Facial Filters

Facial fillers, also called dermal fillers, are injected into the skin to help reduce and soften facial creases and wrinkles, increase volume for thin lips and improve the facial contours by adding subtle volume to cheeks and other areas.

Dr. Tana Behind a Woman with a Blue Blouse

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The procedure for administering facial fillers is easily done in our New York office, and leads to little, if any, recovery time.

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What Is The Difference Between BOTOX And Facial Fillers?

BOTOX works by relaxing the muscles underneath wrinkles and is most often used for crows’ feet, frown lines between the eyebrows, and lines in the forehead. Facial fillers work directly to fill the creases, wrinkles or areas of lost volume to give you the beautifully smooth skin you desire. A BOTOX treatment can last from three to four months or longer, depending on how and where it is used, while the effects of facial fillers typically last up to a year.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Facial Fillers?

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and is the most popular type of filler. It includes both the Juvederm and the Restylane families of dermal fillers. The results can last from several months to as long as a year or two. Further, some studies have shown that repeated injections can help the body start to produce more natural collagen, so less may be needed to achieve the same level of plumping or smoothness.

Fat Injections (Fat Grafting Or Fat Transfer)

This works similarly to facial fillers, however the patient’s own fat is harvested from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen or thighs, is specially processed and purified, then injected into the desired site(s). Because the fat is taken from the patient’s own body, there is little likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Ca(Ha)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a substance that occurs naturally in the body, primarily in the bones and stimulates the body’s own production of collagen. It includes Radiesse and is often used to fill nasolabial folds or the cheek region.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid

These fillers are synthetic but also biodegradable, which means they dissolve in the body. This includes the Sculptra brand. It is most often used to treat deeper facial wrinkles.

What Are The Potential Side Effects & Risks Of Facial Fillers?

Very few side effects have been reported, apart from occasional minor redness or swelling, and these usually last a very short time. The primary risk is an allergic reaction. However, an even greater risk is being injected with “fake” non-FDA-approved substances in unsafe conditions for low prices.

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are unscrupulous people out there. Dr. Tanna is one of the most respected, board-certified plastic surgeons in the New York City area and every non-surgical treatment is performed with the utmost professionalism.

Are Facial Fillers Painful?

Facial fillers are remarkable tolerable to all patients and are performed right in Dr. Tanna’s office. If necessary, a simple ice pack helps with any discomfort after the procedure. Downtime is minimal, with many patients returning to their day as soon as the procedure is over. Additionally, because it is a completely awake procedure, there is no need for patients to find transportation to and from the office.