What fillers do, and why a dentist
Faces lose volume gradually. Fat pads thin, skin loses elasticity, and the support that once held the lips and the corners of the mouth quietly gives way, which is why folds deepen and lips look flatter than they did in older photographs. Filler works by placing a soft gel under the skin to replace some of that lost support.
The region this most affects is the same region dentists work in every day. The lips, the philtrum, the corners of the mouth, and the tissue over the upper jaw are all territory Dr. Valter knows in three dimensions, including where the vessels and nerves run. Since your teeth set the framework the lips rest on, treating them together tends to produce a more coherent result than treating either alone.
Common areas around the smile
Not every concern is best answered with filler, and more product is not better. Dr. Valter treats conservatively and will tell you if what is bothering you would respond better to something else, including dental treatment.
- Lips, for volume, shape, or a more even balance between upper and lower
- Nasolabial folds, the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Marionette lines, running from the corners of the mouth downward
- Fine vertical lines above the upper lip
- Corners of the mouth that have started to turn down
What to expect
- Consultation. You talk through what you want to change, and Dr. Valter examines your face at rest and while you speak and smile. Your health history, allergies, and medications are reviewed.
- Preparation. The skin is cleaned and a topical numbing agent is usually applied. Many fillers also contain lidocaine, which makes the injections more comfortable as they go in.
- Injection. The gel is placed in small amounts and shaped as it is placed. Most patients report pressure more than sharp pain.
- Immediately after. You will see a change right away, though early swelling means the first day or two is not the final look.
- Settling. Swelling and any bruising fade over roughly the following week, and the result becomes what it will be.
Aftercare and honest expectations
Plan for swelling, tenderness, and the possibility of bruising for a few days, particularly with lip treatment. That is normal, not a complication. Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for the first day, and do not press or massage the area unless we tell you to.
Fillers are temporary. The body gradually breaks down hyaluronic acid, so the result fades over months and the exact duration varies by product, by area, and by person. We will also ask you to tell us about pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune conditions, blood thinners, a history of cold sores, or any active infection or breakout near the treatment site, since any of these can change the plan.
Common questions
What is the difference between dermal fillers and BOTOX®?
They do opposite things. Fillers add volume beneath the skin to fill a line or reshape an area, while BOTOX® temporarily relaxes a muscle so it stops creasing the skin above it. Fillers are typically used around the mouth and cheeks, and BOTOX® is typically used for lines caused by expression. Some patients benefit from one, some from both.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The effect is temporary and generally measured in months, with the exact length depending on the product used, the area treated, and how quickly your body metabolizes it. Lips tend to be on the shorter end because they move constantly. Dr. Valter will give you a realistic range for the specific treatment you are considering.
Does getting filler hurt?
Most patients describe it as very manageable. A topical numbing agent is generally applied first, and many fillers include a local anesthetic in the gel itself, so the sensation is usually more pressure than pain. Lips are the most sensitive area to treat.
Can dermal filler be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can usually be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which is one reason this category of filler is so widely used. That option is discussed as part of your consultation. Not all filler materials are reversible, so it is a real consideration in choosing the product.
How soon can I go back to normal after treatment?
Most people return to everyday activities the same day, but you may look swollen for a day or two and could bruise. If you have an event coming up, schedule at least a couple of weeks ahead rather than the same week.
Why would I get filler at a dental office?
Because the area around the mouth is what dentists work in and understand anatomically, including the underlying bone and muscle that determine how the lips sit. Dr. Valter can also account for how your teeth and bite support the lips, which is a factor an injector without dental training does not evaluate.
