Dermal Fillers

We cannot stop the development of fine lines and wrinkles, but modern medicine has found a way to reduce them. When you visit Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic, you can discover ways to address your cosmetic concerns with proven, minimally-invasive techniques.

Injectables are the new way to reduce the signs of aging. We refer to injectable treatments as "new," although products like Botox® have been around for more than a decade. Designed for specific results, this product, along with dermal fillers, can achieve the goal of months-long improvement in the appearance of the skin on the face and hands. For optimal results, products may be combined to meet the unique needs of various types of lines and wrinkles.

Botox®

The original injectable anti-aging treatment, Botox® has been proven safe and effective through extensive use around the world. Treatment takes a few minutes, and produces a relaxing effect that rejuvenates the upper areas of the face, including the eyes, brows, and forehead, for up to six months.

Botox® works by inhibiting the signals from the brain to certain muscles. Because our clinicians have been fully trained and have years of experience, there is no need to worry that your face will look “frozen” by Botox®. Very small amounts are injected into specific muscles. Although the skin may appear smoother immediately after treatment, the real results become more evident over the course of 1-2 weeks and can last up to 3 months. Whether it is a lifted brow or wrinkle reduction that you need, you can maintain results with follow-up treatments.

Juvéderm® - Juvéderm Voluma XC®

The Juvéderm® family of dermal fillers has been built upon the efficacy of hyaluronic acid as a “volumizing” substance. Because hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, there is no risk of allergic reaction, or any need for allergy testing prior to treatment. Juvéderm® products are also made with innovative cross-linking technology that gives them the necessary bulk to achieve the desired outcome. Juvéderm Voluma XC® has been developed to restore volume to the cheeks. Results from Juvéderm® treatment may last up to nine months.

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is the go-to wrinkle-reducing and skin rejuvenating treatment for men and women who want to address the signs of aging and especially the hollow appearance that comes from volume loss in the face. Sculptra® is considered more of a volumizer than a filler. Instead of directly “filling” the skin, its active ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid stimulates cells to produce more collagen, which supports the skin from the inside out. Results appear over the course of treatment, which typically involves two to three visits over a few months. The improvements achieved with Sculptra® can last up to two years.

The Restylane® line of hyaluronic acid fillers provides natural-looking results.

Restylane Lyft ™

Restylane® Lyft is a safe, effective and dissolvable HA filler designed to give you natural-looking volume in your cheeks and hands for a smoother, fuller appearance.

Restalyne-L ™

Restylane Silk ™

Restylane® Silk is the first FDA-approved product specifically designed for lip augmentation and the smoothing of wrinkles around the mouth in patients 21 years of age and older.

Restylane Refyne ™

Restylane® Refyne is designed with XpresHAn Technology™ to help soften laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines).

Restylane Defyne ™

Crafted with XpresHAn Technology™, Restylane® Defyne helps smooth out deep laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). Using innovative cross-linking technology, Restylane Defyne is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is able to help restore a more youthful, natural-looking appearance, while helping you maintain your natural expressions.

Our staff uses expert techniques to reduce the signs of aging, which can help you feel your best. Call (619) 462-1670 to learn more.

How to Prepare for Your Injectable Consultation and Procedure

Our doctors at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center will answer your questions and discuss many aspects of cosmetic injectables and dermal fillers during your consultation. Come prepared to go over your cosmetic concerns and goals and your medical history, including drug allergies, health conditions and current medications, vitamins and supplements. If you've had injectable treatments before, we will discuss your previous results and experience.

Our dermatologists will evaluate your overall health and examine your face before making recommendations for the best course of treatment for your needs and the risks and complications of the chosen injectable. We may take "before" photos to document your results.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of time, and don't be shy about discussing your concerns or excitement over dermal fillers or Botox. Pre-treatment anxiety is normal, and our doctors will go over the benefits and risks with you.

Sometimes, cosmetic fillers can be administered right after your initial consultation because injectable procedures typically take only about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the strategic points on your face are identified for optimal results, the area is cleansed with an antibacterial agent. Occasionally, an anesthetic ointment or local anesthetic may be used to numb the skin.

One of our skilled doctors or physician assistants will inject Botox, Juvéderm, Restylane or Sculptra into the planned areas and massage the product into the skin. They will evaluate the progress and may add more filler if necessary. An icepack after the procedure can decrease swelling and improve discomfort, though the area may be tender for two or three days. The whole process may take 15 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the number of treated areas and type of injectable.

The Cost for Cosmetic Injectable Treatment

The cost of injectables and dermal fillers greatly depends on the type of product and is typically priced per syringe. However, your satisfaction with results is more important than the overall cost. Don't choose a discount spa or get treatments in someone's home, hotel or at a party. Dermal fillers and injectables require knowledge of the facial structures and ample experience to avoid poor outcomes and severe side effects. Only a doctor with specialized training should recommend and inject these products for the best safety and results. During your consultation, we will discuss the estimated cost of dermal fillers or Botox.

FAQ:

How Long Do Cosmetic Injectables and Dermal Fillers Last?

Results depend on the type of facial filler or injectable and the patient. Someone in good health with firm, healthy skin and a good skin care regimen may enjoy their results longer than someone with poor skin elasticity. Cosmetic injectables provide anti-aging results for many months or years, but maintenance treatments are recommended to maintain or enhance outcomes.

Botox treatments may last three or four months. Juvéderm Voluma XC® can provide results for up to two years, while other variations of Juvéderm last up to one year. Sculptra is a long-lasting facial filler with outcomes lasting two to five years. Restylane longevity varies by product but may last 18 months for nasolabial folds, 12 months for cheek augmentation and six months for lines and wrinkles. Lip augmentation with dermal fillers lasts about six months.

What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers and Injectables?

Dermal fillers offer immediate results, while cosmetic injectables, such as Botox, provide results a few days after treatment. These procedures are minimally invasive and only take minutes to perform at our La Mesa office. No recovery or downtime is necessary, and there's little to no scarring. Injectables provide a cost-effective way to reduce signs of aging without surgery and can improve multiple skin concerns at once.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Dermal Fillers?

Our team will discuss the benefits and risks with you during your consultation. Many of these potential complications are mitigated by choosing an experienced physician with training and an understanding of cosmetic injectables. Severe adverse reactions are uncommon and depend on the filler type and the permanence of the injected gel.

These side effects may include asymmetrical results and injection site issues such as bleeding, bruising, lumps, swelling, infection, skin redness or a skin rash that itches. Under- or over-correction may occur with an inexperienced injector.