Dermal Fillers

Injectable fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are an excellent non-surgical option for treating wrinkles and folds and enhancing the contours of the face. There is a common misconception that fillers can make someone look overdone and unnatural, however, with the aesthetic placement of an appropriate type and amount of filler, a beautiful and youthful appearance can be achieved. Non-surgical rejuvenation has evolved over time. There are many new techniques and safe types of fillers available for use. Fillers are used to replace volume in areas that are hollow and flat, to provide beautiful facial contouring and to lift and smooth the skin. To optimize safety, treatments should be performed by someone with appropriate training and knowledge of facial anatomy. Men and women can restore the youthful harmony of their faces by getting injectable facial fillers in Vancouver and Richmond.

The most common facial fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid (HA) which is something found naturally in our body. HA is a natural component in our bodies, as part of the extracellular matrix, that provides structural and biochemical support to the cells in our body.  It is important component of skin and cartilage. HA are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb water. This results in hydration of the skin, if HA is injected in the appropriate skin level. Hydrating of the skin can help to smooth the skin. HA fillers are not permanent and can last for up to 8-12 months, depending on the type of filler and location placed.

Injectable Fillers can be performed alone, with Neurotoxin treatments, or following other procedures such as Blepharoplasty, Facelift, Neck Contouring, and other Facial Rejuvenation procedures.   It is an excellent option for patients who would like to look and feel refreshed, without having the downtime from surgery, or who may not be ready to have surgery. Good candidates for dermal filler treatment are those with relatively good skin quality, in good medical health, and have reasonable expectations.

Popular treatment areas include:

• Lips
• Cheeks
• Temples
• Forehead
• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
• Nasolabial folds
• Lower facial lines around the mouth (marionette lines)
• Chin
• Jawline and jowls
• Tops of the hands

Injectable Fillers are performed in the office with no required anesthetic or with topical anesthetic and ice. Occasionally, specific local anesthetic blocks can be used to improve your comfort with the procedure. You will be able to go home after the procedure, or return to work and regular activities that same day if desired. The refreshed results appear immediately, with swelling seen immediately after treatment that resolves after one week. Bruising is not uncommon and can take up to 2-3 weeks to resolve. Some feel some minimal discomfort after dermal filler placement, and this can be managed with icing and over- the-counter pain medication.  Placing makeup over the bruising after the treatment can be performed a day after treatment.  Final results can be seen usually 1 month after treatment, which is a good time to return for follow up for any touch ups.

Filler treatments are safe, as long as you receive treatment by an experienced injector that has knowledge of facial anatomy and the potential danger areas, especially the distribution of the facial arteries and nerves.  While rare,  complications can occur including infection and nodule formation. Serious complications includes vascular occlusion and blindness.

To learn more about fillers treatments, request a consultation with Dr. Ho by calling our office at 604.273.1034 or contact us through the website to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.