Dermal Fillers

IN LONG BEACH, CA AND SERVING LA, ORANGE COUNTY AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

When we smile, frown, squint, or make any of the hundreds of facial expressions humans are capable of, tiny muscle contractions subtly shift the position of our facial skin. Over time, these muscle contractions and skin movements result in lines and creases, which grow deeper and more pronounced as we age.

These movement-related wrinkles (also called “dynamic wrinkles”) often appear near the eyes, in between the eyebrows, and across the forehead. Botox® and Jeuveau® are among the simplest, fastest, and most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments, acting to reduce facial lines and wrinkles without surgery.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers

Your Consultation for Dermal Fillers

During your consultation, you can expect to learn about the different types of dermal fillers and the advantages of each one. Dr. Waltzman will listen to your concerns and recommend a plan that addresses them most effectively. With his patient, compassionate approach to consultations, Dr. Waltzman achieves a more detailed understanding of what you want and how to provide it. 

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Dermal fillers in Long Beach are generally divided into three categories: hyaluronic acid-based fillers, non-hyaluronic acid fillers, and autologous fillers.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. This moisture-binding substance helps the skin stay plump and hydrated. When used in injectables, hyaluronic acid creates a smoothing effect by filling in fine lines and facial wrinkles. It can also create a subtle lifting effect for areas of the face that are starting to droop, and it can restore volume to parts of the face that have lost their youthful fullness.

Autologous filler, also called fat transfer or fat grafting, is a facial filler technique that uses a patient’s own fat. During this procedure, fat is harvested from the body using a gentle liposuction technique. After the fat has been purified for transfer, it is injected into the face.

Fat is an incredibly versatile facial filler. It can be injected into nearly any part of the face to augment features, plump the lips, provide rejuvenation and enhance facial contours. While part of the transferred fat cells will be reabsorbed by the body, the fat that remains will establish a blood supply and stay there indefinitely. Some Long Beach patients may try temporary dermal fillers initially and then eventually choose fat transfer as a long-lasting option.

Most patients do not experience discomfort during their injections. Many fillers contain lidocaine (a numbing agent) in their formulations to decrease discomfort, and you may also receive additional local anesthetic so that your treatment is as painless as possible.

Am I a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Since fillers are minimally invasive, they are a safe, effective option for most healthy people seeking facial rejuvenation. For Long Beach patients seeking optimal rejuvenation, a combination of dermal fillers with Botox® is sometimes recommended. No matter your cosmetic concerns, Dr. Josh Waltzman will help you explore your full range of options.

What Do Dermal Fillers Treat?

Men and women considering dermal fillers in Long Beach typically exhibit the following:

  • Facial lines and wrinkles, especially deep forehead lines, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines
  • Sunken cheeks
  • Appearance of “eye bags” due to volume loss
  • Mild skin laxity on the cheek/jowl area
  • Thinning lips

Deep forehead lines and eyebrow furrows are some of the most frustrating signs of age. Dermal fillers in Long Beach can beautifully smooth out bothersome lines and wrinkles and produce an overall rejuvenated appearance. These versatile injectables can also restore lost volume to the temples and under the eyes for a youthful, refreshed look.

When volume is lost from the cheek and jaw area, it tends to produce a sunken-in look. It can also cause facial tissues to droop and show severe frown lines. When volume is replenished with facial fillers, youthful contours, and a subtly lifted appearance can be regained. Fillers can also augment facial features for patients who feel that their faces lack ideal definition.

Many people desire more volume in their lips, whether due to aging or genetics. Dermal fillers are an excellent option for plumping up the lips, and this treatment is an attractive alternative for those who want to avoid lip implants. Lip augmentation with fillers can be completely customized to your preferred aesthetic.

When injected in the appropriate areas of the face and used in conjunction with neurotoxins and skin resurfacing treatments, a liquid facelift enhances the face non-surgically. However, the surgical route may be a better option because of different factors, such as the tissue being too heavy or too stretchy or what you want, requiring more than fillers. This will also be discussed, and a consultation with Dr. Waltzman can be scheduled.

What Results Can I Expect From Dermal Fillers?

You will see results immediately after the injection. However, be mindful that you can expect some redness, swelling, and bruising right after the injection. Allow 3-4 weeks for the filler to integrate with the skin. Fillers generally last 9 to 15 months; however, studies show that they last a lot longer than 15 months. In fact, studies show filler has been found to last for more than five years.

This depends on what type of filler was used and where it was injected. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm® generally last between 6 and 12 months. Radiesse® can last over a year, and Sculptra® can last up to two years. Fat cells that survive transfer will last long term, making fat transfer the longest-lasting option. 

What is Recovery Like After Dermal Fillers?

You may experience mild swelling or bruising at the injection site that lasts up to a week, but you can resume your regular activities immediately after treatment. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled in 3 weeks. During the 3-week recovery time, expect some bruising, swelling, and possible lumps, which will slowly settle and integrate with the tissue. 

Why Choose Dr. Waltzman for Dermal Fillers?

As effective as dermal fillers can be, their best results only emerge in the most skilled, experienced hands. Dr. Waltzman and his team of aesthetic nurses will choose from a range of filler options to achieve results as subtle or dramatic as you prefer. With options beyond the most common filler types, they can customize your dermal filler procedure to your treatment goals. 

Take the Next Step

When you are ready to consider dermal fillers, reach out to The Waltzman Institute Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at (562) 448-6100 to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about our many aesthetic enhancement options.

We are located in Long Beach and serve patients in LA county, Orange County, the South Bay and all of Southern California. You’ll find that we are fully committed to the best possible experience and outcomes for all of our patients!

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