Dermal fillers are minimally invasive, convenient, and long lasting. They are best known for anti-aging treatment, filling in wrinkles and folds, and replacing lost facial volume. At our office, we use a variety of dermal fillers to create a more youthful facial appearance or to sculpt and enhance your facial contours.

All fillers used in our office have been tested for safety and efficacy and approved by the FDA. Many can be used off-label to treat additional areas of the face and body. The best choice depends on a wide variety of factors, including the severity of volume loss, the area to be treated, and your treatment goals. Dr. Ostad will conduct a comprehensive examination and consultation before recommending the best fillers for your concerns. A customized treatment plan often includes different fillers used in different areas to achieve the best possible results. Contact Ariel Ostad MD PC to schedule an appointment and learn about your options.

Yes, fillers come in a whole variety of texture, thickness (viscosity) and structure. Placement of filler also impacts how long they will last due to constant motion. For example, fillers placed in cheeks as opposed to lips last longer due to less mobility. Thicker fillers with more viscosity take longer to dissolve and can last up to 2 years.

Not all areas of the face will swell from fillers. This side effect also varies for each individual. If swelling occurs, it typically lasts for the first 24 hours post treatment.

During your filler treatment, you should expect minor discomfort. The skill of the injector will limit this discomfort. Most fillers often have a numbing agent as well, which decreases the chance for pain.

Clients may experience swelling, redness and bruising post filler treatment; however, pre-procedure instructions such as limiting alcohol 48 hours prior to treatment and avoiding certain medications/vitamins can significantly decrease the chance of these side effects. Patients can discuss these instructions with Dr. Ostad and staff to ensure they are well-prepared for their visit. Having an expert injector dramatically reduces the risk of unwanted side effects. The most serious side effect of dermal fillers is vascular occlusion. This happens when filler is inadvertently placed in a facial artery and blocks blood flow and can cause skin necrosis. This risk is dramatically minimized by using a blunt tipped cannula to place filler in the cheeks, under eyes and nasolabial folds.

The maximum effect of fillers takes place about 2 weeks post injection.

Fillers, like any cosmetic procedure, should always be performed by a competent injector. When done correctly, fillers do not cause any undesired effects. In short, fillers do not cause sagging when appropriately placed in one’s anatomy. They actually lift the skin and jawline.

No, in fact, they do the opposite. Fillers help slow the aging process. Overtime, our body loses collagen causing sagging and wrinkling. Fillers are made of a natural substance, hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar molecule found naturally in our collagen. This treatment will replace lost collagen and stimulate new collagen production.

It is advised to avoid alcohol, certain vitamins, and medications for the first 24 hours as these can cause increased chance of bruising.

Depending upon site and type of filler, fillers can last up to 2 years or even longer.

Yes, dermal fillers can improve under-eye bags. Over time, lower eyelid skin appears thinner due to a weakened orbital septum. Fillers can help to smooth the area between the lower eyelid and cheek, improving the appearance of eye bags.

Filler can used to address deep forehead creases that do not respond to Botox. It also helps to improve laugh lines, lift cheeks, improve jawline, frown lines, chest crepiness, buttock dimples and even help the appearance of indented scars.