What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable cosmetic treatments used to add natural-looking volume to the facial skin and reduce signs of aging. Dermal fillers are very effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

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How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

The majority of dermal fillers in Washington, DC, are gel-like substances made with synthetic hyaluronic acid. When hyaluronic acid-based fillers are injected into the facial skin, they give the skin a smooth, plump appearance. This eliminates the appearance of wrinkles and folds to leave the skin looking youthful and vibrant. Instead of hyaluronic acid, some dermal fillers will utilize other active ingredients, such as poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite.

Our Dermal Fillers

At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of different dermal fillers in the Richmond, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, & Charlottesville areas, each of which offers its own unique uses and advantages:

  • Restylane - Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used to smooth various types of wrinkles, including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, smile lines, and lip lines. Restylane can also enhance the shape and volume of the lips.
  • Juvéderm - Juvéderm is another hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while adding natural-looking volume to the skin.
  • Juvéderm Voluma - Another filler from the Juvéderm product line is Juvéderm Voluma, a hyaluronic-acid-based dermal filler used to add lift and volume to the cheeks.
  • Radiesse - Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based dermal filler used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Additionally, Radiesse can be used to rejuvenate and plump the skin on the back of the hands.
  • RHA Collection - The RHA Collection is a collection of several hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers developed by Revance. These versatile fillers can be used to treat all kinds of facial lines and wrinkles, including nasolabial folds, lip lines, and marionette lines. Certain RHA fillers are also effective for adding volume to the lips and cheeks.
  • Versa - Versa, developed by Revanesse, is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used primarily to create smoother, more youthful-looking facial skin. Versa is effective in treating sagging skin, nasolabial folds, lip lines, marionette lines, and other wrinkles.
  • Renuva - Renuva is a unique dermal filler made with collagen, growth factors, and proteins typically found in fat. Renuva is primarily used to add natural-looking volume to the facial skin and other areas of the body. This filler also has long-lasting effects on the overall health and complexion of the skin.
  • Sculptra - Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid-based dermal filler used for general facial rejuvenation, which includes restoring lost volume and smoothing wrinkles. Sculptra also stimulates increased collagen production, which leads to healthier, more vibrant skin for a prolonged period.
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Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers in Richmond can provide quite a few significant benefits, including:

  • Smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin
  • Eliminates fine lines and wrinkles
  • Tightens sagging skin
  • Adds natural-looking volume to the skin
  • Enhances the shape and contours of the lips
  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • Minimal recovery downtime
  • Quick and easy procedure
  • Increased self-confidence

What Should I Expect During the Procedure?

Before your dermal filler treatment, you’ll have a quick consultation with one of our practitioners to determine which filler is the best fit for your needs. To begin the treatment, a topical anesthetic will be applied to your skin in the treatment area. Your injector professional will then use a very fine needle to inject your chosen filler into the skin. In total, the procedure will likely take around 15 to 30 minutes, and you’ll be able to leave immediately after it’s finished.

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

Typically, there is very little recovery downtime required after dermal filler treatments. After the procedure, you’ll be given detailed instructions to ensure that your skin heals properly. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but those symptoms should disappear gradually on their own. It’s generally advised to refrain from strenuous physical activity for 24 to 48 hours after being treated with dermal fillers.

Am I a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Adults who would like to rejuvenate their facial skin could be good candidates for dermal fillers in Richmond, Northern Virginia at VIPS. To be an ideal candidate for these treatments, you should:

  • Be in generally good health
  • Have the desire to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Have the desire to add volume to your facial skin or lips
  • Have loose, sagging facial skin
  • Have realistic expectations for the treatment
  • Have no history of severe allergic reactions
  • Have no active skin infections near the treatment area
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How Long Will It Take To See Results After Dermal Filler Treatment?

Every dermal filler is unique, but in most cases, it takes a few days to start seeing the effects of the treatment. Usually, you’ll be able to see the final results within approximately 10 to 14 days. Depending on which filler you’re treated with, these effects can last for anywhere from six months to two years or longer.

Burton M. Sundin, MD

Reps B. Sundin, MD

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Why Choose the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery for Dermal Filler Treatment?

At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, we provide our patients with a warm, welcoming environment and a diverse selection of state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments. When you choose us for your dermal filler treatment, you’ll be under the expert care of board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin as well as our other skilled aesthetic professionals. Our team will take the time to get to know you, understand your goals and needs, and provide you with personalized, compassionate care.

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Dermal Filler FAQ

Does dermal filler treatment hurt?

Are there any side effects?

Which dermal fillers last the longest?

Are dermal fillers safe?

How do I know which dermal filler is best for me?

Does dermal filler treatment hurt?

Before your dermal filler treatment, a topical anesthetic will be applied to your skin, and some dermal fillers also contain an anesthetic called lidocaine. You may feel a slight pinching sensation during the procedure, but there shouldn’t be any significant pain.

Are there any side effects?

Typically, dermal fillers cause only minor side effects, which tend to disappear on their own. The most common side effects of dermal fillers include:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Tenderness
  • Pain

Which dermal fillers last the longest?

Some of the dermal fillers with the longest-lasting results on average include Sculptra, Radiesse, and certain fillers in the RHA Collection.

Are dermal fillers safe?

Yes. As long as they are administered by a qualified professional, dermal fillers are considered to be very safe treatments.

How do I know which dermal filler is best for me?

When you sit down for a consultation with one of our providers, they will evaluate your aesthetic goals, needs, and preferences and discuss your different filler options with you. They will help you figure out which filler will be most likely to achieve your desired results.

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