Fillers work by adding skin- compatible material to areas of the face which have lost elasticity and plumpness. This treatment actually lifts the wrinkle or furrow, giving a filled in effect- as if the wrinkle never formed in the first place. Crows feet, frown lines, and those areas around the lips into which lipstick tends to run can be gone with one treatment, which lasts no longer than your lunch hour.

Depending on the type of filler used, and your personal response to treatments, the wrinkle lines you have filled could be gone for 3- 18 months. Pairing a dermal filler with a Botox treatment may prolong the effects of the filler. While dermal fillers improve the appearance of wrinkles, they do not affect the underlying muscles used to make expressions. A Botox treatment will limit the movement of those muscles, so the wrinkle does not appear when you are at rest or when you are making an expression. Your doctor will discuss whether Botox is a good option for you.

There is little risk with a dermal filler. Some specific brands require allergy testing prior to the treatment, but dermal fillers are actually compatible with the natural parts of your skin’s make- up (with the exception of Radiesse, which still does not require skin testing). After the treatment, there may be mild irritation, redness, or small amounts of swelling which will last a few hours to a few days. Once this recovery is over, the skin will feel completely normal. You can return to your normal routine immediately after a dermal filler treatment. This treatments is a safe and effective way to improve the look of wrinkles without devoting extra time to the process.