You’ve probably heard about Botox. It’s become a household name for smoothing wrinkles. But there’s another injectable treatment that works differently and addresses a completely different set of concerns. They’re called dermal fillers. While Botox relaxes muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles, fillers add volume. They fill in folds, plump up lips, and restore the natural contours that we lose as we age. And yes, we offer them at AH Smiles.
Let us explain how they work and whether they might be right for you.
What Do Dermal Fillers Do?
As we get older, our faces naturally lose volume. Fat pads shift. Collagen and elastin break down. The result is often hollowing under the eyes, deeper nasolabial folds (those lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), and a loss of definition along your jawline.
Dermal fillers replace that lost volume. They’re made from substances that occur naturally in your body. Most modern fillers use hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar molecule that your body produces on its own. It attracts water and adds plumpness to the skin.
When we inject a filler, we’re not just filling a line. We’re restoring structure. The goal is to look like you, just a refreshed version.
How Fillers Differ From Botox
This is the question patients ask us most often. The short answer is that Botox and fillers serve different purposes and can even complement each other.
Botox targets muscle movement. It temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the “11” lines between your eyebrows. The result is often smoother skin in those areas.
Fillers target volume loss. They can fill in hollows, smooth deeper creases, and add shape to lips and cheeks. The result is often fuller, more contoured features.
Many patients benefit from both. But it’s important to know which one addresses your specific concerns.
What Treatment Looks Like
The process with us is straightforward and quick. You come in for a consultation. We talk about what’s bothering you and what you’d like to achieve. Dr. Engelberg examines your face and explains what’s realistic.
The actual injections take maybe 15 to 20 minutes. We use a very fine needle, and most fillers contain a numbing agent to keep you comfortable. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
Afterward, you might have some redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. That’s normal and usually fades within a day or two. Most patients go right back to their normal activities.
What Areas We Treat
The most common areas we treat with fillers are:
- The nasolabial folds
- The marionette lines (those lines from the corners of your mouth down to your chin)
- The lips
- Hollow cheeks
- The jawline
Some patients come in for one specific area. Others want a more comprehensive approach. We tailor the treatment to your goals and budget.
What to Expect in Terms of Longevity
Fillers aren’t permanent. How long they last depends on the type of filler we use, the area we treat, and your individual metabolism. On average, hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from six months to two years.
Over time, your body slowly breaks down the filler. When that happens, you can come back for a touch-up to maintain your results.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Dermal fillers have been used safely for decades. They’re FDA-approved and have an excellent safety profile when administered by trained professionals.
Dr. Engelberg has extensive training in injectable treatments. He understands facial anatomy and knows exactly where to place the filler to achieve natural-looking results.
Is It Right for You?
If you’ve noticed volume loss that doesn’t improve with skincare or if you’ve been considering a more defined lip or smoother lines, fillers might be worth exploring.
Our team at AH Smiles serves patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Deerfield, and Northbrook. Give us a call. We’ll talk about your goals, show you what’s possible, and help you figure out whether dermal fillers are the right step for you.