FACIAL FILLERS
IN NH

The body reabsorbs HA slowly over time. Each unique product has a different time frame for reabsorption. Lip fillers typically last about 6-9 months. Where other fillers in the upper face can last 12-18 months. There are many extrinsic factors that play into the length of the filler such as smoking, tanning, dieting, age, and metabolism. There is no set rule and no guarantees on how long your fillers will last as everyone is vastly different from genetics and lifestyle.

Facial fillers should not be taken lightly and should always be done in the hands of an experienced provider or done with experienced supervision (we all have to learn at some point). It is important to understand that fillers are only as good as the injector placing them. The experienced provider can properly choose the correct product and then deliver the fillers into the proper plane. The experienced providers at DCCM are all licensed, and insured and are well qualified to treat the community. Tara of DCCM has created an accredited training program where she trains other Doctors, Nurses, Surgeons and medical professionals in the art and safety of aesthetics. Although, the providers are all qualified to inject doesn’t mean that the learning stops there. Each year the providers jet-set all over the world to continue to improve their skills, develop collaborative relationships and better understand anatomy. Fillers have an exceptional safety profile and have been in use for well over 35 years. In rare cases, fillers can get into a vessel or artery. DCCM is trained and equipped to handle such an event. Adherence to the providers’ guidelines and treatment plan is essential.

There is minimal pain involved in the treatment. A topical numbing cream is applied for 30-40 minutes prior to the injections. There is also an anesthetic mixed into the filler making it even more comfortable.

Bruising and swelling are likely. The swelling typically lasts for 24 hours but patients can feel puffy (especially the lips) for 48 hours after treatment. The worst of the swelling is usually the morning after your lip filler. It is not recommended that you be treated with filler 4 weeks before a special occasion. Patients can take arnica and pineapple starting a few days before your appointment to help minimize the bruising and swelling.

Fillers in the cheeks are well tolerated and have the least amount of downtime. But all facial fillers can have a period of time where it feels lumpy and bumpy (up to 6 weeks) or may not be settled in. Don’t judge your facial filler treatment until at least 2-4 weeks post. There is a lot of activity that goes on in the healing face. Even though your bruises may have faded, the results are still settling in. The skin goes through a tremendous amount of trauma with facial fillers and it is very common for the face to present with uneven swelling, swelling above the lip after lip filler and so on. This is all NORMAL and it will all subside. It is best practice to have a follow-up appointment at 2-4 weeks unless of course there is a treatment emergency.

Patients are influenced now by social media more than ever. Let me bring you back to reality. Most of the home run photos you see on social media are those patients that have had multiple syringes and have had other treatments. If you have lost volume in your lips it means you are likely to mature enough to have volume loss elsewhere. So, it is very normal to have fillers all over the face. It can create balance. For example tear trough facial fillers start with filler in the cheeks and botox before that area is even addressed. It is impossible to predict with 100% certainty on the amount of filler one will need until we see the tissue’s response with the filler in place. We are all a bit asymmetrical from side to side and that is normal. Fillers can soften asymmetry but you should be wary of the provider who guarantees correction. Keep in mind your injector has a syringe, not a scalpel. Lets stay grounded.

There is no right or wrong age to start your facial fillers. The team at DCCM will NOT treat anyone under the age of 18. If you are young don’t be surprised if you get carded. We want to keep you safe and it is our job to be sure all of our patients are of the legal adult consenting age to receive filler in our practice. There are many reasons for fillers to be initiated, volume loss, hollows, shadows, wrinkles, scars, makeup bleeding, and creasing…It is common for your provider to treat an area outside of your problem area. This is because the area you may complain about is caused by a different area. When we treat the cause instead of the symptom our patients are much happier with the results and feel more natural.

Yes, your filler can be reversed. This makes the treatment much safer for patients. DCCM always has plenty of the reversal agent on hand in case of a RARE emergency.

DCCM has seen an influx of patients from at home parties and in-experienced providers placing filly inadequately. Tara is skilled in reversing HA fillers. Filler has become so common on social media, it has taken some of the fear out of patients. Facial fIller is common but in the wrong hands, it can be dangerous or just leave you with an unpleasant appearance. We don’t expect our patients to know what we know so we are not here to blame or judge. We are here to educate and help. Should you find yourself in an unfortunate predicament please bring your before photos and the product name you had placed and Tara will reverse it for you. The charge is $600 for the reversal.

Many people think they will be stretched out or look worse if they stop getting their fillers. The expert providers at DCCM do not overfill so we are not stretching the skin. If you decide you don’t want to have the treatments anymore you will just go back to the way you were before.

The answer is yes but it doesn’t change the cost. We will not save the filler. The vast majority of patients end up coming back to add more. You are buying the treatment not the syringe. Your providers decide the appropriate dose for your tissue. 1-1.5 syringes is max that Tara will perform in the lips in one sitting. She feels it is prudent to allow the tissue room to swell with the trauma and the filler. WIth other areas of the face, we can do far more in one sitting due to the spread and landscape of the face. It is very common to have 3-5 syringes of filler. In the right hands, you will be rejuvenated and restored not alien-like. A little filler in the wrong hands can be a disaster but a lot in the right hands is a beautiful piece of art.

In addition to volume these products also add hydration and begin softening wrinkles and fine lines immediately. Advanced technology has made this a comfortable choice for volumizing with the addition of an anesthetic mixed into the product. Instant results that last from a year to two years.

A few simple guidelines before your treatment can make a difference between a good result and a fantastic one:


-If you have a history of herpes (cold sores) with outbreaks more than 4 times a year it is recommended that you are pretreated with medication. This office recommends Valtrex 2GM the day before or the day of the treatment and then another 2GM’s 12 hours after the first dose. **Please let us know that you need a prescription if you do not have this medication on hand.**


-If you develop a cold/flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, you must reschedule (we will not treat you).


-It is recommended, if you have a special event or vacation coming up, schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance.


-It is recommended you discontinue the use of Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week before and after treatment to minimize bruising and bleeding.


-It is recommended that you avoid: alcohol, caffeine, niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates (you may eat fruit), spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment. (All of these factors may increase risk of bruising)


-It is recommended you discontinue Retin-A two (2-3) days before treatment to avoid increased redness and irritation.

-Do NOT, touch, press, rub, or manipulate the implanted areas for 6 hours after treatment. You can cause irritation, sores, and or problems, and possible scarring if you do.


-Avoid Vigorous Exercise and Sun and Heat exposure for 3 days after treatment.


-We recommend you AVOID Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week after treatment.


-We recommend you do not use Retin-A or like products (ex. Kinerase, Tazarac) two (2) days after treatment to avoid increased irritation and redness.


-It is best to wear no makeup or lipstick until the next day. Earlier use can cause pustules. If you must wear makeup we recommend good quality mineral makeup.


-We recommend you AVOID: alcohol, caffeine, niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates (you may eat fruit), spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment


-Please remember: “One side may heal faster than the other side.”


-Regarding your Lips: “Don’t Love Them or Hate Them for 2 weeks. You must wait 2 weeks before retreating or correction.


****Please report any “increased pain and increased swelling”, redness, blisters, or itching immediately

RADIESSE is a dermal fillers that are used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth). RADIESSE is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands.

Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen—the most common protein in the body that is used to form a framework to support cells and tissue—for results that can last up to two years.