Injectables FAQs

With the medley of dermal fillers available at our practice, Newport Beach facial plastic surgeon Ali Sepehr, MD understands that it can sometimes be difficult to know which injectable is the best product for your unique concerns. While Dr. Sepehr or our skilled injectors will address all of your questions and help you come to a decision during an in-person consultation, here you can learn pertinent information regarding who can benefit from dermal fillers, how often treatment should be pursued, and more answers to frequently asked questions prior to visiting our practice! 

Don’t hesitate to contact OC Facial Plastic Surgery if you would like to speak to a friendly member of our team, or if you’re ready to book an appointment. 

Who is a good candidate for facial fillers?

As a non-surgical treatment, fillers can benefit a wide range of men and women who want to look younger or more rested and refreshed. Patients should be in good health and not currently pregnant or nursing. Treatment is also most successful for individuals seeking minimally invasive techniques to reduce signs of facial aging, such as age-related volume loss, wrinkling, deep creases, and fine lines. Injections can also be ideal for those wanting to avoid excessive downtime or a recovery period. 

Should I get BOTOX^® Cosmetic or facial dermal fillers?

The best injectable for your needs depends on what concerns you hope to address. In short, BOTOX^® Cosmetic works as a wrinkle reducer while dermal fillers are utilized for volume enhancement. BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator designed to temporarily relax overactive muscles, thereby softening wrinkles commonly caused by repeated facial expressions. As a result, the injectable can smooth fine lines in the upper face such as frown lines, creases along the brow, and crow’s feet. 

In contrast, fillers improve sunken areas by restoring volume and fullness. This can accentuate the youthful contours of the face and neck, provide a more youthful pout, and generally rejuvenate the face with subtle additions of volume. Common treatment areas include the lips, cheeks, temples, jawline, hands, under-eye tear troughs, and mid-face. 

How often should I undergo injectable dermal filler treatments?

Every patient receives a unique treatment plan personalized to their needs, but men and women typically undergo injections one to four times per year in various parts of the face. Very tiny amounts more frequently injected oftentimes yield a more stable appearance than large amounts delivered less frequently. This depends on the depth of your concerns, the areas of injection, the type of filler used, and your aesthetic goals. Your injector will be able to develop an optimal treatment plan curated for you after your concerns are evaluated in an appointment. However, please note that since one can always add a little more, it is always better to “undercorrect” than overcorrect. 

Who should administer dermal filler injections?

Fillers can be injected by a qualified nurse injector, but there are notable benefits when a board-certified facial plastic surgeon performs your treatment. A facial plastic surgeon generally has the highest caliber of training when it comes to refreshing areas of the face and neck with the most advanced facial rejuvenation techniques available. This extensive experience allows a deeper understanding of the skin and facial anatomy, which is invaluable in achieving a beautiful and natural-looking result. In addition to proper qualifications, whomever you choose to perform your injections should ascribe to a “less is more” philosophy.  

What are the limitations of injectable fillers?

While dermal fillers can provide a powerful improvement, injectables are not capable of achieving the same long-lasting and dynamic results as facial plastic surgery. Patients will need touch-up treatments to maintain their rejuvenation and preserve the results of their injections. Additionally, fillers cannot tighten loose or crepey skin along the face. For those who would prefer a more enduring outcome, or who want to improve the appearance of loose skin and jowls, Dr. Sepehr can combine fillers with facelift surgery to reclaim a more youthful look.