Here at Sherlase Clinic, we have watched injectable fillers skyrocket in popularity over the last few years. With so many advantages over surgical solutions, it’s easy to understand why.

We are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you whenever we can, so that you are better able to make informed decisions about how to proceed with your aesthetics. This blog post was created in that spirit and we hope you find it helpful!

1. What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar found naturally in your body. There are many fillers on the market, each with differing properties. At Sherlase Clinic, we offer a variety of hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm, Teosyal, Stylage and Restylane.

2. How do dermal fillers work?
Fillers fill the soft tissue beneath your skin’s surface, resulting in an outwardly visible reduction of fine lines and deep wrinkles, and enhanced plumpness. Because fillers are hydrophilic – meaning they attract water – it’s like moisturizing your skin from the inside out.

Hyaluronic acid injections have also been shown to stimulate collagen production.

3. How can dermal fillers help me achieve my aesthetic goals?
Injectable fillers can be used in many ways to restore the skin’s vitality or freshen up your appearance. At Sherlase Clinic, our clients frequently choose fillers in order to soften fine lines around the mouth and nose, plump lips, restore lost fullness to cheeks, chin or temples, fill hollows and deep wrinkles, and lift sagging skin.

4. How can I decide which filler is right for me?
Due to the different properties of each filler, Dr. Jennifer Rotstein will choose the filler that is best suited to your individual characteristics, goals, and the area being treated.

At Sherlase Clinic, all fillers are sold by the vial. There is no difference in price between the fillers we offer. Why do we do this? Because we don’t want patients choosing fillers based on price. It is important that Dr. Rotstein uses the right filler for each unique patient and his or her concern.

5. How long do fillers last?
Typically, dermal fillers last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the filler used, the individual characteristics of the patient, and the area treated.

6. It is my first time getting fillers. What can I expect from Sherlase Clinic?
Pre-appointment
Every filler patient experience begins with a consultation with Dr. Rotstein. (Initial consultations are always complimentary and can be booked by clicking here.) Dr. Rotstein will sit down with you in order to better understand your aesthetic goals and answer any questions you may have. This is the stage during which a treatment plan will be created for you, based on your needs, goals, and the most realistic way to achieve the best possible results while maintaining a natural look. The purpose of this consultation is for Dr. Rotstein to present you with all the information you need, in as much detail as possible – including different treatment options and potential side effects – so you are better equipped to make an informed decision before proceeding with treatment.

Avoiding blood thinners – including alcohol, Advil, aspirin, green tea, and fish oil/omegas – may be advisable 7-10 days before the date of your actual dermal filler procedure. We recommend this in an effort to minimize possible post-treatment bruising. Please also note that Dr. Rotstein will not administer injections if you have had an infection (e.g., cold) or dental work done within two weeks prior to your appointment, or plan to have dental work done within four weeks following your appointment.

During the appointment
Depending on the area Dr. Rotstein treats, your appointment will take 20 minutes to an hour.

The dermal fillers are blended with anaesthetic so the injected area numbs quite quickly. Though pain is subjective, most patients tolerate the procedure extremely well.

Post-appointment
You will see a difference right away. Results will continue to improve over time, with best results seen at 4-6 weeks, as the filler integrates completely with the skin and has maximal lifting effect.

There is always the potential for bruising any time the skin is pierced with a needle. Certain areas, such as around the mouth, are more prone to bruising. Should bruising occur, it may last anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks (though this is uncommon). Bruising varies patient by patient and is impossible to predict. Consider the upcoming events in your personal schedule and the potential for post-injection bruising when choosing the date to book your procedure.

7. How much filler will Sherlase Clinic use during my treatment?
The amount of filler needed will be based on your aesthetic goals. Each vial of filler contains only 1ml of liquid.

As an example, if you are looking to really build volume in your lips, this will typically require one vial, with touch ups every 3-6 months. If you are simply looking to rejuvenate your lips, one vial per year is the approximate amount of filler required. Everyone is different so these estimates may vary.

8. What are the benefits of opting for fillers over surgery?
There are many advantages to choosing injectable fillers over surgery. These include: less downtime, reversibility, no general anaesthesia, and less risk of service/permanent adverse effects.

9. I’m concerned everyone will notice that I’ve had fillers done. Should I be?
There is a common misconception that dermal fillers make people look puffy or so different that their friends and family will notice they’ve had the treatment done. When administered properly and in the appropriate amounts, your face will not be radically changed – you will simply look like a more refreshed version of yourself.

10. Who should avoid getting fillers?
If you are allergic to dermal fillers, you should not get them. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with autoimmune disease, should also avoid getting fillers.

In general, if you are aged 18 or older and in good health, you are a suitable candidate for injectable fillers.

11. What should I look for in a clinic or doctor when deciding where to go to get fillers?
It’s important to thoroughly research clinics and doctors before making a decision. Read as many reviews as you can find to gain a deeper, truer sense of the doctor and/or clinic’s reputation, experience, level of expertise and satisfaction level of real clients. Also, be sure to look for before and after images.

At Sherlase Clinic, Dr. Rotstein administers all filler injections. She is a family doctor by training, but exclusively practises cosmetic medicine and has done so for almost thirteen years.

Do you have questions about injectable fillers that we haven’t answered here? Reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram!