Injectable Fillers

What are injectable fillers?

Injectable fillers are products formulated for use in the soft tissues of the face and hands. This cosmetic treatment is commonly obtained for the purpose of facial rejuvenation due to the capabilities that key ingredients have to smooth lines and wrinkles and restore better contouring to vital areas of the face.

How should I prepare for my injection?

No pre-tests are required for any of the fillers Dr. Behr uses. Certain precautions should be taken if possible before your treatment. Avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin E and St. John’s Wort for one week. Treatment can be done if one of these medications is taken, but they might increase your risk of bruising.  It is preferred to come to your filler appointment with no makeup. Also if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, let Dr. Behr or her staff know so she can prescribe a medication to minimize recurrence.

What can fillers be used for?

Initially, dermal fillers were primarily used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of lines around the nose and mouth. Nasolabial folds, also called laugh lines, develop between the nose and the mouth as skin loses resiliency due to collagen depletion. Dermal fillers may also be used to smooth marionette lines, which can be seen between the mouth and the chin.

As new filler products have been developed, common uses have expanded and now include:

• Cheek augmentation
• Treating hollow temples and cheeks
• Reduction of under eye puffiness
• Chin augmentation
• Reduction of jowls at the jawline
• Anti-aging hand treatment
• Lip augmentation
• Lifting the corners of the mouth

What fillers does Dr. Behr offer?

Below is a list of fillers offered at our Fresno dermatology office.

• Juvederm
• Juvederm Volbella
• Juvederm Voluma
• Juvederm Vollure
• Radiesse
• Belotero
• Restylane Lyft
• Restylane Silk
• Sculptra Aesthetic

How are fillers different than Botox?

Botox and dermal fillers work harmoniously to restore a more youthful facial aesthetic. The way that each cosmetic solution works is unique.

Botox has a positive effect on the muscles around the eyes and on the forehead. This drug diminishes the capability that certain muscles have to contract. Strategic use can decrease the pull on the eyebrows, leading to more open, youthful eyes. Results from Botox treatment gradually increase over about seven days, and they can last from 3 to 6 months.

Dermal fillers are not used on muscles but on superficial tissue. Most filler products rely on the action of hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate facial structure. This sugar compound is a magnet to water molecules, drawing them to a localized area and then binding to them to hold them in place for several months. Some filler products, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, contain unique ingredients capable of both immediate and long-term improvement. These particular products may be preferred by men and women who want a greater amount of lift and the complementary effect on collagen production.

Can I combine fillers?

Because fillers have been refined to achieve a wider variety of results, it is absolutely possible to combine two or more products. For example, Juvederm Voluma or Restylane Lyft may be beneficial for correcting volume loss across the cheeks, while Restylane Silk is more appropriate for increasing the volume and shape of the lips.

Prior to injectable treatments, a thorough consultation is performed to determine the desired outcome and develop the most suitable treatment plan.

Can I receive Botox at the same time?

Botox and dermal fillers work on different parts of the face, and each produces a unique effect on subdermal tissue. Many patients combine the two to maximize the anti-aging results without losing natural appeal.

How long do the injections take?

Injectable treatments are typically conducted in a 30-minutes. The consultation and initial examination usually take only a few minutes, allowing us to conduct care during the same visit.

Can I return to my normal activities directly after treatment?

One of the reasons that so many people seek injectable facial rejuvenation is because the is no real downtime for recovery, as there is with surgical lifts. When dermal filler treatment is performed, patients are able to observe their results immediately, and return to work or other activities immediately following their appointment in our Fresno office. Patients are encouraged to avoid excessive sun and heat exposure right after injectable treatment, and may want to postpone intense physical activity for a day or two.

Slight redness and or swelling may occur in some patients. Bruising may also be experienced, but is less common. These side effects typically ease within a few hours.

Contact us at 559-435-SKIN (7546) to see how dermal fillers can renew your look and your confidence.

VOLUMA™

Allergan, the makers of Botox, are pleased to announce the first and only FDA approved filler to INSTANTLY add volume to the cheek area. Voluma helps enhance contour and create a more youthful profile for up to 2 years. Juvederm Voluma gives you an instant, long-lasting lift.

VOLLURE™

Juvéderm Vollure XC, is now the first and only hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved for the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds) that lasts up to 18 months.  Dr. Behr is excited to be one of the first in the valley to carry this product!

VOLBELLA™

Volbella is the ONLY FDA-approved injectable filler proven to increase lip fullness AND improve the appearance of vertical lip lines for up to 1 year.  Designed not only for gentle restoration of natural looking lip volume, it can also be used for defining lip contours, treating oral commissures, smoothing fine ‘barcode’ lines around the lips and supporting the ‘marionette’ lines down the chin.

JUVEDERM™

JUVEDERM™ is a smooth gel that is made up of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance found in your body. By carefully injecting Juvederm™ underneath the skin, your skin can be completely rejuvenated, ultimately adding volume and reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds. It offers patients a safe and effective treatment with little to no down-time. Juvederm™ is less invasive than other fillers and provides patients with dramatic improvement almost immediately following treatment. Juvederm ultra and ultra plus are available. Results can last up to one year.

Dr. Behr is a certified trainer for other providers and lecturer for JUVEDERM.

RESTYLANE LYFT™

Restylane Lyft is a FDA-approved filler which effectively provides fullness to cheeks, and adds volume to correct and smooth nasolabial folds (smile lines).  As we age and our face loses volume. Some of us begin to look for ways to maintain our youthful appearance without surgery. Through non-surgical injections Restylane Lyft is specifically designed to add fullness to the cheeks and midface.

RESTYLANE SILK™

Restylane Silk is the first and only FDA-approved product specifically designed for subtle lip enhancement and the smoothing of wrinkles and lines around the mouth.  The lips and skin around the mouth begin to thin and lose shape as we age, but Restylane silk can significantly improve and provide natural-looking results in these areas.