Dermal fillers are injectable gels designed to replace lost facial volume and smooth lines that develop over time. Many modern fillers are formulated from hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule that naturally attracts and holds water within the skin. By replenishing HA in targeted areas, fillers restore structure beneath the surface, lifting soft tissue and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds without surgery.
Unlike surgical procedures that reposition or remove tissue, fillers work by augmenting the skin’s underlying support. This makes them especially effective for common aging concerns such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, hollow cheeks, and thinning lips. Because the result depends on where and how much material is placed, treatments can be customized to achieve anything from subtle refreshment to more noticeable contouring.
Advances in formulation and technique have expanded what fillers can accomplish. Today's products vary in viscosity and cohesivity, so practitioners choose a specific filler based on the treatment area and the patient’s goals. When performed with precise technique, injectable fillers can produce natural-looking improvements that complement each patient’s facial anatomy rather than overwhelm it.
Fillers are most commonly used where facial volume loss and dynamic creasing combine to make signs of aging visible. The nasolabial folds—the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth—respond well to volumizing fillers, as do marionette lines that extend below the mouth. Adding volume to the cheeks can lift surrounding tissues, improve midface projection, and create a smoother transition from cheek to lower face.
Lip enhancement is another frequent application, ranging from modest definition of the vermilion border to fuller volume for more balanced facial proportions. Under-eye hollows and tear troughs can also benefit from careful filler placement, where restoring support helps reduce the appearance of dark shadows without introducing puffiness when done conservatively.
Beyond wrinkle reduction, fillers are increasingly used for subtle structural reshaping—refining a jawline, softening a chin, or providing non-surgical nasal contouring. These applications demonstrate the versatility of fillers as tools for both corrective and aesthetic improvements, with the common theme being a tailored approach that respects each patient’s unique facial balance.
A successful outcome starts with a focused consultation. During this visit, the clinician assesses facial anatomy, discusses aesthetic goals, and reviews medical history to identify any factors that might affect safety or results. Clear expectations are set, including what improvements are realistic and how treatment will be staged if multiple areas are being addressed.
On the day of the procedure, the treatment area is cleansed and often numbed with topical anesthetic or local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. Using fine needles or cannulas, the provider injects small amounts of filler in precise layers to rebuild support without overfilling. Because the process is minimally invasive, most sessions are completed within 30 to 60 minutes depending on complexity.
Recovery is typically brief. Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness are common in the first 24–48 hours and can be managed with simple measures like cold compresses and temporary activity modification. Patients can usually return to normal routines within a day but are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat for a short period to support optimal settling of the product.
Follow-up is part of the plan: a check visit allows the clinician to assess the settling process and make small adjustments if necessary. Because the goal is a harmonious and natural appearance, many providers prefer a gradual approach—refining volumes over more than one session when appropriate.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are among the most studied and widely used injectable products due to their predictable behavior and compatibility with the body. HA is naturally present in skin and connective tissues, and most HA fillers can be modified or reversed if an adjustment is needed, adding a layer of safety that many patients find reassuring. Reversible options are one reason HA remains a common first choice.
Every filler has distinct physical properties—thicker gels provide lift and support for areas like the cheeks, while softer formulations are selected for delicate areas such as lips and tear troughs. The injector’s knowledge of these differences is critical to achieving the intended effect without unwanted outcomes like lumpiness or unnatural contours.
Longevity varies by product, placement, and individual metabolism. Some patients enjoy results that last several months, while others maintain effect for a year or more. Factors such as the area treated, the type of movement in that region, and lifestyle elements (like sun exposure and skincare habits) all influence how long a filler will persist.
Side effects are generally mild and transient when injections are performed by qualified clinicians. Serious complications are uncommon but can include vascular occlusion or infection; prompt recognition and intervention are essential. Choosing an experienced provider who follows safety protocols—thorough assessment, sterile technique, and anatomic expertise—reduces risk and supports predictable outcomes.
At our practice, aesthetic injectables are guided by a conservative, anatomy-first philosophy that prioritizes natural proportions and patient comfort. Every treatment plan begins with a face-to-face evaluation to identify the structural changes that will deliver the most meaningful improvement. This ensures that filler is used where it will be most effective rather than applied indiscriminately.
We pair technical skill with an emphasis on patient education—explaining how different products work, what to expect during recovery, and how results evolve over time. Numbing options and gentle injection techniques are used to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and follow-up care is scheduled to monitor healing and fine-tune outcomes when needed.
Suss Dental Group brings dental and facial aesthetic experience to injectable treatments, which can be an advantage when evaluating the interplay between oral structures and facial form. That holistic perspective helps create balanced, age-appropriate results that enhance rather than redraw natural features.
To learn more about how dermal fillers can address your specific concerns, contact us for additional information or to schedule a consultation. Our team will be happy to discuss options and build a personalized plan that aligns with your goals.
Dermal fillers are gel-like injectable materials used to restore lost facial volume and smooth lines that form with age. Many modern fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that attracts and retains water in the skin to provide immediate lift and improved contour. Treatments are non-surgical and are designed to augment underlying support rather than remove or reposition tissue.
Fillers are placed into precise layers beneath the skin to rebuild structure, soften folds, and improve facial proportions. The choice of product and placement is customized to the anatomy and aesthetic goals of each patient to avoid an overfilled appearance. When performed with careful technique, fillers can produce natural-looking results that complement a person's existing features.
Fillers are frequently used where volume loss and dynamic creasing create visible signs of aging, including the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Cheek augmentation with fillers can restore midface projection and improve the transition from cheek to lower face, while lip enhancement can refine definition or add volume depending on the desired outcome.
Delicate areas such as tear troughs under the eyes may benefit from conservative filler placement to reduce shadowing without creating puffiness, and fillers are also used for non-surgical contouring of the jawline, chin, and nose. The versatility of modern products allows clinicians to tailor treatments for both corrective and aesthetic reshaping while maintaining facial balance.
Longevity varies by product, treatment area, injection depth, and individual metabolism; many hyaluronic acid fillers provide noticeable results for several months while some formulations may last a year or longer. Areas with high movement, such as the lips, often metabolize filler faster than more static regions like the cheeks. The specific filler formulation—its viscosity and cohesivity—also influences how long the effect persists.
Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and skin-care routines can affect how quickly a filler is broken down, as can changes in weight or facial structure over time. Maintenance treatments or staged approaches are commonly used to preserve results and allow fine-tuning. A follow-up visit helps assess settling and determine if additional touch-ups are appropriate.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are among the most commonly used because HA is naturally present in the skin and most HA products can be adjusted or dissolved if necessary. Other materials, such as calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid, have different mechanisms and longevity profiles and are typically chosen for specific structural or long-term volumizing needs. Autologous fat transfer is another option that uses a patient's own tissue for more permanent volume but involves a surgical harvest.
Each category has unique handling characteristics, safety considerations, and expected duration, so product selection should be guided by the treatment area and the clinician's experience. Reversibility is an important advantage of HA fillers when a predictable, adjustable outcome is desired. A careful consultation will identify which option best matches the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Treatments begin with cleansing and, when appropriate, topical or local anesthetic to maximize comfort; many sessions take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of areas treated. Providers use fine needles or blunt cannulas to place small amounts of filler in controlled layers, and the clinician will sculpt and assess symmetry throughout the procedure. Because injections are minimally invasive, patients typically experience only brief downtime.
Common immediate effects include mild swelling, redness, and tenderness that usually peak within the first 24–48 hours and resolve over several days. Cold compresses, temporary activity modification, and avoiding excessive heat can help manage early swelling and bruising. A scheduled follow-up allows the clinician to assess settling and make any conservative adjustments to optimize the result.
Mild, short-lived side effects are the most common and include bruising, swelling, redness, and temporary tenderness at injection sites. Serious complications are uncommon but can include infection or vascular compromise, which requires immediate recognition and prompt treatment to minimize tissue injury. Choosing an experienced provider who understands facial anatomy and follows sterile technique reduces the likelihood of these events.
For hyaluronic acid fillers, enzymatic reversal with hyaluronidase is available if rapid correction is needed, and clinicians should have emergency protocols in place for vascular events or other unexpected reactions. Open communication about medical history, medications, and previous procedures helps the provider anticipate risk factors. Timely follow-up after treatment ensures any concerns are addressed quickly and appropriately.
Yes; fillers frequently complement neuromodulators such as botulinum toxin and other procedures to achieve a more complete facial rejuvenation. Combining treatments can address both volume loss and dynamic wrinkles, but sequencing and timing should be planned to optimize results and limit swelling that might interfere with assessment. A clinician will typically craft a staged plan based on the desired outcome and the patient’s tolerance for downtime.
Coordination between treatments also helps maintain natural facial balance, and providers skilled in multiple modalities can recommend the appropriate intervals between procedures. For example, some clinicians perform neuromodulator injections first and allow settling before adding filler, while others tailor the approach to individual anatomy and goals. Clear discussion during the consultation ensures a safe, effective combination plan.
Product choice depends on the targeted area, the amount of lift or projection needed, and the tissue characteristics of the patient; thicker, more cohesive gels are selected for structural support while softer gels suit delicate areas. The injector’s familiarity with product properties—such as elasticity and spread—guides selection to minimize irregularities and achieve a harmonious outcome. Technique also matters, with options like needle versus cannula chosen based on safety, precision, and bruising risk.
An individualized assessment of facial anatomy, skin thickness, and movement patterns informs both product and technique decisions to avoid overcorrection. Experienced injectors use conservative layering and frequent reassessment rather than attempting dramatic volume in a single session. This anatomy-first approach supports predictable, natural results while preserving the ability to refine outcomes over time.
Preparation begins with a candid medical history review; disclose any bleeding disorders, medications, supplements, or prior procedures that could affect treatment safety or healing. Patients are commonly advised to avoid blood-thinning agents like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain supplements for a short period before treatment to reduce bruising risk, but specific medical guidance should come from the treating clinician. Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before the appointment can also help minimize immediate bruising.
On the day of treatment, arrive with a clean face and plan for a brief recovery period, especially if multiple areas are being treated. Discuss expectations, pain-management options, and follow-up plans during the consultation so you understand the timeline for settling and potential touch-ups. If there are acute skin infections or inflammation near the planned sites, the provider may reschedule to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
During the consultation, describe your aesthetic goals clearly and share relevant medical history, previous cosmetic treatments, and any known allergies. Ask about the clinician’s experience with specific products and techniques, their plan for achieving your goals, and how they will manage common side effects or rare complications. Request information on aftercare, expected timelines for improvement, and the scheduling of follow-up visits to assess settling.
Good consultations include photographic documentation and a discussion of realistic outcomes based on your facial anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. An injector who explains why a particular filler or technique is recommended demonstrates anatomy-based decision making, which helps create balanced results. If you have questions about how dental or oral structures interact with facial form, mention them so the provider can address those considerations.
Knowledge of dental and facial anatomy can enhance injectable planning because the shape and support of the mouth, jaw, and surrounding tissues influence overall facial proportions. Clinicians who understand oral structures are often better positioned to predict how changes in one area will affect adjacent regions, which supports more harmonious enhancement. This perspective can be particularly useful when treating areas near the mouth, chin, and jawline.
At Suss Dental Group in Bergenfield, New Jersey, practitioners leverage their experience with dental and facial anatomy to create balanced, age-appropriate results and to coordinate care when dental factors play a role in facial form. A comprehensive evaluation that considers both soft tissue and underlying skeletal features helps ensure filler is used where it will be most effective and safe. Discussing these considerations during your consultation lets the team tailor a plan to your specific needs.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Suss Dental Group is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
