Everything You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers

If you have ever wanted plumper lips, smoother cheeks, or a more defined jawline, dermal fillers might be the perfect solution. As we age, our skin naturally loses volume and elasticity, leading to a less youthful appearance. Thankfully, today’s aesthetic medicine offers powerful treatments like dermal fillers to address these changes.

At VIVE Medical Spa, we specialize in using dermal fillers to enhance your natural beauty. Our goal is to restore youthful contours and help you feel confident in your own skin. Wondering how dermal fillers work, what to expect during treatment, and why they are so popular? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and contour facial features. Most modern fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain hydration and plumpness.

Other filler materials can include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), depending on the treatment goal.

What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?

Fillers are incredibly versatile. They can:

• Smooth nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth)
• Plump and define lips
• Lift and contour cheeks
• Soften marionette lines (lines from the mouth to the chin)
• Enhance jawline definition
• Fill under-eye hollows
• Improve chin projection
• Correct facial asymmetries
• Restore volume to aging hands

Whether you seek subtle facial enhancement or more noticeable rejuvenation, dermal fillers can be customized to meet your individual goals and facial structure.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

The longevity of dermal fillers varies depending on several factors. These include the specific type of filler material, the area treated, and your body’s unique metabolism rate. On average, dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 months to 18 months. Some fillers in areas with less movement, like the cheeks or jawline, may last longer than fillers used in more active areas such as the lips.

General timelines:

• Lip fillers: 6–12 months
• Cheek fillers: 12–18 months
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: 9–15 months
• Jawline and chin fillers: 12–18 months

Maintenance treatments can help you preserve your refreshed look over time. Many patients enjoy the flexibility fillers offer—adjusting and updating their look as they age gracefully.

What Happens During a Dermal Filler Appointment?

At VIVE Medical Spa, a filler appointment is quick, easy, and comfortable.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation: We discuss your goals, evaluate your facial structure, and recommend a personalized plan.
2. Preparation: The area is cleaned, and a numbing cream may be applied.
3. Injection: Using a fine needle or cannula, the filler is carefully injected into targeted areas.
4. Aftercare: You can return to normal activities right away, though you may experience mild swelling or bruising.

The whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Are Dermal Fillers Safe?

Absolutely—when performed by experienced, certified injectors like those at VIVE Medical Spa. Fillers are FDA-approved and have a strong safety record when administered properly.

Common side effects include:

• Mild swelling
• Bruising
• Redness or tenderness

These typically resolve within a few days. Rare complications like lumps or vascular issues can be avoided with expert technique and proper aftercare.

Tips for the Best Filler Results

Want to make the most of your dermal fillers? Here are a few pro tips:

• Follow pre- and post-care instructions—this minimizes swelling and bruising.
• Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and blood thinners 24–48 hours before and after your appointment.
• Be realistic about results—enhancement, not perfection, is the goal.
• Stay hydrated and take care of your skin—healthy skin supports beautiful filler results.
• Always choose a qualified, experienced provider who understands facial anatomy.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to restore youthfulness, balance facial features, and boost confidence. With minimal downtime, customizable results, and a strong safety profile, they’re a favorite for a reason.

At VIVE Medical Spa, we believe in enhancing your natural beauty—not changing it. Our personalized, artistic approach to fillers ensures you look refreshed, never overdone. Ready to start your transformation? We’re here to help.