Cosmetic Procedures Before and After: Dermal Fillers

Carolyn is a wife, mother and professional sales representative who is on the road and in the public eye quite a bit, so she wants to look as good on the outside as she feels on the inside. She chose fillers to plump up the lines and wrinkles in her face to provide a more rested, youthful look. Follow her as she goes through the procedure with acclaimed dermatologist Dr. Doris Day in her New York City office. Plus, click here to find out everything you need to know about fillers and other popular cosmetic procedures.

	Meet Carolyn "I am not thrilled about looking old when I feel relatively young inside. I exercise often—I play golf, softball and tennis. I am a vegetarian and am careful about what I eat and drink. I am doing all I can to keep healthy and would love to look as young as I feel." Her expectations: "I want to look like me—only a more rested, younger-looking version of me."

Women ask...
Do I need to go under the knife? No. These days, the bulk of procedures designed to restore a more youthful appearance to your face (and sometimes at a physician’s discretion, hands and neck) are done on an outpatient basis, often in the doctor's office.

	Meet Dr. Doris Day "Carolyn has beautiful cheekbones, and adding some volume to a few areas will only enhance that." Dr. Day tells Carolyn: "You'll look like you on your best day"

Women ask...
What are the most common cosmetic procedures? According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are cosmetic injectables, fillers, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

	After examining Carolyn, Dr. Day determined that to fill out her facial wrinkles, she would use dermal fillers.

Women ask...
What do fillers do? These soft tissue fillers are injected into the lines and wrinkles in your face to plump them up and provide a more rested, youthful look. There are several types of fillers available.

Who are they best for? People who want to fill in lines around the nose and mouth, crow's feet, forehead wrinkles and, in some instances lips, at a physician's discretion.

	The experience: "There was a little bit of pain with the procedure; it was like a slight prick with a bit of pressure. Afterwards that day it was a little tender." About choosing the right professional: "The office prepared me for the procedure, and Dr. Day was kind and extremely professional, which made me feel very comfortable."

Women ask...
What is the pain factor? Some pain and swelling initially. Most fillers now contain lidocaine to reduce injection pain.

Who does it? Fillers are best administered by a trained plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

	Afterward "My chin was slightly bruised for six days. I bought some heavy-duty cover-up make-up, which I absolutely needed. Otherwise, I didn't experience any other side effects." Women should speak with their doctors about all potential side effects.

Women ask...
How long do fillers last? It depends on the type of filler used and where it is injected. Some hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can last up to one year.

	The results “I could see the difference that same night when I would smile or frown. Others have noticed, too—they say I look great, but aren't sure exactly what's different. I'm very pleased with the results. I have a fuller chin and less wrinkled look when I smile—I just look refreshed. I would definitely recommend it to a friend."

Women ask...
How much do fillers cost? It depends on which type you choose; the price generally ranges from $550 to $2,300.

Learn more about the risks and benefits of dermal fillers and other cosmetic procedures by clicking here.