Aging brings many beautiful changes, but some of these, like fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss, may impact our confidence.
One of the most obvious signs of aging is wrinkles, which are caused by the loss of skin elasticity with age. This loss of firmness is because our skin produces less collagen and elastin as we get older. It’s these substances that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. Dermal fillers offer a nonsurgical means to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture and appearance.
At Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, led by Dr. Mobolaji Opeola, we specialize in advanced dermal filler treatments. Our team combines expertise with personalized care to help each client achieve a naturally refreshed look. Patients from across San Antonio, including areas like Helotes, Live Oak, Alamo Ranch, Medical Center, and Stone Oak, come to us for our commitment to quality, results, and exceptional experience.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment used to restore volume and fullness to the skin, particularly in the face. These injectable substances are designed to counteract the effects of aging by filling in wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow areas, enhancing facial contours and improving overall skin appearance.
Unlike Botox®, which relaxes muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dermal fillers literally “fill” the areas under the skin. Most fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a substance that our skin already naturally produces. Like with collagen and elastin, we produce less of this substance as we age. Restoring hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain vital moisture and volume, resulting in an overall more youthful look.
Types of Fillers We Offer
Westover Hills Dermatology offers a range of premium fillers designed to target specific concerns and goals, from subtle refinements to noticeable contouring:
JUVÉDERM®
Known for its soft, natural finish, JUVÉDERM® is ideal for smoothing fine lines, enhancing lips, and restoring volume to the cheeks.
RHA® Collection
An innovative filler group designed to adapt to facial dynamics, the RHA® Collection allows for natural movement, making it a top choice for those desiring subtle, expressive results.
Each of these fillers is FDA approved and backed by extensive clinical testing to ensure safety, efficacy, and a refined finish.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers offer numerous benefits, making them a versatile choice for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance nonsurgically:
Nonsurgical Facelift Alternative
For individuals seeking lifted, youthful skin without surgery, dermal fillers can serve as a noninvasive “liquid facelift.” This approach subtly improves contours, enhances volume, and refreshes your overall appearance with minimal downtime.
Restored Facial Contours and Volume
Fillers can redefine facial contours, adding structure and balance to the face. This includes enhancing cheekbones, defining the jawline, or balancing the chin, creating a harmonious profile.
Collagen Stimulation
Certain fillers can stimulate collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and resilience long after the filler has been absorbed. As collagen renews, clients experience a naturally youthful effect.
Immediate Results With Minimal Downtime
Dermal fillers provide quick, visible improvements with little to no downtime. Clients can resume normal activities almost immediately, making fillers a convenient choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Highly Customizable Treatment
From filling fine lines to contouring cheeks and rejuvenating under-eye hollows, the possibilities with fillers are diverse. Treatments are tailored to suit each individual’s goals, ensuring natural-looking results that align with their aesthetic preferences.
Areas Commonly Treated With Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are popular due to their versatility. Some of the most commonly treated areas include:
Cheeks and Midface
Fillers restore lost volume to the midface, which can create a youthful, lifted appearance.
Lips
Fillers allow for soft lip enhancement, adding volume or refining shape for fuller, well-defined lips.
Nasolabial Folds
Deep lines from the nose to the mouth are softened, resulting in a more refreshed appearance.
Under-Eye Hollows
By filling the hollows under the eyes, fillers minimize dark circles and create a revitalized look.
Jawline and Chin
Enhancing the jawline or balancing the chin can improve facial symmetry, adding structure and definition.
Understanding Facial Anatomy for the Best Results
A comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy is essential for achieving natural, balanced results. Our team carefully considers each client’s unique facial structure, focusing on areas like the midface, jawline, and cheekbones, to create harmony and enhance existing features. Precision in filler placement allows for optimal lifting and contouring effects, especially in high-mobility areas where expressions are frequent.
The Science Behind Dermal Fillers
Understanding how dermal fillers work can add to the confidence you feel when making a decision. Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the skin that retains moisture, supports elasticity, and adds structure. As we age, HA production decreases, leading to dryness, loss of volume, and wrinkles. HA fillers replace this lost volume, restoring youthful skin texture and vibrancy.
Other filler types, like calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), stimulate collagen production, which creates lasting rejuvenation effects. These fillers are ideal for those who want to see continued improvement in skin firmness over time. Westover Hills Dermatology offers a variety of fillers to suit specific needs, skin types, and desired outcomes.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Consultation
Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation where Dr. Opeola assesses your skin, discusses your aesthetic goals, and recommends a personalized plan. This ensures the most natural-looking results tailored to your individual features.
During Treatment
Most dermal filler treatments take 30 to 45 minutes. A topical numbing cream may be applied to ensure comfort during the procedure. Our team uses precise techniques and ultra-fine needles to administer the fillers for optimal results.
After Treatment
Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness may occur at the injection site, typically subsiding within a few days. Results are immediate, with full effects visible as any initial swelling reduces. Post-treatment, it’s advised to avoid alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising.
Maintenance and Aftercare Tips
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water helps the fillers last longer by keeping skin hydrated and healthy.
Protect Skin From Sun Exposure
Sun protection is essential to maintain results and prevent premature aging. Using a high-SPF sunscreen daily is recommended.
Follow a Skincare Routine
Consistent skincare with gentle, hydrating products will support skin texture and prolong the effects of fillers.
Schedule Follow-Up Treatments
Regular touch-ups can help maintain your desired look. On average, fillers last between six and 18 months, depending on the filler type and area treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Most fillers provide results lasting six to 18 months. Factors affecting duration include the type of filler used, individual metabolism, and lifestyle. Regular maintenance can extend the longevity of your results.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Yes, dermal fillers are FDA approved and undergo extensive testing. Our team at Westover Hills Dermatology prioritizes patient safety by using only reputable brands and high-quality products. Dr. Opeola will review your health history to ensure fillers are safe and appropriate for you.
What Are the Side Effects of Dermal Fillers?
Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These generally resolve within a few days. Rare complications can include lumps or asymmetry, but these are typically correctable.
Will My Face Look Unnatural?
The “overfilled” look is a common misconception. At Westover Hills Dermatology, our approach emphasizes balance and subtlety, enhancing natural features without exaggeration. Dr. Opeola’s expertise helps her achieve results that appear soft and authentic.
Can I Combine Dermal Fillers With Other Treatments?
Yes, fillers work well alongside other treatments such as Botox®, laser resurfacing, or skin rejuvenation therapies for a comprehensive anti-aging approach. This combination allows for a tailored treatment plan addressing multiple aspects of aging.
What Happens if I Stop Using Fillers?
If you decide to discontinue fillers, the skin will gradually return to its pre-treatment state as the filler is naturally absorbed. There is no adverse impact or “worsening” of appearance.
Are Dermal Fillers Only for Wrinkles?
While fillers are highly effective for wrinkles, they also enhance facial contours, improve under-eye hollows, add volume to the cheeks, and define the jawline.
Are Fillers Permanent?
Fillers are temporary and gradually absorbed by the body. However, their results can be maintained with periodic touch-ups.
Are Dermal Fillers Painful?
Most patients find filler treatments quite tolerable. Numbing creams are often used, and discomfort is generally minimal and short-lived.
Is There an Ideal Age to Start Dermal Fillers?
The best age to start fillers varies based on personal goals and natural aging. In your 20s or 30s, fillers can help with contouring and minor volume enhancement. In your 40s and beyond, fillers often address deeper lines, volume loss, and structural changes. The best age to begin fillers is ultimately determined by your individual goals and needs.
Are Dermal Fillers for Men?
Dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular among men. Our male clients seek fillers for defined jawlines, under-eye rejuvenation, and subtle anti-aging effects that align with their lifestyle. At Westover Hills Dermatology, we specialize in customized treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of our male clients.
Ideal Candidates for Dermal Fillers
Choosing dermal fillers can be an excellent step towards achieving a rejuvenated, youthful appearance. However, not everyone may be the ideal candidate. At Westover Hills Dermatology, we conduct a thorough assessment during your initial consultation to determine if fillers align with your skin type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Here are some key indicators that you may be a good candidate for dermal fillers:
Visible Signs of Aging but Not Ready for Surgery
If you’re beginning to see moderate wrinkles, fine lines, or volume loss and prefer a nonsurgical solution, dermal fillers may be the perfect fit. Dermal fillers offer natural-looking improvements without the downtime, incisions, or longer recovery associated with surgical options.
Desire for Subtle Enhancement
Dermal fillers work well for those seeking subtle, gradual changes rather than drastic alterations. Whether it’s adding volume to the cheeks, plumping lips, or refining facial contours, fillers offer a gentle approach to enhancement, leaving others guessing how you achieved such a refreshed look.
Good Overall Health
A good candidate for dermal fillers is generally in good health, without active infections, chronic skin conditions, or certain underlying health issues. Before proceeding, your medical history will be reviewed to ensure safe and successful treatment.
Skin Elasticity and Thickness
Although dermal fillers are designed to adapt to various skin types, they work best when there is a degree of natural elasticity and skin thickness. For extremely thin or lax skin, fillers may be combined with other treatments to enhance overall effectiveness.
Realistic Expectations
Those with realistic expectations about the outcome of fillers often find the greatest satisfaction. Fillers will enhance your natural features, but they are not meant to entirely change the structure of your face. At Westover Hills Dermatology, we focus on achieving a balanced look that aligns with your unique aesthetic.
Lifestyle Considerations
Fillers are ideal for individuals with active lifestyles, as they involve minimal downtime. However, it’s essential to avoid smoking and excessive sun exposure, both of which can shorten the lifespan of filler results. Candidates committed to a healthy skincare routine and lifestyle may enjoy longer-lasting, more pronounced results.
When Might Dermal Fillers Not Be Suitable?
Though dermal fillers offer many benefits, certain conditions may make other options more suitable:
Currently Pregnant or Nursing
While dermal fillers are safe, they are typically not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or nursing. This precaution ensures the highest standard of safety and efficacy for both the mother and child.
Severe Allergies or Known Sensitivities to Filler Ingredients
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, especially to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid, other treatments may be explored to promote your safety.
Active Skin Infections
Active infections in or near the treatment area should be fully resolved before any injectable procedure.
Significant Skin Laxity
For individuals with significant skin laxity or sagging, other treatments such as radiofrequency or even surgical options may be more effective than fillers alone.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to experience the rejuvenating benefits of dermal fillers, contact us today to schedule a consultation at Westover Hills Dermatology. Dr. Opeola and her team are dedicated to providing San Antonio, Helotes, Live Oak, Alamo Ranch, Medical Center, Stone Oak, and surrounding areas with expert care that enhances natural beauty. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that brings out the best version of you.
Achieve Youthful, Radiant Skin With Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers at Westover Hills Dermatology offer a nonsurgical way to rejuvenate your skin and enhance your natural beauty. These advanced treatments smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, and contour facial features for a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Dermal fillers are ideal for addressing fine lines, sagging, and hollowness in the face, providing natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Whether you want to lift your cheeks or define your lips, our skilled team delivers personalized, expert care.
