Dr. Matheson Harris: Facial fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Belotero are used to treat static wrinkles which are fixed wrinkles that don't disappear when your face is relaxed. Each of the different filler materials are better suited for certain injection sites, and a consultation is necessary to discuss what effects you want, and which material is best suited to the task. Depending on the depth of the wrinkle, some wrinkles can be greatly softened while others can almost be completely eliminated.

Fillers are administered with fine injections beneath the skin. Some products are mixed with numbing agents such as Lidocaine which reduce the discomfort of the injection. In sensitive areas like the lips, we inject numbing medicine before to make the filler injection even more comfortable. Right at the time of the injection, you can expect to see some swelling and redness develop.

Swelling can last as much as a week and in some patients, it can be even longer. In certain cases, patients will have some bruising around the injection site which may take a week or two to completely resolve. It's normal for the injection site to feel a little lumpy and maybe even firm. It takes a few weeks for the filler material to incorporate into the tissue and soften up.

Side effects with facial fillers are not common, but can occur. Certain people have a sensitivity to the material and may develop allergic reaction. This could result in a red rash or even lead to a facial infection. In circumstances where the filler material is not tolerated or a displeasing result occurs, the filler material can be dissolved with a second injection. If you have a history of cold sores, you should inform your doctor before having any injections around the lips. We often prescribe Valtrex pills to be taken a few days before injection to avoid causing a new cold sore.

Repairing Static Wrinkles with Fillers

Dr. Matheson Harris discusses improving visible facial wrinkles when your face is relaxed. He explains which filler material is suitable for different injection types.