What is filler?
Filler is typically any material that is used to “fill” an area of our face such as our lips or cheeks. The typical material used today is hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring compound in nature. We use the Juvederm line of products and have had great success with it.
How long does filler last?
Filler typically lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the product used. The longest lasting filler used is Voluma which is typically only used for cheek augmentation.
Is filler reversible?
Filler can be reversed as there is an injectable product (hyaluronidase) that can catalyze and remove the filler.
Are there any risks with filler?
Just like all medical procedures, there are risks and benefits of filler. The risks are low but you should always be aware of them prior to any procedure. The best way to talk about both the risks and benefits of filler is to have a discussion with your provider.
Can fat be used as a filler?
Yes, however fat can be less predictable than hyaluronic acid fillers. Because fat is composed of living cells, some of the fat that is used as filler may not survive and some of the fat that does survive can change with time such as enlarge or shrink (such as with weight gain or loss). Fat has its role as a filler, but its best to talk to your surgeon to learn about all the options for fillers.