Dermal Fillers

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

Filler Woman

A dermal filler is an injectable, gel-like substance that is administered beneath the skin to address visible signs of aging, volume loss, definition, contours, and more. Dermal fillers come in different formulas, each often having varying indications. Common treatment areas include the cheeks, forehead, eyebrows, lips, chin, and others. At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we offer Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Belotero Balance.

Dr. Richard Chaffoo is the founder of La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology and one of America’s Few Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons. This is the only hair restoration practice in the country under the co-direction of both a triple board-certified plastic surgeon and a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Chaffoo offers more than 30 years of experience and has received several awards and recognitions for his dedication to both his patients and the medical field as a whole. Dr. Susan Stuart is the co-founder of La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology and a double board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration superspecialist. She has more than 20 years of experience and is the go-to dermatologist for many publications, including Cosmopolitan and In Style.

To learn more about your dermal filler possibilities, please schedule a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:

About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a non-surgical treatment designed to help restore a more youthful-looking appearance by enhancing your facial volume and reducing visible signs of aging. Dermal fillers are one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the country, with more than 6.26 million treatments administered in 2024 alone. (1)

Types of Dermal Filler Ingredients

  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occuring, hydrating substance that is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture. HA fillers are generally well-tolerated and provide soft, subtle results. (2) They are often used to restore volume in areas around the lips, cheeks, or nasolabial folds.
  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Calcium hydroxylapatite is a biocompatible compound that can enhance facial volume by stimulating collagen production. These fillers are often considered semipermanent due to their long-lasting effects. They are ideal for correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles, significant volume loss, and areas around the mouth and jawline. (2)

Available Fillers

At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we offer a variety of fillers to help you address each of your concerns. Our available options include Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Belotero.

Juvederm®

Juvederm is a family of hyaluronic acid-based fillers that can be used to help fill in the appearance of wrinkles, creases, or folds. This filler is known for being very soft and being less likely to cause irregularities like lumps. (2) They contain a small amount of lidocaine to elevate comfort.

  • Juvederm XC: Juvederm XC has a smooth, gel-like consistency to restore volume to areas of the face prone to dynamic movement, such as around the mouth.
  • Juvederm Voluma XC: Juvederm Voluma XC is designed to enhance volume around the cheeks and midface caused by the natural effects of aging. This filler has the thickest consistency in the Juvederm portfolio.

Restylane®

Restylane is an HA-based dermal filler that formulates each solution using XpresHAn technology, which is a type of cross-linked hyaluronic acid that is designed to provide deeper support and fluid flexibility for more natural-looking results. (3) This filler is designed to act like the naturally occurring HA within your body, and it was the first HA-based dermal filler sold in the country. (2) We offer Restylane, Restylane-L, and Restylane Silk to address varying concerns.

  • Restylane: Restylane aims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as improve your facial volume and contours. This filler is known for producing natural-looking results and is ideal when used to fill the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
  • Restylane-L: Restylane-L can help smooth out the appearance of wrinkles and folds around the mouth and nose, as well as provide a plumping effect when administered to the lips. This formula is cross-linked to provide more stability once in place.
  • Restylane Silk: Restylane Silk is designed to help augment the appearance of your lips and fill in vertical lip lines, also known as “smoker’s lines.” Restylane Silk is the smoothest and softest filler in the Restylane portfolio and is ideal for more subtle rejuvenation and precise placement.

Belotero Balance®

Belotero Balance is a highly cross-linked HA-based filler designed to provide greater cohesion, viscosity, and elasticity for more flexible movement while still offering natural-looking results. This filler is highly versatile and can be used to fill lines around the lips and enhance the under-eye area, tear troughs, chin, and nasolabial folds.

Radiesse®

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based dermal filler that can restore volume and rejuvenate skin appearance. When administered, Radiesse acts as a sort of scaffolding beneath the skin to provide structure and stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, two key proteins that are essential for maintaining skin health and elasticity. Radiesse is best for correcting the nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth, chin, and jawline.

Benefits

Dermal fillers offer a wide range of benefits for those seeking a non-surgical way to rejuvenate their appearance. These benefits may include:

  • Immediate Results: You will be able to see an improvement in your appearance immediately after your appointment.
  • Versatile Application: Dermal fillers can be applied to several areas of the face to address a range of concerns, including those in the forehead, cheeks, nose, lips, chin, eyebrow area, and more.
  • Minimal Downtime: This treatment allows you to return to your daily routine as soon as your appointment is over, avoiding the need for an extensive recovery period.
  • Natural-Looking Results: You will be able to enjoy subtle yet transformative results that enhance your natural appearance while avoiding an “overfilled” look.
  • Non-Surgical Nature: Dermal fillers can provide noticeable results without the use of anesthesia or incisions.
  • Improved Hydration: Most of our dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid-based, which can help restore your skin’s moisture balance and improve its elasticity.
  • Collagen Stimulating: Certain fillers, such as Radiesse, can help stimulate new collagen production in the treatment area, which can help elevate the appearance, elasticity, and health of your skin.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Stuart will meet with you individually to learn more about the motivations behind your decision to receive dermal fillers. She will ask you several questions about your medical history, concerns, and treatment goals to get to know you more personally before evaluating your facial sculpt and desired treatment areas. This information will then be used to determine which filler is right for you.

Once Dr. Stuart crafts your personalized treatment plan, she will provide you with a set of preparation and recovery instructions. You will also receive a comprehensive cost estimate for the treatment.

To find out which dermal filler is best for you, please schedule a consultation online or call the office nearest you:

Procedure

Upon your arrival, you will be led to a private treatment room where your skin will be gently cleansed before a topical anesthetic is applied. Once the treatment area is prepared, Dr. Stuart will carefully administer the filler of choice into different areas of the face. The process typically takes a few minutes for each area of the face. You may feel a slight pinch, as well as light pressure, as the filler is administered beneath the skin. The duration of each treatment can vary depending on the amount of filler being received, but you can expect your appointment to last between 10 and 30 minutes.

Liquid Facelift

In addition to using traditional injection techniques, Dr. Stuart can perform a treatment called a liquid facelift. A liquid facelift is a specialized treatment that uses dermal fillers to help lift and sculpt your facial features to enhance your natural contours. Dr. Stuart can use a variety of advanced injection techniques to help refine specific features or lift the entire face. If you are interested in a deeper level of rejuvenation but are not interested in undergoing a surgical procedure, a liquid facelift can provide similar results.

Recovery and Results

After your appointment, you will be free to return to your daily routine, but will need to avoid engaging in physical activities for 24-48 hours. You may experience local bruising, swelling, or minor redness around the injection sites, but these effects typically subside on their own quickly.

Cost of Dermal Fillers in San Diego

The cost of your treatment can vary depending on the type of filler used, the dosages needed to achieve results, the number of areas being treated, and more. Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane typically range between $450-$600 per syringe. During your personal consultation, Dr. Stuart will provide a comprehensive cost estimate after she determines the most effective plan.

La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology also offers several financing options if you are interested in financing part or all of the cost of your treatment. If you are unsure which option is right for you, our patient coordinators can assist you further and answer any questions you may have.

To learn more about the cost of your dermal fillers, please schedule a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:

FAQ

How will I know which dermal filler is right for me?

During your consultation, Dr. Stuart will evaluate your facial sculpt, medical history, and treatment goals to determine which filler she believes will help you attain your desired results. She considers several factors, such as the duration of effects, the areas being treated, the thickness and quality of your skin, as well as the extent of correction.

Are there any side effects I should expect after my dermal filler injections?

Dermal fillers are known for their high safety profile, but you may experience minor swelling and bruising around the injection sites post-treatment. These effects typically subside within 24-72 hours, depending on the type of filler used.

How much will my dermal filler treatment cost?

The cost of your treatment will vary depending on the areas being treated and the amount of filler needed to achieve your desired appearance. Our fillers are typically priced per syringe, with fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane costing between $450-$600 per syringe. During your consultation, Dr. Stuart will provide a cost estimate for your treatment.

Is it painful to receive dermal fillers?

Each patient has a different pain sensitivity level; therefore, the amount of discomfort or pain felt can vary. Most of our dermal fillers contain a local anesthetic to help minimize any discomfort, though most patients compare the sensation of their treatment to that of a flu shot.

Can my dermal filler injections be combined with another procedure?

Yes, we can combine your treatment with another cosmetic procedure for more comprehensive results. To learn more about the other treatments you are eligible for, please schedule a consultation or call the office closest to you.

References

  1. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  2. Sánchez-Carpintero I, Candelas D, Ruiz-Rodríguez R. Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2010;101(5):381-393. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1578-2190(10)70660-0
  3. Philipp-Dormston WG, Wong C, Schuster B, Larsson MK, Podda M. Evaluating Perceived Naturalness of Facial Expression After Fillers to the Nasolabial Folds and Lower Face With Standardized Video and Photography. Dermatologic Surgery. 2018;44(6):826-832. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000001419