DERMAL FILLERS
DERMAL FILLERS AT GAVAYA
Dermal fillers counteract the signs of aging by replenishing lost volume and stimulating collagen production in the skin. Ideal for various areas, including the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth, these fillers restore a natural, vibrant appearance. Fillers can enhance volume, shape, and definition when applied to the lips, achieving a natural or more sensuous look according to your preferences.
BENEFITS OF DERMAL FILLERS
You’ll experience a wide range of facial rejuvenation benefits from dermal fillers. They can be used to:
- Smooth lines and wrinkles
- Fill nasolabial folds and contour your jawline or chin
- Restore the youthful “triangle” to your facial shape
- Restore youthful fullness to your cheeks, lips, and mouth area
- Remove hollows under your eyes
- Lift drooping corners of your mouth
- Recontour your nose
- Soften lipstick lines
- Lift the droop of your nose
Dermal fillers are a versatile treatment that can temporarily help improve many issues associated with facial aging. They may be a good alternative for those with mild to moderate signs of aging and who are not ready for more extensive facial plastic surgery. Dermal fillers can in some cases even allow you to “try on” a more projected chin before you make surgical decisions – or instead of surgical procedures.
HOW DO DERMAL FILLERS WORK?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to add volume beneath the skin. They are commonly made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. When placed strategically, fillers may help smooth facial creases, restore volume loss, and support subtle contour enhancement. At Gavaya, we prefer a conservative approach designed to create refined, more natural-appearing results.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DERMAL FILLERS?
Candidates for dermal fillers typically include individuals who have experienced facial volume loss or wish to address specific areas with mild to moderate soft tissue deficiency. Reasonable skin quality and realistic goals are important. Patients with certain medical conditions or allergies may not be suitable candidates. Our providers conduct a thorough evaluation prior to recommending treatment.
WHAT CAN DERMAL FILLERS NOT DO?
For some clients, surgery, such as a facelift, browlift or eyelift, may be the best approach. Nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments, such as soft tissue fillers, cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate. It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments are needed for long-term results.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF JUVEDERM DERMAL FILLERS?
Patients are often surprised to discover it isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all filler — it’s actually a whole family of specialized formulations. Each product is made from hyaluronic acid, but the way the molecules are crosslinked and the density of the gel are tailored to different parts of the face and different treatment goals. This means that no matter your concern — subtle lip lines, deep folds, or volume loss in the cheeks — there’s a JUVÉDERM filler designed to work for you.
Here’s a closer look at the most popular JUVÉDERM products:
JUVÉDERM Ultra XC
One of the original and most versatile members of the JUVÉDERM family. It has a smooth, pliable gel texture that makes it ideal for adding fullness to lips and softening moderate facial wrinkles. Its flexibility means it moves naturally with your expressions, creating a youthful look that doesn’t appear stiff. Ultra XC also contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to make the injections more comfortable.
JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC
Similar to Ultra, this formula has a thicker, more robust consistency. That makes it better suited for deeper wrinkles and folds, where a stronger filler is needed to provide structure and support. It’s often used for patients with more advanced signs of aging who need more significant correction.
JUVÉDERM Volbella XC
This formulation is specifically designed for delicate areas, particularly the lips and the fine lines that develop around the mouth. Volbella has a softer, silkier texture and is made with a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid, which allows it to create subtle, natural-looking enhancement. It’s a popular choice for patients who want definition and smoothness without noticeably increasing the volume of their lips.
JUVÉDERM Vollure XC
Vollure strikes a balance between flexibility and staying power. Its medium-consistency gel is excellent for softening moderate to severe facial lines and folds, such as nasolabial folds, while still allowing natural movement of the skin. It also tends to last longer than some of the earlier Juvederm products — up to 18 months in many patients.
JUVÉDERM Voluma XC
As the thickest and most lifting of the JUVÉDERM fillers, Voluma is specifically formulated for restoring lost volume in the midface and creating more youthful cheek contours. Its firmer structure allows it to hold shape under the skin, adding noticeable lift and support where age-related volume loss has left hollow or sagging areas. Results from Voluma can last up to two years, making it a favorite for patients who want a long-lasting improvement in their cheek area.
Each of these products is designed with a specific purpose in mind — from subtle refinements to significant rejuvenation — and understanding their unique properties helps us recommend the right combination to meet your goals.
Which JUVÉDERM Product is Best For Lips?
One of the most popular uses of JUVÉDERM is lip enhancement, and there are two excellent formulations specifically designed for this delicate area.
For patients looking for a subtle, natural-looking lip enhancement with added definition, JUVÉDERM Volbella XC is ideal. It’s a soft, smooth filler that can improve lip shape, restore lost volume, and reduce vertical lip lines (“smoker’s lines”) without creating an overly full look.
If you prefer a more noticeable, plump lip result, JUVÉDERM Ultra XC is often the better choice. Ultra XC has a slightly thicker consistency, allowing for fuller, more dramatic lip volume while still maintaining a natural appearance.
So, when patients ask us which JUVÉDERM is best for lips, the answer really depends on whether you want subtle refinement or more noticeable fullness, and we’ll help you choose the perfect product for your goals.
Which JUVÉDERM Product Is the Best For Lines Around Your Mouth?
If your main concern is the creases that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth (called nasolabial folds) or the lines that run down from the corners of your mouth (marionette lines), JUVÉDERM has excellent options.
JUVÉDERM Vollure XC is widely regarded as the best choice for lines around the mouth. Its smooth gel formula is designed to treat moderate to severe lines while still allowing for natural facial movement. Patients love that it softens deep folds without creating a stiff or overfilled appearance.
For deeper folds or patients with more pronounced lines, JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC can also be a good option because of its thicker consistency and stronger volumizing ability.
If you’re wondering which JUVÉDERM is the best for lines around your mouth, our recommendation will depend on the depth of your lines and your desired level of correction — something we’ll discuss during your consultation at Gavaya.
Which JUVÉDERM Product is Best For Wrinkles?
When it comes to general wrinkle treatment, the best JUVÉDERM product depends on the depth and location of the wrinkles. For fine lines and surface wrinkles, JUVÉDERM Volbella XC works beautifully because of its smooth, soft texture. It’s excellent for delicate areas like around the lips and under the eyes.
For moderate to deep wrinkles and folds in the lower face, JUVÉDERM Vollure XC provides longer-lasting correction and maintains flexibility for natural facial expressions.
If you’re mainly concerned about wrinkles, we’ll evaluate your skin and determine whether Volbella or Vollure — or a combination of both — would give you the best results.
Which JUVÉDERM Product is Best For Cheeks?
As we age, the mid-face can lose volume, causing the cheeks to look sunken and the skin to sag. To restore youthful contours and lift to the cheeks, JUVÉDERM Voluma XC is the gold standard.
Voluma has a thicker, firmer consistency specifically formulated to provide support and lift in the cheek area. Results can last up to two years — longer than most other fillers — making it a great choice for patients who want long-term improvement in facial fullness.
If you want to rejuvenate your cheeks and achieve a youthful, lifted look, Voluma is the clear winner.
How Do I Know Which JUVÉDERM is Right For Me?
With so many options available, it’s natural to feel unsure about which JUVÉDERM filler is right for you. The good news is, you don’t have to know. During your consultation we will take the time to examine your unique anatomy- facial structure and skin condition, discuss your concerns, and your cosmetic goals. We take care of narrowing down your options and will discuss the differences in the recommended JUVÉDERM product — or combination of products — that will deliver the most natural, beautiful results.
We’re here to answer your questions, explain how each filler works, and design a treatment plan that’s completely customized to you. Whether you’re focused on lips, cheeks, wrinkles, or lines around your mouth, we’ll help you choose the best JUVÉDERM solution.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DERMAL FILLERS
What areas of the face are commonly treated with fillers?
Fillers can be used in different areas based on your individual anatomy and goals. Common treatment spots include the cheeks, laugh lines (nasolabial folds), lips, jawline, temples, and under-eye hollows. During your consultation, we will assess your facial features to identify the best areas for potential treatment.
What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
Botox and dermal fillers are both injectable treatments, but they serve distinct purposes. Botox temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles to diminish the appearance of dynamic lines, such as forehead creases or crow’s feet. Fillers, on the other hand, help restore volume and structure to static areas affected by aging or changes in facial shape. In some cases, both treatments may be used together to achieve optimal results.
Can I get Botox and fillers in the same visit?
Yes, you can absolutely get Botox and dermal fillers at the same time, as they treat different types of wrinkles and volume loss, complementing each other, with Botox targeting dynamic wrinkles (movement-based) and fillers addressing static wrinkles (at rest) and lost volume. It’s safe and common.
Using Botox and fillers together can prolong the results of treatment, and address multiple areas of the face simultaneously for the most natural looking results.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The longevity of fillers varies based on the type of product utilized, the treatment area, and your metabolism. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 to 18 months. Fillers administered to the cheeks and jawline typically have a longer longevity compared to those placed in regions with greater movement, such as the lips.
With the exclusion of the permanent fillers, your body gradually breaks down the filler material over time. And repeated filler injection does not cause any sort of permanent damage to the skin or soft tissue. So if you decide to stop getting fillers you’ll simply gradually return to your pre-filler appearance.
How much filler should I expect to get?
Many people are concerned about the number of fillers they should get, and typically do not realize how much filler is in a syringe.
To visualize the volume, consider that a standard ketchup packet contains what is equal to 10 syringes (10 ml) worth of product.
Understanding Your Treatment Plan
Achieving natural-looking facial rejuvenation or smoothing fine lines often (but not always) requires more than one syringe for the following reasons:
- Volume Restoration: We assess age-related bone structure changes and fat pad loss to determine the precise amount needed to restore youthful contours.
- Strategic Placement: The focus is on facial balancing—using small, strategic amounts across multiple areas (like cheeks, jawline, and chin) to create a refreshed, undetectable result rather than overfilling a single spot.
- Realistic Expectations: One syringe (1 ml) is roughly 1/5th of a teaspoon; while this is perfect for subtle lip enhancements, it may not be enough to address deep volume loss in the mid-face.
Our goal is always to align treatment with your aesthetic goals, ensuring you look like a “refreshed” version of yourself. It is all about your expectations and the results you want to see!
Can dermal fillers be reversed?
Yes, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This option is usually available if adjustments are needed or if a patient decides they’d like to reverse the result. Be aware that it may be difficult or impossible to remove some filler materials.
Reversals are rare, however, as most patients are pleased with their result.
How is filler injected?
Filler may be injected with a needle or a cannula. A cannula is a long, blunt needle that can help to decrease bruising and lower the risk of adverse events associated with filler.
What are the side effects of fillers?
Common and Temporary Side Effects
These typically occur shortly after the injection and generally resolve on their own within a few days to two weeks.
- Swelling and Bruising: Reported in up to 80% of patients, swelling typically peaks within 24–48 hours before declining.
- Redness and Tenderness: It is normal to feel warmth or sensitivity around the injection site as the skin reacts to the punctures.
- Lumps or Bumps: Small, soft lumps may be felt under the skin as the filler settles; these can often be smoothed out with gentle massage.
- Itching or Rash: Mild irritation is common but should be reported if it persists, as it could indicate an allergic reaction.
Rarer or Delayed Complications
Some side effects may not appear until weeks or months after the procedure.
- Infection: Signs include persistent redness, warmth, fever, or pus at the injection site.
- Tyndall Effect: A bluish tint under the skin may occur if the filler is injected too superficially.
- Granulomas or Nodules: These are hard, sometimes inflammatory lumps that form as an immune response to the filler material and may need to be treated with injections, oral antibiotics, or surgically removed.
- Filler Migration: The product may move from the original site, leading to asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.
Serious Risks (Seek Immediate Help)
Though extremely rare, these complications can have permanent consequences.
- Vascular Occlusion: Occurs if filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, potentially leading to skin necrosis (tissue death), blindness, or stroke.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis can cause difficulty breathing and requires urgent medical intervention.
We maintain emergency kits and protocols that “discount” clinics may overlook.
Do dermal fillers hurt?
This is probably the most common question when it comes to fillers. While everyone has a different level of pain tolerance. Getting filler can be a bit uncomfortable, but we implement several techniques to make the experience as close to pain-free as possible.
-First, we use a topical numbing cream to numb the skin before the injection. We’ve tried various formulations from different pharmacies, and the one we’re currently using works really well. Letting the cream sit for at least 15 minutes beforehand makes a big difference in comfort, especially for lip fillers.
-Second, I apply an ice pack to the area for a few seconds right before each injection. This not only helps to reduce pain but also constricts blood vessels to minimize bruising.
-Lastly, we use a handy little tool called a beauty bar. This device, about the size and shape of a disposable razor, creates a gentle vibration when turned on. Applying the it close to the injection points helps distract your nerves from the sensation, making the process more comfortable. The result? Less pain and a smoother experience.
Managing Post-Filler Discomfort:
To help alleviate any discomfort after fillers, you can use cold compresses on the treated areas. Other than that, over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen also helps manage mild pain.
Moreover, to further minimize the initial swelling and discomfort during the healing phase, avoid sitting or sleeping in hot environments and touching or picking the injection sites. Make sure to have prior arrangements done to get plenty of rest for optimal recovery and the best results.
You will be provided with a detailed post-filler care instruction sheet.
How long will it take for the swelling to settle?
When getting fillers, you must know that bruising and swelling is very likely. Since every person’s body is different, the swelling and bruising will vary. We also do not recommend getting fillers if you have an event coming up in the near future. Fillers typically take about two weeks to settle! It is possible that it may take less time depending on how your body reacts and adapts to the filler. It is important to keep this in mind and not be alarmed. You may be swollen for three to five days – this is normal. The swelling will go down! However, if the swelling lasts more than two weeks, we suggest you see a specialist. We recommend that our patients give the fillers the time they need to do their job so that you may get the results you are paying for!
Who is NOT a candidate for dermal fillers?
For most individuals, dermal fillers are a very safe aesthetic option. However, certain health factors require extra precaution to ensure a successful outcome:
- Immunocompromised Patients: If you have a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disorder, you may face a higher risk of infection, inflammatory reactions, or delayed healing. It is essential to consult your primary care physician before scheduling a filler procedure.
- Active Infections: Filler should not be injected if there is an active infection or inflammation near the treatment area, such as a cold sore, skin rash, or even an infected tooth. Bacterial “seeding” from a nearby infection can cause serious complications with the filler material. Wait until the infection has fully resolved before treatment.
- Blood Thinners: While it is safe to receive fillers while on blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin or anticoagulants), be aware that your risk of bruising and swelling is significantly increased. If medically appropriate, your provider may suggest pausing certain non-essential supplements—like fish oil or Vitamin E—two weeks prior to minimize these effects.
How much do fillers cost?
The adage “you get what you pay for” is a vital safety rule. When you invest in dermal fillers, the price reflects far more than the product itself; you are paying for the medical expertise, artistic eye, and safety standards of your provider.
Injecting is a delicate art that requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Choosing a provider based solely on a “deal” or the lowest price often leads to complications. At our practice, we frequently see patients seeking to reverse or “fix” work done elsewhere. These corrective procedures—which often involve dissolving existing filler and re-treating the area—end up being significantly more expensive than if the procedure had been done correctly the first time.
Located inside:
Women's Health Partners of The Permian Basin
