Dermal Fillers in San Francisco, CA

What exactly are dermal fillers? Simply put, dermal fillers are injectables that restore volume to the face and neck. Unfortunately, as we age, the skin loses the plump appearance of youth. These injectables fill and lift these areas under the skin to correct lines, wrinkles, and hollows. For those interested, dermal fillers can also be used to make the lips fuller.

At the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, all consultations and treatments, including dermal fillers, are provided by our skin specialists. Our physicians have been thoroughly trained in all the injectable products we use, and they have extensive knowledge on how each works in the skin. As a result, these physicians have extensive experience in determining the proper dosage and placement of the injections to achieve the most beautiful results.

We are very particular about the treatments we offer; we study each treatment to determine if a particular product or technique is worthy of our patients. It is important that we can stand by every treatment and recommend it with confidence.

If you want to learn more about injectable dermal fillers, and specific products we offer, then keep reading. Or, if you are ready to schedule a consultation at the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, then contact us today by calling 415-362-2238.

Our Dermal Fillers

At the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, we offer three different groups of dermal fillers: Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Juvéderm® Voluma.

A thorough examination and an understanding of your medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for dermal fillers, as well as which class of fillers will provide the outcome you want. For those with wrinkles caused by muscle activity, such as from lines or crow’s feet, we recommend Botox® injections.

Restylane® in SF

Restylane®

Restylane® is made up of hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid fillers restore lost volume to the skin, improving nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth), marionette lines (lines from the mouth to the chin), smile lines, and lines above the upper lip (lip fillers).

After a numbing cream is applied to your skin and given at least 30 minutes to take effect, the injections themselves take less than a half hour to perform. The results from Restylane® injections last about six months.

Restylane® Refyne

Because of its advanced formulation, Restylane® Refyne’s soft, smooth gel can move dynamically along with facial movement; that means no more artificial-looking contours or fullness in the face. It’s typically used on moderate to severe wrinkles and the fine lines around the mouth known as smoker’s lines. It can also be effective on lifting drooping corners of the mouth. Restylane® Refyne can last up to a year.

Restylane® Defyne

Defyne is another dynamic gel from the Restylane® line; thanks to its flexible, yet sturdy gel, Restylane® Defyne can lift deep creases in the face and other hollowed-out areas. Because of its soft, smooth gel, Restylane® Defyne will flex and move naturally along with facial movement. It’s also incredibly sturdy, so patients will enjoy results for up to a year.

Restylane® Lyft (Perlane®)

Restylane® Lyft (previously known as Perlane®), is the filler from the Restylane® line designed to lift and contour the cheeks, as well as lift deep wrinkles. Thanks to a firm and sturdy gel, Restylane® Lyft can restore volume loss in the middle of the face for as long as a year.

Restylane® Silk

Restylane® Silk has a unique formulation that allows it to treat delicate areas like the lips and wrinkles around the lips—also known as smoker’s lines. By having smaller particles of hyaluronic acid in the formula, Restylane® Silk has a softer and smoother consistency.

Juvéderm® in SF

Juvéderm® is a smooth gel that, like Restylane®, is made up of hyaluronic acid. It smooths moderate to severe wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, and is also used for lip augmentation to make the lips fuller.

Like Restylane®, we apply a numbing cream before your injections, and Lidocaine is included in the formula to further ease discomfort. The treatment itself takes less than a half hour to perform. Juvéderm® injections can last six to nine months.

Image provided by Allergan.
Image provided by Allergan.

Juvéderm® Volbella

Volbella is a hyaluronic acid filler that’s designed for treating smoker’s lines and plumping up the lips. Thanks to an advanced formula, this filler from the Juvéderm® line can create natural-looking, subtle results. That means no overly-full lips or an unnatural-looking upper lip. Remarkably, Juvéderm® Volbella can last for up to two years.

Juvéderm® Voluma

Juvéderm® Voluma is a gel injectable also made up of hyaluronic acid. It is injected a bit deeper than regular Juvéderm®, and it is used to restore lost volume in the cheeks and under the eyes.

Like Restylane® and Juvéderm®, we apply a numbing cream before your injections, and Lidocaine is included in the formula to further ease discomfort. The treatment itself takes less than a half hour.

Voluma’s results last longer than other dermal fillers – as long as two years for some patients.

Image provided by Allergan.
Image provided by Allergan.

Juvéderm® Vollure

This hyaluronic acid filler from the Juvéderm® line is designed to treat moderate to severe wrinkles like marionette lines and nasolabial folds. It’s formulated using Vycross technology, so its gel is soft enough to look natural, but strong enough to last for 18 months.

Sculptra® in SF

Sculptra® is a dermal filler made of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, a biodegradable and biocompatible substance that can actually trigger collagen production. That means that means that on top of the instant volume Sculptra® provides, it also provides long-term collagen restoration. Sculptra® can target laugh lines, marionette lines, chin wrinkles, and other deep creases with the face. It can also target hollowed out, sunken cheeks. Overall, Sculptra®’s results can last for as long as 2 years.

Recovering from Dermal Fillers

Following the injection, you can go right back to work, as well as take part in other activities. However, you may experience some minor tenderness, bruising, itching, swelling, and redness at the injection sites for a few days. You can use makeup to cover any discoloration that may appear.

After Voluma, you may notice some lumps or hardness in the treatment areas. These are temporary, and we will give you instructions for massaging these lumps to help them smooth out.

Facial Fillers Bay Area – Frequently Asked Questions

Because dermal fillers are so popular among our patients, we are often asked various questions regarding the treatment. Below, you will see a list of frequently asked questions regarding dermal fillers. If you do not see your question, or still have questions or concerns, please reach out to us. We want all patients – both new and existing – to feel completely informed, comfortable, and prepared.

Contact the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco today by calling 415-362-2238.

Q: What are dermal fillers?

A: Dermal fillers are soft injectable gels that contain stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. While fillers are not permanent, they do provide long-lasting results and are commonly used to add volume, plump up, and reduce unwanted lines and folds.

Q: How do fillers work?

After the filler is injected, the results can be seen almost immediately because of the properties in the hyaluronic acid. The skin is volumized, and unwanted folds and wrinkles are smoothed out. As a result, the skin is left looking younger and smoother.

Q: What is the difference between Botox® and dermal fillers?

A: Many patients confuse Botox® with dermal fillers. Both are injectable treatments that are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, these treatments work in different ways.

Dermal fillers use an ingredient to physically fill wrinkles from the below the skin’s surface to reduce their appearance. Botox® uses a purified form of the botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the muscles that are known to cause wrinkles, like crow’s feet.

Q: How do you choose a filler?

A: One of the biggest differences between the fillers listed above is the size of the particles used. Therefore, a filler with smaller particles would be appropriate for smaller lines or wrinkles, while larger particles are needed for deeper wrinkles. During your consultation, your doctor will be able to determine which filler is best for you and your needs based on what goals you hope to see from treatment.

Q: What are the benefits of dermal fillers?

A: Depending on your wants and needs, dermal fillers can provide a variety of benefits, most notably, a reduction in wrinkles. Further, these fillers can help smooth the skin to create a more youthful appearance. Just one treatment can produce almost instant results that may last for six to nine months. Better yet, the results are natural-looking and will not affect any of your facial expressions.

Q: Who is an ideal candidate for dermal fillers

A: Whether you are a man or a woman, if you have undesired lines or wrinkles around the face, then dermal fillers may be the right treatment for you. These fillers can also add volume to the lips, cheeks, and hollows under the eyes. Though most ingredients in fillers are found naturally in the body, if you do suffer from allergies, extra precautions may need to be taken to ensure dermal fillers are right for you. As mentioned above, it will be important to discuss your medical history.

Q: How to make results last

A: While the effects of dermal fillers are long-lasting, they are not permanent. Oftentimes, results last anywhere from six to twelve months. There are different factors that can alter the length of time the results last, including our skin type and condition, age, lifestyle, and the particular area you have treated.

Q: Are fillers safe?

A: Remember, most ingredients in dermal fillers are found naturally in the body. Of course, with any type of cosmetic surgery or treatment, an unforeseen issue might arise. Yet, these issues are less common when you work with a trained professional. During your consultation, it is important to be upfront about your medical history and allergies in order to avoid any potential risks. Your doctor can detail these risks, which are possible, but highly unlikely. It is normal to experience some redness, swelling, itching, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site.

Q: What areas can dermal fillers treat?

A: Dermal fillers can treat a variety of areas. Commonly, these areas include the lines between the nose and corner of the mouth, the lines from the corner of the mouth and downward, and the lips (to enhance the shape, definition, and volume).

Q: How long do lip fillers last?

The longevity of lip fillers can vary depending on the specific product used and individual factors such as metabolism, but typically they can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Regular touch-ups can help maintain the desired look.

Testimonials

If you are considering dermal fillers, it is important to find an educated doctor that you can trust. Take a look at what other patients, patients just like you, are saying about the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco staff and services:

“I had a fabulous experience with some of the friendliest and welcoming staff at any doctor’s office I have been to in San Francisco. I had two separate treatments. I came five minutes early both times and did not have to wait. And . . . I am so happy with my results. I truly recommend this dermatology office to anyone!” – Satisfied Patient

“Dr. Scully is phenomenal. Kind, caring, and thorough! I saw her for my first ever injectables. I was nervous, and she made me feel relaxed and confident. If you want to see someone that genuinely cares and will not rush you out of the office, come here and see Dr. Scully. You will be happy you did.” – Satisfied Patient

“I love Dr. Matarasso! I’ve been three times! He’s so personal and professional. I always felt very at ease.” – Satisfied Patient

“Dr. Scully has it all! Intelligence, personality, experience, and a great sense of humor! Today was my first visit with her, and it won’t be my last. She took her time to explain all the options, offered recommendations, and ask about my thoughts. She is clearly there to be the best doctor possible, and i’m very pleased to be a patient of hers. Five starts are really not enough!” – Satisfied Patient

About the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco

At the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, our practice is based on collaboration. Each doctor respects and values one another’s education, training, and experience. We work together to ensure each of our patients are receiving the best care possible. Whether a patient wants to focus on treating skin diseases or receiving cosmetic treatments, we are here to provide only the best support and services.

Do you think dermal fillers might be right for you? Call us today for an appointment.