Filler

For expert cosmetic surgery, patients in Central Texas don’t need to travel to Austin or Dallas. Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas offers state-of-the-art services close to home. Dedicated to helping patients feel confident in their appearance, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas offers dermal fillers as a convenient procedure done in our office in Waco, TX. Learn more about the benefits of fillers and what to expect during an appointment.

Dermal fillers are substances injected into the dermis of the skin or into the fatty tissue under the skin. The most common fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). These injectable treatments can fill in deep wrinkles in the skin or augment certain areas of the face.

HA is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body, including in the skin, cartilage, and joints. It helps the skin stretch, stay hydrated, and heal from wounds. Cosmetic HA is FDA-approved, has a long history of safety, and is one of the most common types of fillers on the market. In filler form, HA can be used for different purposes and can be injected just below the skin’s surface or into deeper layers of tissue. Some patients want filler injections to build up areas such as the chin, nose, or cheeks. Others choose filler to plump up the lips, minimize creases and wrinkles, or fill in the tear troughs by the eyes.

Dermal fillers can:

• Add definition to facial contours
• Restore volume in sagging or hollowed areas of the face
• Hydrate and soften the skin
• Reduce depressions in the skin from scarring
• Give the skin a more rested and youthful look

Fillers may be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with cosmetic surgery such as a facelift or rhinoplasty. While filler is effective at treating fine lines and other signs of aging, there are some limitations. Overuse of filler can give the face a noticeably odd or puffy look. That is why it’s important to work with a plastic surgery team that has the expertise to know what can be accomplished with injectables, and what cannot. Examples of the results of HA filler can be seen in our image gallery.

50-60 y/o female had hyaluronic acid filler placed in the lips and around the mouth.

Before injecting fillers, the team at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas will consult with the patient to discuss their concerns and goals regarding their appearance. They will answer any questions the patient may have about injectables, risks, and recovery.

HA fillers can be injected in the office, and the procedure takes less than an hour. Before the injections are given, the provider can administer a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort or use an injectable local anesthesia (commonly referred to as a block) that will cause large areas of the face to go numb. Additionally, fillers often are mixed with a local anesthetic to lessen the discomfort of multiple injections.

A thin tube called a cannula can be used to inject the filler, which often helps minimize bruising and discomfort. After the injections are complete, it is common to have some mild bruising that will improve naturally in one to two weeks. Swelling should go down after three to five days. An ice pack can help reduce bruising and swelling. While discontinuing blood thinners can minimize bruising, a patient should get clearance from their primary care physician before stopping any medications.

After getting fillers, patients can resume most activities right away with minimal downtime. It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, as it can exacerbate bruising. Most patients see results right away. Depending on the injection site, the effects of fillers can last for months or even years.

Located in Waco, TX, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery services from the collarbone up. Our team has extensive experience administering injectable treatments and is led by Dr. Charles Guy, an award-winning, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Known for his patient-centric approach, Dr. Guy takes the time to listen to each patient and develop a personalized treatment plan. In addition to fillers, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas offers other injectable treatments including:

• Fat transfer: This technique takes fat cells from other parts of the body, which are processed into microdroplets and injected into the face to restore volume and reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
• Neuromodulators: These injections of paralytic medications temporarily immobilize facial muscles to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

For more information about HA fillers and other minimally invasive treatment options, contact us today.