Dermal Fillers & Fat Transfer in Mt. Vernon

Also Serving Facial Filler Patients in Everett & Bellingham

Volume Restoration is a non-surgical procedure that is achieved through the injection of substances that add volume back into the skin. These include dermal fillers and fat transfer. Dermal fillers are biocompatible products that are injected into the deepest part of the skin to soften wrinkles and sometimes even support the structure of the skin. For some facial areas, like under the eyes, injections are done even deeper to fill in and improve hollow contours.

Fat transfer involves removing fat cells from the lower part of the body (usually the abdomen) and injecting them into the face to replace lost volume.

At Cascade Facial Surgery, Dr. Jonathan Grant treats every patient as a unique individual. He will evaluate your skin and may suggest a combination of dermal fillers to provide the results you want. He is an expert injector who can deliver a natural-looking result that is not overdone.

Types of Facial Fillers

Restylane^®

Restylane^® is formulated with hyaluronic acid to add volume and fullness to the skin, smoothing away wrinkles and plumping up saggy or droopy areas of the face. Restylane^® Defyne is specifically designed to volumize the cheeks and Restylane^® Refyne smooths lines around the mouth.

Revanesse Versa

Like Restylane^®, Revanesse Versa is made with hyaluronic acid to smooth lines and wrinkles. Revanesse Versa is unique in that its formula includes spherical particles that promote smooth, long-lasting results.

Juvéderm^®

Juvéderm^® is another popular hyaluronic acid-based filler commonly used to fill in unwanted wrinkles and enhance the lips, cheeks and jawline. There are Juvéderm^® products specifically designed for plumping the lips, cheeks and nasolabial folds.

Radiesse^®

Radiesse^® is formulated with calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a gel; the microspheres create a lattice-like framework underneath the skin. The filler immediately adds volume to the treated area while simultaneously prompting the body to create its own collagen to fill in the framework.

Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting involves using unwanted fat from the abdomen or thighs and injecting it into the areas of the face that need volume and fullness. Unlike fillers, the fat develops a blood supply for long-lasting results.

Who is a candidate for Facial Fillers?

Candidates for volume restoration are those with signs of aging such as:

• Nasolabial folds (“smile lines” that run from the nose to the mouth)
• Marionette lines (wrinkles that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin)
• Dark rings under the eyes (tear troughs)
• Flattened cheekbones due to gravity and volume loss overtime
• Other lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, or hands
• Thin lips

How long do fat transfer facial fillers last?

Fillers last 3-24 months depending on the area being treated and the type of filler used. Fat transfer results are permanent, typically one third to half the volume of fat injected survives transfer for permanent volume restoration. The surviving fat will age like other fat cells that have always been in the face.

Does facial filler treatment hurt?

For fillers a topical numbing cream is applied to help minimize any discomfort. For fat transfer local anesthetic is injected to the area where the fat is being harvested, and to the area of the face where it is injecting.

What is the Recovery like?

Typically with fillers, you may get bruising from the injections and/or mild swelling. This usually dissipates within 48-72 hours. With fat transfer you may have some discomfort in the area the fat was harvested from. This is manageable with over the counter medication in most instances. Fat transfer swelling typically peaks within a week and gradually dissipates over several weeks. Fat transfer does take more patience than dermal fillers in terms of recovery, but most fat transfer patients are back to work or regular daily activity within 2-3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Fillers

Are dermal fillers safe?

Our practice only uses fillers that have been FDA approved for safe use and extensively studied. In the right candidates, serious side effects from dermal fillers are very unusual.

What is the difference between fillers and Botox^®?

Fillers and Botox^® are both wrinkle-reducing injectables. However, there is a notable difference in how they work.

Fillers instantly add volume to plump up the treated area. They are commonly used for folds and creases around the nose, mouth and chin, as well as under the eyes that result from the breakdown of collagen.

Botox^® temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles to smooth creases caused by repeated facial expressions. These wrinkles naturally occur around the corners of the eyes, on the forehead and in between the eyebrows.

Is facial fat grafting performed differently for men?

Yes, facial fat grafting is tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Dr. Grant tends to take a more conservative approach when volumizing the male face. Fat grafting is particularly useful for adding definition to the jawline so it looks more masculine and replacing volume loss in areas of the cheek where hollowness can make us look more tired than we feel.

How will gaining or losing weight affect my fat grafting results?

Minimal weight gain or loss (i.e., 20 pounds or less) will not have a noticeable effect on the results of fat grafting.

Is there any downtime after filler treatment?

No, you can immediately resume most of your daily activities right after your filler treatment. You should postpone strenuous exercise or activities until the day after treatment and avoid touching or pressing on the treated area for three days unless we tell you otherwise.

How soon will I see the results of my filler treatment?

The initial results of filler treatment can be seen almost instantly.

How much do dermal fillers cost?

The cost of treatment depends on the type and amount of dermal filler required. During your consultation, we can lay out a proposed treatment plan and advise of the projected costs. Rest assured that our pricing is very competitive and we never cut corners on the quality of care.