What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal Fillers are used in aesthetic treatments to address the loss of volume in your skin, to fill wrinkles, or to plump a certain part of your face, such as the lips. They are composed of hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate (sugar derivative) that develops naturally throughout the body. Hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen and other skin matrix components to improve skin elasticity and hydration in addition to improving volume. At the Ottawa Derm Centre, we use a variety of dermal fillers to address each patients’ aesthetic goals.

Who is an ideal candidate?

Individuals looking to soften the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sunken areas on the face can benefit from dermal fillers, as well as those looking to plump up a certain part of their face. It is a great option for those looking for subtle improvements without undergoing surgery or experiencing any downtime. In consultation with one of our specialists, we will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dermal filler. This will depend on your treatment goals, coupled with your age, skin quality and condition, and genetics. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should postpone this treatment.

Approximately 7-10 days before your treatment, you should avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, and Aleve. You should also avoid such supplements as St. John’s Wort, Gingko Biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E during that time. Other products to avoid include topical applications such as tretinoin, retinol, retinoids, glycolic acid, or any anti-aging products. You should also avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or any other hair removal. Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior. You should arrive at the clinic with a clean face, without any makeup.

Is there any downtime?

Most patients return to their regular activities immediately following their treatment. Some patients may experience temporary redness, bruising or minor swelling of the treated area in the first 24 to 48 hours following the treatment. It may be recommended to avoid physical exercise for the first 24 hours post treatment.

Each patient will require different amounts of the product to obtain their ideal and natural results. Before your treatment, the targeted area will be cleaned, and a topical numbing cream may be applied to ensure your comfort. A small syringe will be used to inject a precise amount of filler beneath the skin. The injection itself feels kind of like a splinter, but if it’s done properly, the pain should go away right away. The lips may swell a little for a few hours after the procedure. It can feel a bit unsettling, but it should never be painful.

How long does a treatment take?

Your dermal filler procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. This will depend on the area being treated, and the amount of filler required. If a topical numbing cream is used, you will need to wait approximately an hour for it to settle before the treatment can commence.

When will I notice results?

You will see a visible result immediately after injection. It may take up to 4 weeks for the filler to fully integrate into the tissue. We advise our patients to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated after treatment, as hyaluronic-based fillers are water-binding. Results may last anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the type and amount of filler used.