Soft Tissue
Filler Ottawa

Soft Tissue Filler

As we age, the amount of fat and bone underneath our skin gradually diminishes, resulting in a loss of structure and volume. These effects result in a change in the contours of the face. People commonly see these as deeper folds, new hollows, or a blurring of the once well-defined features of the face. For example, the grooves between the cheeks and nose can become more pronounced, and the cheekbones do not appear as wide or high as they used to. For some patients, loss of lip volume or lip definition can cause the loss of previously defined features such as the Cupid’s bow of the top lip. These changes can give a sense of tiredness, sadness, or anger to the face. These changes can give an appearance of being older than you actually are.

Soft tissue fillers, or dermal fillers, are injectable implants approved for use by Health Canada and the United States FDA for use in creating a smoother or fuller appearance in the face by restoring some of the volume loss associated with aging. Soft tissue fillers are also approved for the augmentation of lips. Soft tissue fillers are injected by a small needle or cannula into the soft tissue planes of the face to help restore some of the volume in these areas. When delivered strategically under the skin’s surface, near the bone, or within the skin layers itself, dermal fillers can help create a smoother and fuller appearance in the face and other body parts.

Different types of dermal fillers

There are several different types of dermal fillers. Some are permanent, and some will dissolve over time. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most commonly used fillers in Canada. These fillers are composed of a sugar derivative (hyaluronic acid) that occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent and are dissolvable with the dissolving agent hyaluronidase.

Dermal filler products

The most commonly used product lines of hyaluronic acid fillers in Canada include Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Belotero®. At our clinic in Ottawa, we use hyaluronic acid fillers from the Juvéderm® line, produced by Allergan. Treatments are performed by Dr. Zhang, a licensed surgeon and the medical director. She is a certified Juvéderm® provider with Allergan. An initial consultation is required to determine the best type of treatment for each patient. At that consultation, Dr. Zhang will discuss your goals with you, assess your needs, and create a treatment plan with you that takes into consideration your unique circumstances. Contact our clinic for more information or book a consultation if you are considering dermal fillers. There is a consultation fee which will be applied to your treatments.

How often should I repeat dermal filler treatments?

This depends on the area treated and the type of filler used. Because hyaluronic acid fillers dissolve overtime and are nonpermanent, repeat treatments with dermal fillers is recommended to maintain the appearance. For some patients, the filler will last longer than the typical time frame. Patients should return for evaluation depending on the recommended timelines provided for the specific type of filler used.

How qualified and experienced should the specialist be?

Dermal filler injections are elective, non-surgical procedures, done most commonly for cosmetic reasons. These procedures are still medical procedures that can have a significant positive impact on your quality of life if performed correctly. Like all medical procedures, there is always a potential need for further care after the procedure and a risk of complications that require active management. Therefore, you should choose your provider and the facility carefully. Your provider should have an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, a well-developed sense of aesthetic principles, and a surgeon’s skill and precision. Your provider should have experience in procedures involving the face as this experience allows them a greater appreciation of the final effects of any manipulation of facial structures. Your provider should be a good communicator, to listen to your goals, and to communicate with you along every step of your treatment journey. Finally, your provider should provide after treatment care as long as it is necessary and have the experience to be comfortable managing complications. The facility you choose should also be clean, with high standards for infection control, and high volumes of medical procedures. Ultimately, you should choose a provider and an environment that is safe and makes you feel comfortable. Please contact our clinic if you would like more information about Dr. Zhang or about the facilities.

Can you treat more than one area at a time with dermal fillers?

Yes, patients frequently will benefit from dermal filler treatment to more than just one area. The changes that occur with aging will typically affect multiple structures and areas in the face. Some patients will have more than one area of concern. Sometimes multiple areas of the face should be treated to achieve the best results. At your consultation, Dr. Zhang will discuss these aspects with you and create a treatment plan regarding the number of areas to be treated, the number of treatments, and a timeframe for treatment. The treatment process is a journey and individual treatments can be scheduled to fit your convenience.

Can I get dermal fillers and neuromodulators at the same time?

Dermal fillers are often combined with neuromodulators to help treat lines and wrinkles. The dermal fillers restore some volume while the neuromodulators decrease wrinkles. In some areas, neuromodulators and dermal fillers can be injected at the same appointment. Other times, neuromodulators should be used first, allowed to achieve full treatment effect, and then be followed by injection of dermal fillers. Other times the reverse may be used. Treatment will differ by individual, and results will vary. Contact our clinic for more information or book a consultation for discussion with Dr. Zhang.

When should I start getting dermal fillers?

This depends on the area of concern. Dermal filler treatment is not recommended for those who are very young as their facial structures have not fully matured yet. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should delay treatment until they have completed their pregnancy and are finished breastfeeding. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical procedure and can be a great option for people who wish for a non-invasive procedure and subtle improvements. Not everyone may benefit from dermal filler treatment for the area they have concerns over. Individual needs do vary as do treatment results. For a more detailed and personalized assessment, please contact our clinic for more information or book a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dermal fillers last?

The dermal fillers used at our clinic are hyaluronic acid fillers. These dermal fillers are non-permanent and will dissolve over time. Hyaluronic fillers can last from 6-9 months to 12-18 months depending on the product used and the area injected. For a more detailed and personalized assessment, please contact our clinic for more information or book a consultation.

How long does the treatment take?

The procedure takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on the area treated and the amount of filler used. You may need to return for additional treatments depending on the recommended treatment plan. The effects of the dermal filler are noticed immediately. There will be swelling immediately in the areas treated. This swelling is most obvious within the first week following treatment. The swelling should decrease, and the dermal filler should have integrated with the surrounding soft tissues at 14 days following treatment. Some minor adjustments may be needed after 14 days which is why it is important for patients to follow up at that time.

What is it like to get dermal filler treatment?

Dermal fillers are considered to be non-surgical, non-invasive treatment. A small needle or cannula is used to inject the dermal filler into the skin and deliver it to the targeted areas. A careful consultation takes place before any first time dermal filler treatment. At the beginning of the procedure, the area that will be treated will be first cleansed with an antiseptic. For some patients, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the skin for pain control prior to the start of the procedure. The injection itself will feel like a sting, which will improve quickly if the filler is injected correctly. Most dermal fillers that are injected contain the numbing agent Lidocaine, and most people will feel numb in the areas treated at the end of their treatment.

Is treatment with fillers safe?

Soft tissue fillers are considered medical grade devices. The injection of dermal fillers is considered a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure but should still be performed in a clean and safe setting by a licensed professional. At our clinic, we are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our clients. Our soft tissue filler services are performed by Dr. Zhang, licensed surgeon who is knowledgeable about facial anatomy and comfortable with managing potential complications. Our facility also adheres to the highest public health safety standards. Our individual treatment rooms have operating room grade HEPA filters and operating room grade ventilation. We perform a high volume of minor procedures at our clinic and room cleanliness and sterility checks are consistent and standardized processes of care at our facility.

Will I look overdone or fake?

Dr. Zhang is dedicated to providing natural-looking results with dermal filler treatments. A careful consultation is an important and necessary part of this process. Every individual’s face is different, and a tailored approach is used so that injected fillers will result in enhancement that is aligned with the existing proportions of the face. The goal is to produce results that look natural and subtle while still helping to enhance your appearance. Our goal is to make you look and feel like the best version of you without looking overly altered. Individual results do vary. As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. Please contact our clinic if you would like more information or to book a consultation.

What are some commonly treated areas with soft tissue fillers?

These are some commonly treated areas using dermal fillers. Everyone’s face is unique, and therefore, the treatment amount and result may vary by individual. During a consultation, Dr. Zhang will be able to give you a detailed understanding of the product, the amount needed to achieve your desired results, and what to expect during and after the procedure. Results do vary, and risks are possible. Not everyone is a candidate for dermal filler treatment. A consultation is necessary before starting treatment. Treatment can be performed on the same day as the consultation.

Cheeks and Cheekbones – The cheeks and cheekbones are the foundation of the face. As aging occurs, the bones in this area lose volume, which is seen on the face by deepening creases between the eyes and the cheek, the cheek and the nose, and by sagginess of the cheek from the midface to lower face. These changes can give the appearance of tiredness and sadness in the face, even when you are actually feeling relaxed and happy. Dermal fillers can be injected in these areas to replace some of the lost volume, giving more fullness to the area and reducing some of the creases and sagginess.

Chin – The chin widens and loses definition as we age. This is caused by bone loss in the mandible (the bone that supports the chin), volume loss in the supporting soft tissues under the skin, along with weakness in the supporting ligaments. For some people, the widening of the chin may give their face a more masculine appearance, which they may not want. Because of these changes, a crease also forms just above the chin and below the lip. This crease deepens with age and creates shadowing that can pull attention away from the lips. This crease can also contribute to an appearance of unhappiness or sadness, even when these emotions are not present. Dermal fillers can be used in this area to decrease the appearance of the crease and to give more definition back to the chin.

Jawline and Jowls – As we age, the bone that supports the lower jaw loses volume, and the jawline becomes less defined. As well, skin thinning, loss of supporting soft tissue volume under the skin, and increased weakness or laxity in the supporting ligaments of the lower face lead to drooping or sagging of the skin past the jawline. This characteristic sagging of the skin, seen on both sides of the chin, are known as jowls. The formation of jowls and decreased definition of the jawline often mimic expressions of tiredness, sadness, or bitterness. Dermal fillers can be used in this area to replace some of the lost volume and decrease the appearance of the jowls while restoring some definition back to the jawline.

Lips – Lips are a very common area treated with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are typically used in lip treatments to either restore lost volume or to enhance existing volume.

Restore volume – As we age, the lips also change in a characteristic way. The top lip loses volume while the border between the lip and the skin becomes longer. This results in a thin top lip with a partial loss of the Cupid’s bow. The bottom lip also loses volume with a similar lengthening of the border between the lip and the skin. These changes result in the appearance of thinner, flatter (less projected), and less emotionally expressive lips. The lips settle into an appearance that mimics expressions of sadness or bitterness. Dermal fillers can be used here to replace lost lip volume and restore lip border definition.
Enhance volume – For younger patients, the characteristic changes that occur with aging have not occurred. In this setting, lips can also be treated with dermal fillers to enhance their existing fullness and further define their shape. This augmentation should be performed in a way that respects the existing proportions of the face, with the goal of a natural-looking result.

Marionette Lines – These are the lines that extend downwards from the corners of the mouth. These lines accentuate the downturn look of the lips, which can give the face an appearance of bitterness, sadness, or dissatisfaction, even when these emotions are not present. These lines can be due to the activity of the muscles of the lower face around the lips. Relaxing these muscles with neuromodulators can help raise the corners of the mouth and correct the downturn. Sometimes these lines are deep and extend further down towards the chin. Dermal fillers are commonly in this area to fill the lines that are still present even after adequate neuromodulator treatment.

Nasolabial folds – These are creases between the cheek, nose, and lips. As we age, these creases become deeper, longer, and are more visible. The shadows formed by the creases can take attention away from other expressive structures of the face. As well, the deeper folds can give the face an appearance of tiredness, sadness, or anger, even when these emotions are not present. Dermal fillers can be used to in this area to fill in the folds.

Soft Tissue
Filler Ottawa