Fillers
FACIAL FILLERS
Facial fillers are gels made of hyaluronic acid. Unlike neuromodulators, they do not have a physiological effect on muscles and wrinkles, but instead are used to add volume to areas of deflation or hollowing and to provide a lifting force to soften lines in the face.
An option for both locals and those from areas close by like Milton or Kitchener, facial fillers are temporary solutions to aesthetic concerns and provide camouflage, volume and projection. Dr. Brace never uses permanent fillers as they are associated with permanent complications and problems.
There are many different filler brands and products within each brand. Fillers differ in how stiff the gel is, how much water they absorb, how much lift they provide, and how much inflammation they cause. All hyaluronic acid fillers are dissolvable, but this may be difficult and require multiple sessions.
FILLER BY DR. BRACE
When selecting a cosmetic filler injector, it is important to ensure that they have meticulous training, extensive experience and the proper safety measures in house and in place should a complication occur.
Dr. Brace specializes in surgery of the face. Through vast experience with cosmetic surgery, as well as cancer and trauma surgery, Dr. Brace’s intimate knowledge of facial anatomy and filler expertise is rivaled by few colleagues who share his training and similar experiences. Dr. Brace spent a dedicated year of training at the Ohio State University learning the art of facial fillers as part of his facial plastic surgery fellowship. With hundreds of cases of facial filler and thousands of syringes of experience, he brings unrivaled expertise to Guelph and the surrounding communities.
The art of facial filling requires an artistic eye, an intimate knowledge of the facial anatomy, and detailed understanding of the products being used. Proper product selection and placement is key for natural, safe, and beautiful results. Unnatural results occur when too much filler is used in an attempt to correct a facial feature better treated by laser or surgical modalities.
Who is a candidate for facial filler treatment?
Filler is used to camouflage or augment areas of the face where volume has been lost, is genetically absent or where deep lines have developed. Filler is safe in men and women and all skin types. There are no contraindications to filler treatment aside from allergy to the filler or lidocaine mixed with these gels.
The following are common treatment areas for filler:
- Deep lines between the eyes that do not resolve with Botox or Dysport
- Hollowed temples to reduce sunken appearance
- Hollowed and skeletal appearing upper eyelids to frame eye
- The tail of the eyebrow to create a lifted brow
- Cheeks and cheek bones to frame eyes and lift jowls and nasolabial folds
- Tear troughs and lower eyelid hollows to minimize shadows and darkness
- Nasal bridge to camouflage a bump or create a straighter looking nose
- Nasal tip to create more nasal projection
- Base of the nose to create the illusion of nasal rotation
- Nasolabial folds to reduce depth and create smooth transition to cheeks
- Upper lip skin to reduce deep lines
- Lips to increase height or size, to reduce wrinkles, to accentuate borders, to create stylized ‘keyhole’ lip appearance
- Marionette lines
- The corners of the mouth to provide support and lift from a downturned position
- Chin to increase projection and improve neck
- Jawline to enhance definition and sharpness
- Prejowl grooves
- Deep acne scars to reduce shadowing
Before & After
PROCEDURE
After consultation, a discussion of aesthetic goals, limitations of treatment, amount of product required and any pertinent risks; if you are a good candidate for filler, Dr. Brace will take baseline photographs to document your facial appearance. He will then have you sit in a semi-upright position and will cleanse your skin with antimicrobial wash. The target treatment areas will then be marked. Ice is usually applied pre-treatment. In some cases topical lidocaine numbing cream is also used but is not always necessary.
Dr. Brace will select the appropriate products to give you the best filler result possible. These are injected with a tiny needle in some areas, and with a cannula in others. Some products are placed deeply on bone; others are placed just below the skin surface. Dr. Brace will explain the procedure as it is happening and prepare you before any needle insertions.
Once the injections are complete, Dr. Brace will massage the product as required and provide gentle pressure on any areas of pin-point bleeding. Ice will be provided. In many cases an immediate post-procedure photograph will be taken and compared to the before photograph.
Bruising is uncommon but tends to be a higher risk when treating lower eyelids, lips, and nasolabial folds. You will be able to drive and carry on with your day in most cases. If a bruise does occur, Dr. Brace will offer pulse dye laser treatments to accelerate the resolution of the bruise. The laser treatment is usually done 2-3 days after the injection.
It is not uncommon for swelling to appear around the area of injection for the first 2-3 weeks. Gentle massage and ice is all that is required in these cases. Lips, and lower eyelids are at greatest risk for swelling.
At the 2-week mark, Dr. Brace’s office will contact you to ensure that you are happy with the results. If there is any left-over product from the treatment Dr. Brace will see you back to augment other areas as desired or to touch up any minor asymmetries. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation for facial fillers. Kitchener and Milton residents are just a short drive from our office in Guelph.
