowls or irregular jaw contour
• Poor Lip Definition
• Small or deflated lips 
• A loss of cheek volume 
• Small chin 

 Dermal fillers are administered through injection using a fine needle. The procedure can be done during a short visit to our office, often during a lunch hour. Fillers contain lidocaine, a numbing agent that helps alleviate pain or discomfort during the injection. A topical anaesthetic may also be used. 

The procedure varies with the filler your injector will use, the part of the body to be treated, and your medical history. Here are some general guidelines about what you can expect: Most simple filler treatments take between 45-60 minutes and require one office visit. Before getting the injections, you may need an anesthetic applied to the skin. This varies with the filler and area to be treated.  Your injector will inject the filler into the area, often giving you several injections to produce the best results.  You may feel a stinging or burning sensation as the filler is injected.  

 Hyaluronic Acid (HA) 

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) 

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12-18 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for structure to support deeper lines and wrinkles. 

Upon arrival, you will fill out any required paperwork if it's your first time getting cosmetic injections with us.  You will then sit with Dr. Benard and discuss the areas you would like to see improvement and in as little as 60 minutes, you'll be finished!  Dr. Benard believes a comprehensive consultation to understand your aesthetic goals and determine a customized treatment design is the key to achieving desired results. Filler injections are done with small syringes so discomfort is minimal - if you feel anything at all.  At most, you'll feel a bit of a pinch.  There is no downtime, however, some bruising, redness and swelling to the injection site is expected.  Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most of our clients find that the treatment is more comfortable than expected!  Depending on area being treated, clients are numbed using a topical cream that works before the injection, plus our products also contain lidocaine in them so you will begin to feel numb from that too. If you are still nervous, our injector also can also provide a stress ball or a vibrating tool to distract you from the injections. 

Many clients are able to return to their normal activities afterward. However, it is important that you are aware of a few possible side effects from injections, including:  

Swelling and/or bruising

Bleeding at the site of the injections 

Redness and tenderness at the injection sites 

We do everything as injectors to help prevent and avoid bruising, including the application of ice packs and holding pressure post injection.  Bruising is the most common side effect to any injection.  It's a needle penetrating your skin so we usually recommend to always plan AS IF you will bruise. There are also things you can do prior to any injection that will help as well. 

Here is a quick list you can refer to prior to treatment:   

-One week prior to injections avoid the following medications/supplements: aspirin (do not stop if prescribed by a physician), NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aleeve, Motrin etc.), St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E, Multivitamins, Krill Oil, Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oils, Omega-3, Gingko, Ginseng, Garlic and Glucosamine.   

-Eat FRESH pineapple, as it contains bromelain which has been known to decrease bruising

-Arnica tablets 5 days prior to injection, or topical arnica after injection

-No alcohol consumption 2 days prior to injections   

-No intense exercise just prior to your appointment

-Use an ice pack

-Sleep with an extra pillow the night of the treatment to keep your head elevated