While filler has consistently gained popularity in recent years, discussions of filler migration and dissolving have patients more weary than ever. Ahead, top doctors take a look at BeautyEngine data and ease our filler worries.
Featured Experts
- Michael A. Epstein, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northbrook, IL
- Kelly Bomer, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Kenneth Beer, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Beach, FL
Can you use filler safely anywhere?
03 percent of NewBeauty readers have received filler in areas other than the most popular, noting their acne scars, hips and forehead as other places they’ve had filler.
“Injectable fillers can enhance various under-recognized areas of the face, offering subtle improvements and rejuvenation,” says Northbrook, IL plastic surgeon Michael A. Epstein, MD. “Safety and effectiveness hinge on the injector’s expertise, knowledge of facial anatomy and appropriate technique. While some areas are best avoided due to high risks—like the glabella lines and temples, due to the complex vascular networks in these areas—other treatments like neurotoxins can provide similar benefits with fewer complications.” Scottsdale, AZ facial plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD adds, “One often-overlooked area for filler is the earlobe. When enhanced with filler, youthful volume is restored, allowing the ear to hold jewelry better. When this treatment is offered to patients, most do not realize this area can be treated, and they are often thrilled with the results.”
Why does the brand of filler you get even matter?
11 percent of our readers who have had filler do not know which brand of filler their provider used.
“It is important to know which brand of filler you are getting because each filler is designed for different results,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. “For example, Juvéderm is used to add volume to the lips, cheeks and other facial areas, and is known for its smooth consistency that provides natural-looking results.” West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD adds that there are more than 20 fillers approved for use in the United States. “Most are made from hyaluronic acid, some use calcium, and others, like Sculptra, cause the body to produce collagen and restore volume.”
Can filler be used to treat wrinkles?
63 percent of readers who have had filler use it to smooth out lines and wrinkles.
Most people know neurotoxins (Botox Cosmetic, etc.) as the gold standard for reducing and preventing wrinkles, but nowadays, patients are opting for filler to achieve the same effect. “Both fillers and neurotoxins are effective treatments for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but they work in fundamentally different ways,” explains Dr. Epstein. “Fillers add volume and stimulate collagen production to smooth out wrinkles, providing immediate results and improving hydration. Neurotoxins relax the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. Effects appear gradually and last for a shorter duration.”
Dr. Beer says, “Filler is like spackle—great to patch and smooth. Neurotoxins relax the muscle, but do not fill lines. If someone has a line or wrinkle at rest, while they are not making an expression, we can use a custom-blended filler to fill the line, along with neurotoxin to stop the line or wrinkle from getting worse.”
