Injectable Dermal Fillers
A number of Dr. Daniel C. Mills’ patients come to our practice desiring a way to enhance their appearance without intensive procedures (e.g. facelift or browlift surgery). Many of these patients can benefit from dermal fillers. These sought-after injectables often contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that can replenish volume and fullness in the skin. With minimally invasive injectable fillers, our Laguna Beach plastic surgeon can improve patients’ self-confidence and meet their cosmetic enhancement goals.
Injectable fillers can offer a quick and effective method of achieving safe, subtle skin rejuvenation and revitalization. If you have questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute.
- Dermal Filler Options
- Dermal Filler Treatment
- Dermal Filler Side Effects
- Dermal Filler Longevity
- Allé® Rewards (Formerly Brilliant Distinctions®)
What Types of Dermal Fillers Are Available?
At our Orange County practice, we proudly carry a number of injectable dermal fillers, described in detail below.
Restylane®
Since 2004, Dr. Mills has offered Restylane® – an FDA-approved dermal filler designed to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Most commonly used to smooth nasolabial folds and enhance the lips (including the vermillion border and red lip), Restylane® is made from NASHA gel (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid), a crystal-clear, biodegradable substance that closely mimics the body’s own hyaluronic acid. Safe and biocompatible, Restylane® was the first non-animal-based hyaluronic acid filler available in the U.S.
Restylane® has safely been used worldwide by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996. Because Restylane®is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease or allergic reaction.
JUVÉDERM®
JUVÉDERM® is a popular hyaluronic acid-based filler used to smooth fine lines, soften deep wrinkles, and restore volume to areas like the lips. The JUVÉDERM® family includes a range of specialized products designed to treat different areas of the face and achieve customized results. In the hands of an experienced injector, JUVÉDERM® can deliver soft, subtle-yet-dramatic results that can last six to nine months or longer.
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ XC
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ XC is the first FDA-approved filler specifically designed to restore volume to the cheeks and midface in patients 21 and older. By enhancing facial contours and softening deeper wrinkles, it can create a more youthful appearance. Like other JUVÉDERM® products, VOLUMA™ XC is made of hyaluronic acid and typically requires no allergy testing. It also contains a built-in anesthetic to help minimize discomfort during treatment. Unlike other dermal injectables, optimal results from JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ XC can often be achieved in as little as one treatment session.
SKINVIVE™
The newest hyaluronic acid-based injectable by JUVÉDERM®, SKINVIVE™, is the first treatment of its kind developed specifically to enhance the cheeks.* FDA-approved in 2023, SKINVIVE™ can replenish hydration and smoothness, providing the complexion with a healthy-looking glow. The treatment can address phenomena such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dry skin without altering the shape or volume of the face. SKINVIVE™ is administered via microdroplets into the deep dermis, with sessions taking as little as 15 minutes.
Revance® RHA® Dermal Filler Collection
The Revance® RHA® Collection is an FDA-approved line of advanced dermal fillers designed to smooth dynamic facial wrinkles and folds in patients aged 22 and older. Formulated to treat moderate to severe lines, RHA® fillers feature specially engineered hyaluronic acid molecules that move naturally with facial expressions, helping maintain a smooth, aesthetically pleasing effect without appearing stiff or overdone.
Sculptra® Aesthetic
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a unique injectable that sets itself apart from traditional dermal fillers. Rather than hyaluronic acid, Sculptra® Aesthetic uses poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate the body’s own natural collagen production. This collagen-building process gradually enhances volume and skin texture over time, typically offering subtle yet long-lasting rejuvenation. Sculptra® Aesthetic is often effective in treating areas of facial volume loss, such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline.
How Are Dermal Fillers Administered?
Most dermal fillers are injected into targeted areas using a fine needle. Treatments are typically quick, ranging from approximately 15 to 45 minutes, and most often require little to no downtime. For enhanced comfort, Dr. Mills may use a topical or local anesthetic. Some fillers, like Restylane®, may involve light massage post-injection to optimize contouring.
Do Dermal Fillers Cause Side Effects?
Mild, temporary side effects are common with most dermal fillers. Patients may experience slight swelling, redness, or bruising around the injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days. Lip treatments may lead to slightly longer-lasting bruising, especially with products like Restylane®, but these effects are generally mild and part of the normal healing process. Dr. Mills provides aftercare guidance to help minimize any discomfort and support a smooth recovery.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
The longevity of dermal fillers varies by product and treatment area, but most offer long-lasting effects. Touch-up injections before the filler fully dissipates may help extend the results. Restylane® typically lasts about six months – twice as long as bovine collagen – and treatments are often scheduled twice per year. JUVÉDERM® results can last up to nine months or longer, while JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ XC (used for midface enhancement) can last up to two years. RHA® Collection fillers have been shown to maintain results for over a year, with some patients seeing benefits for up to 15 months after a single treatment. Meanwhile, SKINVIVE™ can offer up to six months of improvement in skin smoothness and hydration, whereas Sculptra® Aesthetic’s unique formula can produce results that sometimes last even longer than two years.
Allé® Rewards (Formerly Brilliant Distinctions®)
Click here to find out how you can receive exclusive invitations, special offers, and savings on BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, and other treatment options.
Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.