21 Sep 2023 | by Leonard Miller, MD, FACS, FRCS
Injecting dermal fillers is more than a procedure – it’s an art form. This article will explore the artistry of injecting dermal fillers and how experienced clinicians are also artists that enhance and sculpt the face to create a look tailored to a patient’s features and bone structure.
Dermal Filler: Explained
Dermal fillers, also called soft tissue fillers, are used to restore volume and smooth wrinkles in the face. Dermal filler treatments are popular because they are non-surgical and can produce natural results with minimal downtime or discomfort.
There are different types of injectable dermal fillers; most are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. This makes them very safe, as they are normally well-tolerated. Injectable fillers provide a temporary treatment, as they are eventually metabolized and safely excreted by the body.
Dermal Filler options
Plastic surgeons and dermatologists can choose from several different products to achieve their patients’ desired look. Some of the most popular FDA-approved fillers include hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse.
The goal of each dermal filler is to restore lost volume and create a smoother or fuller appearance. At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, our doctors are experts in understanding the unique formulation of each filler and how to use each one to give our patients beautiful results.
View More Dermal Filler Before and After Pictures
The Artistry of Injecting Dermal Fillers
The artistry of injecting dermal fillers lies in knowing how to effectively use them to create subtle yet noticeable changes in the appearance of the face. A skilled dermal injector will have an eye for detail and use experience and judgment to determine which fillers will work best, where to place the injection, and how much filler to use for the desired outcome.
Injecting the Right Type of Filler
The appropriate dermal filler must be selected for each area of concern because different products have different properties that will influence the results. A patient’s skin type, age, aesthetic goals, and facial anatomy should all be assessed before choosing the correct fillers. The filler used might vary by patient, even when used in the same area of the face.
Experienced, board-certified doctors are most qualified to examine a patient and create a customized treatment plan that will meet the patient’s needs. They not only recognize the signs of aging skin but also understand the underlying causes and know which fillers are best for their patients.
Mastering Injection Techniques
The injector’s technique is as important as knowing which fillers to choose. Dermal fillers are administered through small injections into the desired area. At Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, we use AccuVein, a cutting-edge vein visualization technology that allows us to see the vessels beneath the skin in order to determine where to place the injectable, reducing post-treatment bruising and discomfort. In addition to placement, we pay close attention to the precise depth of each injection for optimal results.
Creating a Rejuvenated, Natural Look
Ideally, each injection is precisely placed and evenly distributed to achieve a rejuvenated but natural appearance. It is a delicate balance of science and art that requires a steady hand, a keen eye, and a deep understanding of facial structure.
There are times when more filler is necessary for one side to correct facial asymmetry and provide a balanced appearance. Doctors with cosmetic training have expertise in facial anatomy and its nuances and know exactly how much filler is needed at each injection site. They are able to visualize the final result and make any necessary adjustments during the procedure. At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons and dermatologists are some of the most sought-after injectors in the Boston area.
Experience a New Level of Artistry: The Benefits of Dermal Fillers
No other profession combines artistry and medicine as well as plastic surgery. Dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the face when an experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon like our doctors use them.
Reduce Fine Lines & Deeper Wrinkles
Some dermal fillers effectively smooth fine lines on the face, while others are specifically used to treat deeper wrinkles or folds. Fillers plump up the skin, filling out any creases or lines caused by aging. The effects are instantaneous, giving the skin a smooth and youthful appearance.
Dramatically Rejuvenate Skin
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, resulting in wrinkles and saggy areas that can make us look older than we are. These areas can be filled with dermal fillers, restoring fullness and improving texture for a more youthful complexion.
Plump & Enhance Lips
Another popular dermal filler application is the enhancement and plumping of the lips. Fillers can be used to add volume and definition to the lips, as well as to smooth out irregularities. The end result is fuller, more voluptuous lips.
Reshape the Jaw Line
Dermal fillers can be used to reshape and help define the jawline. With precise strategic injections, increased volume can reduce sagging skin around the jaw and result in a dramatic or subtle change in jaw contour.
Create Symmetry
The artistry of injecting dermal fillers also involves creating facial symmetry and balance. Facial asymmetry can occur due to various factors, including genetics, injury, or disease.
Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to areas of the face that are asymmetrical, such as the cheeks, jawline, or lips. This can bring both sides of the face into better alignment, giving the face a more balanced, harmonious look.
Enhance Confidence
Finally, one of the greatest benefits of facial fillers is that they can help restore confidence. Fillers can help reduce signs of aging while enhancing natural beauty and making you look and feel your best—without surgery or downtime. Injectable dermal fillers offer a safe, effective way to achieve your aesthetic goals while also increasing self-esteem.
View More Dermal Filler Before and After Pictures
Rejuvenating Beauty: The Boston Center for Plastic Surgery Dermal Filler Artistry
From choosing the right type of filler for each patient to creating symmetry and balance with precision injections, We take a “less is more” approach to injectable treatments and understand the importance of taking the time to create natural-looking results that make patients look their best.
Meet the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery Doctors
At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified doctors are experts in dermal filler artistry.
Dr. Leonard Miller does ongoing research on dermal filler products and has more than many years of experience providing surgical and non-surgical treatments to patients. Dr. Sean Doherty currently serves as a speaker, trainer, and educator, providing training to other medical professionals on administering proper and safe injections.
Our dermatologists, Dr. Melissa Michelon, who trains future doctors on cosmetic procedures.
A Pioneer in Dermal Filler Development
Dr. Miller is a pioneer in the aesthetics industry, being the first surgeon to introduce micro-needling to the U.S. and usually among the first to implement new fillers on the market in his practice. His reputation has made him one of the most sought-after surgeons in Boston, and his practice is continually growing due to the trust and respect he has earned from patients as the most experienced injector in Boston.
Dr. Miller has been involved in developing and testing numerous fillers, and he is also responsible for introducing many new alternative filler products to the market. In fact, he founded his own company, Advanced Aesthetic Technologies, which develops differentiated filler products for the global marketplace.
Dr. Miller has also delivered local and international lectures on dermal filler procedures. He continues developing new technologies and products in facial rejuvenation based on his interest and passion for this field.
Research, Training, and Experience
Our doctors have extensive training and decades of combined experience that give them unparalleled expertise in the field. Using our careful approach, we can correct facial asymmetry, restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and create a more youthful appearance without looking “overdone” or unnatural.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
To schedule a private consultation and for more information about dermal filler injections or any other non-surgical or surgical procedure available at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, please contact us at (617) 712-0907 or fill out our online Contact Us form. The Boston Center for Plastic Surgery has two offices for your convenience: One Brookline Place in Brookline, MA and 69 Newbury Street in Boston, MA.