Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore lost facial volume, smooth wrinkles and folds, and enhance facial contours using injectable gels made of hyaluronic acid and other materials.
At a Glance
Treatment Time
30-60 min
Results Duration
6-18 months
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$600+
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore lost facial volume, smooth wrinkles and folds, enhance contours, and rejuvenate the overall appearance of the face and hands. As we age, we naturally lose fat, collagen, and hyaluronic acid in the skin, leading to hollowed cheeks, deeper lines, thinner lips, and an overall deflated appearance. Dermal fillers replace what time has taken away. The most popular fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in your skin that attracts and holds moisture. Brands like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero offer a range of HA fillers with different consistencies designed for specific areas, from soft, smooth formulations for delicate under-eye areas to robust, lifting gels for cheek augmentation. Other filler types include Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite, which also stimulates collagen), Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, a collagen stimulator), and RHA fillers designed to move naturally with facial expressions. Dr. Kurtzman is a national trainer for filler injection techniques, meaning he teaches other physicians how to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. His artistic eye for facial proportions, developed over 35+ years of practice, ensures that filler treatments enhance your natural beauty rather than creating an overdone appearance. Treatments typically take 30-60 minutes with minimal downtime, and results are visible immediately.
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Cheek & Midface Volumization
Restoring lost cheek volume with lifting HA fillers like Juvederm Voluma or Restylane Lyft. Creates a natural lift that improves the entire face, reducing nasolabial folds indirectly by supporting the midface.
Best for: Patients with hollowed, flattened cheeks or those wanting non-surgical midface lifting.
Lip Enhancement
Adding volume, definition, and hydration to the lips using soft HA fillers. Treatment can range from subtle hydration to noticeable augmentation, specific to your goals and facial proportions.
Best for: Patients wanting fuller lips, improved lip shape, or correction of asymmetry.
Under-Eye Rejuvenation
Treating tear troughs and hollow under-eyes with soft, smooth HA fillers placed carefully in this delicate area. Requires advanced technique to avoid complications in this thin-skinned region.
Best for: Patients with hollowed under-eyes that create a tired appearance, and who have adequate skin thickness for filler.
Jawline & Chin Contouring
Enhancing jawline definition and chin projection using robust, sculpting fillers. Can create a more defined, contoured lower face without surgery.
Best for: Patients wanting improved jawline definition, enhanced chin projection, or overall facial balancing.
Ideal Candidates
Dermal fillers offer versatile solutions for a wide range of aesthetic concerns. During consultation, we assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and develop a specific treatment plan:
- Want to restore volume lost in the cheeks, temples, or under-eye area that creates a tired or aged appearance
- Have nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines, or vertical lip lines that have become more prominent
- Desire fuller, more defined lips with improved shape and hydration
- Want to enhance chin projection or jawline definition without surgery
- Seek non-surgical cheek augmentation or facial contouring
- Have hollowed temples or sunken areas around the eyes (tear troughs)
- Are looking for hand rejuvenation to reduce visible veins and tendons
- Prefer non-surgical options with minimal downtime and immediate, reversible results
The Procedure
Filler treatment is highly specific to your unique facial anatomy and goals. Dr. Kurtzman's expertise as a national trainer ensures safe, precise placement for natural-looking results:
1. Facial Assessment
Your face is analyzed from multiple angles, assessing bone structure, fat distribution, skin quality, and areas of volume loss. Photos may be taken. We discuss your concerns and explain which filler types and techniques will achieve your goals.
2. Treatment Planning
A specific treatment plan is developed, specifying which fillers will be used where. Different areas require different filler consistencies, soft, pliable gels for lips and under-eyes; robust, lifting gels for cheeks and jawline.
3. Preparation & Comfort
The treatment areas are cleaned. Topical numbing cream is applied for comfort, though most fillers contain lidocaine for additional pain relief. Ice may be used to minimize bruising.
4. Strategic Injection
Using either a fine needle or flexible cannula (depending on the area), filler is carefully injected in the appropriate tissue plane. Dr. Kurtzman uses advanced techniques like micro-droplet placement and retrograde threading for optimal results.
5. Molding & Refinement
Immediately after injection, the filler is gently molded and massaged into place. Your face is assessed from multiple angles to confirm symmetry and a natural appearance. Minor adjustments are made as needed.
6. Aftercare Review
Post-treatment instructions are reviewed. You will see immediate results, though final results are best appreciated once any swelling subsides (usually 3-7 days). A follow-up may be scheduled to assess results and perform any touch-ups.
Recovery & Results
Dermal filler treatments have minimal downtime. Immediately after: You may have redness, swelling, or small bumps at injection sites, these typically resolve within hours to a few days. Days 1-3: Swelling is most noticeable, especially in the lips. Bruising may develop in some patients, particularly in areas with delicate skin. Days 3-7: Swelling continues to decrease. Bruising, if present, begins to fade. By day 7-10: Most patients look completely normal with no visible signs of treatment. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) for several days before and after treatment to minimize bruising. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for 24-48 hours.
Results are visible immediately, though final results are best appreciated after swelling resolves (about 1-2 weeks). Longevity depends on the product and location: lip fillers typically last 6-12 months; cheek and jawline fillers last 12-18 months; Sculptra results can last 2+ years. Maintenance treatments keep you looking refreshed. An important advantage of HA fillers is that they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if any adjustment is desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fillers safe?
Yes, FDA-approved fillers have an excellent safety record when administered by trained professionals. Hyaluronic acid fillers offer an extra margin of safety because they can be dissolved quickly with an enzyme (hyaluronidase) if needed. Serious complications are rare with experienced injectors.
Will fillers look natural?
Yes, when placed by an experienced injector like Dr. Kurtzman, who is a national trainer for filler techniques. The key is using the right product in the right location at the right depth. We focus on enhancing your natural features, not creating an overdone "filled" appearance.
How long do different fillers last?
Duration varies by product and location: lip fillers typically last 6-12 months (lips move constantly), cheek fillers 12-18 months, under-eye fillers can last 1-2 years (less movement), and Sculptra results last 2+ years as it stimulates your own collagen production.
What is the difference between fillers and Botox?
They work completely differently. Fillers add volume to restore lost fullness or enhance features. Botox relaxes muscles to prevent wrinkles from forming. Many patients benefit from both: Botox for the upper face (forehead, crow's feet) and fillers for the mid and lower face (cheeks, lips, lines).
Do filler injections hurt?
Most patients tolerate treatment very well. We use topical numbing cream, and modern fillers contain lidocaine for additional comfort. The lips are most sensitive; other areas typically cause only mild pressure. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is.
Can fillers be reversed if I don't like the result?
Yes, this is a major advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers. They can be dissolved within hours using hyaluronidase enzyme if you're unhappy with results or experience any complications. This reversibility provides peace of mind for first-time filler patients.
Do you offer other injectable treatments?
Yes. In addition to dermal fillers, the practice offers Kybella for reducing fat under the chin and Latisse, the prescription treatment for growing longer, fuller eyelashes. Dr. Kurtzman is a national trainer for these products and can recommend the right combination during your consultation.
Your Expert for Dermal Fillers
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- National trainer for dermal filler techniques, teaches other physicians proper injection methods
- National trainer for Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and other fillers, with an artistic eye for facial proportions and balance
- Uses the full range of premium filler products, selecting the optimal product for each area
- Advanced techniques including cannula placement and micro-droplet methods for natural results
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Learn More About Dermal Fillers?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.