From adding hydration and subtle plump to the lips, to lifted cheekbones and a contoured chin - we are big fans of how facial filler can (temporarily) address a wide range of aesthetic concerns with almost instant results. In this blog post, we asked our nurse practitioner injectors to dive into what fillers are, the types of fillers our clients love, and what to expect from the treatment process in the most requested areas like the cheeks, chin, and lips!

What Are Facial Fillers?

Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable substances used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Unlike Botox or Dysport, which works by temporarily relaxing muscles to reduce wrinkles, facial fillers add volume and structure to the skin. The most common types of facial fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the body that helps retain moisture and provides plumpness to the skin. 

Why Our Clients Love Facial Fillers:

Our clients love facial fillers because they give quick, visible results with little downtime. We can customize the treatment to meet each person's needs and goals. Whether you want fuller lips, more defined cheeks, or a contoured chin, facial fillers are a flexible way to look refreshed and youthful - but still like yourself!

Cheek Fillers: Adding Volume and Definition

What It Is: Cheek fillers are specially designed to enhance the shape and volume of the cheeks, providing a refreshed and youthful contour to the midface. As we age, our cheeks naturally lose fat and collagen, which can cause them to appear hollow or sunken. This loss of volume can make the face look less defined and more tired. Cheek fillers are a great way to address this issue by restoring lost volume and adding a youthful lift to the midface area.

Our Process: During your treatment, our expert nurse practitioners will numb the area to be treated. Once you’re fully numb, they will inject a hyaluronic acid-based filler into specific areas of the cheek using a fine needle. Most clients experience only mild swelling and bruising, which generally subsides within a few days. After numbing, the entire treatment typically takes about 30 minutes. 

Before and After: One of the many benefits of using filler is that the results are almost immediate - meaning you will walk out of the office seeing a noticeable difference! Clients frequently notice a significant improvement in facial volume and contour, with their cheeks appearing fuller and more defined. This enhances the overall youthful lift of the face. Results typically last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors such as metabolism, sun exposure, age and facial structure. 

Lip Fillers: Plumping and Defining

What It Is: Lip fillers help make your lips fuller, more shapely, and symmetrical Whether you want a subtle boost, a more noticeable plump, or to simply enhance your natural lip shape, lip fillers can give you the look you’re looking for. 

Our Process: After applying a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort during the treatment, we use a hyaluronic acid filler to enhance the volume and shape of your lips. The entire treatment is quick, and typically takes about 30 minutes. Normally, patients experience some swelling and tenderness afterward, but this will subside within a few days!

Before and After: Clients walk out of their appointment with visible improvement in their lip volume and shape. This means the lips may appear fuller, more defined, and symmetric. These results can last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler and the client’s metabolism.

Chin Fillers: Defining and Contouring:

What It Is: We like using filler in the chin and jawline area to enhance the projection and contour of the chin, creating a more balanced and harmonious profile from all angles. Many clients opt for chin fillers to correct a recessed chin, to improve jawline definition, and improve overall facial symmetry. 

The Process: During the treatment, filler is injected into the chin to improve its projection and contour. The treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish after we apply numbing cream to ensure that the entire treatment is comfortable. Mild swelling and bruising are common but generally subside within a week.

Before and After: As with the other types of filler, effects of chin fillers are visible immediately after the treatment. Clients often notice a more defined chin and improved facial profile which can last from 12 to 24 months depending on the type of filler and the individual’s response to the treatment.

What to Expect When Getting Filler At Defy:

Consultation: The first step in getting facial fillers is a consultation with one of our expert nurse practitioners. They will discuss your aesthetic goals, evaluate your facial structure, and recommend the best type of filler and treatment plan for you!

Treatment: On the day of your treatment, we will apply a numbing agent to ensure you are comfortable throughout the appointment. Using fine needles, we inject the filler into the targeted areas. The procedure is relatively quick (around 30 minutes from start to finish), and most clients find it to be tolerable with minimal discomfort. 

Aftercare: Following your treatment, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness, but these typically resolve within a few days. Before you leave, we will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including tips for managing any side effects and recommendations to help you maintain and maximize your results. To minimize swelling and discomfort at home, gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the treated area, avoiding direct skin contact. Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, by using extra pillows or reclining, which helps further reduce swelling. Additionally, avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area to prevent exacerbating swelling or shifting the filler until it’s fully settled.

Results: Results are usually visible immediately, with optimal results appearing as any initial swelling and bruising subsides. Typically, you will love your results the most around a month after the treatment. Make sure to plan ahead of any big events!

Whether you're interested in filler, custom facials, Botox/Dysport, skin lasers, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon!