Fillers in Portland
Facial Contouring without the makeup
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, like Juvederm, Restylane and Revanesse, are injectable water-based gels that can fill in areas of volume loss, fill in deep lines, and help contour the face. Hyaluronic acid is a substance our bodies make naturally that helps hydrate and plump the skin. It also naturally breaks down over time and is a very safe injectable to use.
After the age of 20, the body’s natural production of collagen decreases by 1% each year. This means a 40 year old has 20% less collagen than a 20 year old, and a 55 year old has 35% less collagen than a 20 year old. Collagen is a protein that gives skin elasticity and provides underlying structural support. The cumulative loss of collagen over time, along with sun damage and other factors, leads to facial volume loss and the appearance of aging skin.
Unlike Botox, the effects of filler can be seen immediately. Like any injectable therapy, treatment with fillers carries a risk of bruising, bleeding, and pain at the injection site. Fillers also typically cause significant swelling for the first few days after treatment, but we use a variety of methods to mitigate swelling as much as possible.
The longevity of the filler depends on the area being treated and the type of filler used. Typically, areas of high movement (like the lips) will not last as long as filler placed in areas of little movement (like the cheeks).
Results of Filler treatment
I went to a couple places before I found Ageless Aesthetics. It is definitely the best by far. Dr. Christina is great. She’s thorough and knows what she’s doing. My appointments are quick and the price is good! I would definitely recommend this business.
This was my first time getting lip filler and I was so nervous but Christina explained everything to me and made me feel comfortable. When the treatment was finished the result was better than I expected. I feel so much more confident and I like the appearance. I’m going to tell all my friends about Dr. Christina.
Fillers FAQ
I would be lying if I said the treatment is completely painless, but we use several methods to decrease the pain as much as possible. We apply a topical numbing cream to each treatment area, each syringe of filler also contains lidocaine which will help numb the surrounding tissue once injected. We also use cold packs, and a vibration device that tricks the body into feeling less pain. From personal experience, I can say that the most painful part is the process is the prick of the needle, and lips are the most painful region to inject. However, many people think the discomfort is worth the results.
The good news is that the results from fillers will be seen immediately. The bad news is that you WILL BE swollen for the first few days. Depending on your body, it may take 1-2 weeks for swelling to completely resolve, and the final results cannot be evaluated until the swelling is completely gone. This means you should not critically evaluate your results until at least 2 weeks after your treatment. If you think you need a touch-up, or you want to add a little bit more, I am happy to see you for a follow up appointment after a full 2 weeks have passed.
Results typically last 9-12 months, however individual results will depend on the product used and the location. Softer products will breakdown quicker than thicker products, and areas of high movement (like the lips) will experience faster breakdown that areas of little movement (like the cheeks).
Since post-treatment swelling can distort the appearance of your face it is important to wait a full 2 weeks before critically evaluating your results. After waiting a full 2 weeks, if you feel you need a touch up, or additional filler, I am happy to see you for a follow up appointment to reevaluate. If you decide you want to completely remove the filler, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with a chemical called hyaluronidase. This is an enzyme that breaks down and dissolves the filler.
The most common side effects of treatment are swelling, bruising, and pain. These usually resolve within a few days. Other possible risks include: allergic reaction to the filler or the numbing agent, development of post-treatment nodules, and vascular occlusion or compromise. Vascular occlusion is the most serious complication. Vascular occlusion means that some of the filler has blocked a blood vessel, which blocks the flow of blood and oxygenation of tissues around it. If left untreated, this can lead to tissue death. However, VO events are uncommon and we are trained to recognized the signs and symptoms of a VO event, and have all the emergency supplies on hand to manage it.
After treatment you will experience some swelling at the injection site. You may also experience bruising. We highly recommend you do not schedule your treatment before a night out or an important event. Depending on the product used, your lips may swell considerably: Don’t Panic! This swelling is perfectly normal and will resolve within a few days. We will provide you with an aftercare plan to mitigate the swelling as much as possible. Is it also important to not manipulate the areas where filler has been placed because it takes a few days for the filler to settle with the tissues around it.