We pride ourselves on offering top-tier dermal filler treatments administered by our expert injector. With her extensive training and artistic eye, she specializes in creating natural-looking results that enhance your unique beauty. Our clinic, under the guidance of Dr. James Lee, combines medical expertise with aesthetic precision to deliver safe, effective, and personalized filler treatments.
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Before & After photographs shown on this site are actual patients of Dr. James Lee who have given their permission to have their photos published online. They are for illustrative purposes only; individual results vary. We do not guarantee outcomes, and no prediction of outcome is implied. Individual healing characteristics and unexpected complications can affect the outcome of any surgery.
The natural aging process can affect the facial skin, fat, bone structure, and muscles, with changes in one tissue layer impacting the others. Other factors, such as sun exposure, smoking, heredity, and lifestyle, can also contribute to the early signs of facial aging.
As we age, natural substances such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid that give youthful skin its structure and appearance are gradually lost. Collagen loss results in thinning the middle layer of skin (dermis), whereas loss of elastin and hyaluronic acid reduces the skin’s ability to retain elasticity and moisture, respectively. Aging also leads to the loss of facial volume due to the redistribution and degeneration of facial fat and the resorption (loss) of the facial bone structure.
The combined effect of the structural changes in the facial soft tissues is responsible for the signs of facial aging, which may include:
Injectable dermal fillers can provide men and women with a temporary, non-surgical solution for softening facial lines and restoring the features of a youthful face. Although injectable dermal fillers do not stop the aging process, they may help delay the need for more invasive procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift.
Injectable fillers can be used to:
Ideal candidates for facial injectable filler treatment include healthy individuals concerned with a mild to moderate degree of facial aging who desire a more refreshed and youthful appearance to their face. Candidates should also have realistic goals about the results achieved with injectable fillers.
Injectable dermal/facial filler procedures are performed in an office setting.
Facial Assessment And Mapping
Our team will evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone and examine the areas of your face to be augmented/treated. Strategic points on your face may be marked as the desired injection sites for the filler.
Cleansing And Anesthetizing
The injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent. Either a local anesthetic cream, injection, or both will be used to numb the skin so that you will be as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
Injections
Multiple injections are often necessary to fill wrinkles or recessed scars.
Lip enhancement with dermal fillers also requires multiple injections to:
The process of injecting, massaging the injection site, and evaluating the results is repeated until the desired results are achieved. Depending on the number of areas to be treated, the entire treatment process may be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in your body that helps maintain facial fullness and skin elasticity. It also plays an important role in the way our skin looks, feels, and functions. Dermal fillers are effective for adding volume to thin lips and filling facial creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) and in the jowl area (marionette lines).
Hyaluronic acid may also be effective for the treatment of surface wrinkles and concave grooves under the eyes (nasojugal grooves) and in the forehead region. Different filler brands are formulated with specific ingredients and properties tailored to meet specific needs, which include:
These products contain lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and varying concentrations of hyaluronic acid. The viscosity or stiffness of a dermal filler, also known as “G prime,” refers to the product’s ability to maintain its shape and resist deformation. The type of dermal filler utilized during your treatment is dependent on the area treated and how much support and definition are required.
Lower G prime dermal fillers are softer and ideal for injecting into the lips. They provide natural-looking volume and hydration, allowing for smooth and flexible movement. Full lips with a defined border are often linked with youthfulness and beauty.
Medium G prime dermal fillers are commonly used to soften and fill in moderate to deep lines and folds around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds). This type of filler can also be used to address marionette lines, which extend from the corners of the mouth downward. These lines can affect our facial expressions and may cause us to appear sad or older.
Higher G prime dermal fillers are firmer and are often used to augment and contour. This type of dermal filler was specially designed to restore lost volume and enhance the cheeks, jaw, and/or jawline, creating a more balanced profile.
You will receive a thorough medical evaluation with Kristine during your consultation to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for dermal filler injections. Under Dr. Lee's supervision, he may revise your medication list, as you may be asked to stop certain medications for a few days before your treatment.
After carefully assessing your facial anatomy and evaluating your aesthetic goals, we will review your available options and help you develop the best treatment plan for your desired results.
There is essentially no downtime with dermal filler treatments. Most activities can be resumed almost immediately. You may be advised not to wear makeup for up to 12 hours after your treatment and to not put pressure/massage the treated area. You may also be told to avoid the sun and cold temperatures, as well as saunas and steam rooms, for 2 weeks.
The treated areas may initially appear “over-filled.” You may experience temporary injection-related reactions such as mild swelling, pain, firmness, bumps, bruising, numbness, redness, and itching at the treatment site. These reactions are usually mild to moderate in nature and generally resolve in 7 days or less.
You'll notice immediate improvements following your treatment, with results continuing to refine over the next 1-2 weeks as the filler settles and integrates with your tissues. Depending on the type of filler used and the area treated, results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Ideal candidates for dermal fillers are individuals who:
During your consultation, Nurse Kristine will determine if dermal fillers are the right option for you based on your unique needs and medical history.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. We use fillers containing lidocaine and can apply topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort.
Results typically last 6-18 months, depending on the filler type and area treated. Nurse Kristine will discuss expected longevity during your consultation.
Yes, fillers can be combined with other treatments like Botox® for a comprehensive rejuvenation approach. Nurse Kristine can create a tailored treatment plan to address all your concerns.
Complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific type of filler used and the relative permanence of the substance.
Risks and complications include:
Most fillers dissipate over time; you will thus need to consider repeating treatment to maintain your results. Dr. Lee and Kristine will thoroughly discuss these risks (and possibly others) with you and answer any questions you might have prior to obtaining your consent for treatment.
