Courtenay & Campbell River: (250) 871-8333
Smooth out wrinkles, restore lost volume, and contour facial features with injectable dermal fillers. All treatments are performed by a qualified doctor at Willow Medical Aesthetics.
Over time, the face loses volume due to skin tissue degradation and a slowing of the regeneration process. As a result, facial lines can become more prominent, the skin may become more lax, and facial volume may decrease.
Treatment with dermal fillers can smooth folds and wrinkles, add volume to the lips, and contour facial features that have lost fullness. Facial rejuvenation can be carried out with minimal downtime.
Injectable fillers, such as Restylane and Revanesse, are soft tissue fillers made of biodegradable hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in all living organisms and helps provide volume and fullness to the skin. When injected into the skin, it can help fill facial wrinkles and address volume loss.
We have a large selection of different types of dermal filler, and your injector will select the most appropriate dermal filler for the area being treated.
All dermal filler injections are performed by a qualified physician, such as Dr Sullivan or Dr Anne Morrison, each with 20 years of medical experience and extensive training in medical aesthetics.
Areas commonly treated with dermal filler include:
Lips
Cheeks
Tear troughs
Lower cheeks
Temples
Chin
Jawline
Nasolabial folds
Avoid touching the treated area for six hours. Light make-up may be applied, and the area can be gently washed with soap and water.
Do not expose the treated area to intense heat, such as a solarium or sunbathing, or extreme cold for at least 2 weeks.
Immediately after treatment, there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness, and an itchy sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. These effects are usually temporary and generally disappear within a day after injection into the skin and within 1–2 days after injection into the lips.
Occasionally, initial swelling after lip treatment may last longer; some patients experience swelling for about a week, with the lips appearing somewhat uneven during this time. The result immediately after treatment should not be considered the final result.
If you have previously experienced facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption. A dose of an antiviral 24 hours before, or on the day of treatment, may help reduce this risk. Please inform your injector if you have a history of cold sores.
Some areas of the face and certain skin types may be at increased risk of bruising. If you are taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, or similar medications, please be aware that these may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
Cold compresses and Arnica gel or tablets may also help reduce swelling, itching, or discomfort. On rare occasions, bruising can lead to haemosiderin pigmentation or staining in the skin. This usually settles, but it may take several months.
Other types of reactions are very rare, including allergic reactions, but occasionally some patients have experienced symptoms not listed above. Please review the consent form for further details.
If you are new to the clinic or to this procedure, you will need to complete informed consent and post-care forms. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to complete these forms.
Included in your treatment time is a consultation and photos, which are required by our governing body. Expect to be at the clinic for 60–90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin using a very fine needle. The products create volume beneath the area being treated, helping to lift and smooth the area. Results can often be seen immediately.
Treatment is generally fast and performed with minimal downtime. Mild tenderness, swelling, and bruising can occur after treatment and usually subside quickly. Patients can usually return to regular activities immediately.
The effect of dermal fillers is temporary, as the product is gradually absorbed by the body. Typically, fillers last six to 12 months, but they may last longer in certain areas and in some individuals.
To minimise discomfort, you may wish to take a regular dose of plain Tylenol (325 to 1000 mg, depending on your size) every 4–6 hours for a day or so after treatment. It may also help to apply ice to the treated area for 20 minutes every 4–6 hours during the first 12–24 hours after treatment. Arnica may also be used.
Pricing can vary depending on the product used and the amount recommended based on each patient’s goals. The pricing is based on the volume of filler used, and it is not necessary to purchase a whole syringe.
Dr Sullivan prefers a conservative approach to dermal fillers and may recommend lower doses where appropriate.
Dermal fillers cannot be performed during pregnancy or while nursing. It may also not be appropriate for patients with a major illness, multiple allergies, or high sensitivity to medications, including but not limited to lidocaine.
These aesthetic products are temporary injectable fillers, and the duration of effect can vary from patient to patient.
Some patients choose additional treatments before the effect has fully dissipated. Once the desired volume is achieved, which for some patients may take 2–3 appointments, maintenance treatments are often scheduled every 6–12 months.
Typically, fillers last six to 12 months, but they may last longer in certain areas and in some individuals.
Botox may be done in the same appointment as dermal filler.
Microneedling may also be recommended to support collagen production.