What can dermal filler address?+
Depending on the product and its approved use, filler may add support or fullness to areas such as the cheeks, chin, lips, or certain facial folds. A consultation is needed to determine whether it fits your concern.
Can dermal filler replace facial bone loss?+
No. Filler does not regrow or replace bone. In selected areas, an appropriate filler can recreate some projection or soft-tissue support affected by age-related skeletal and volume change. Whether that will help depends on your anatomy and on what is actually causing the contour change or tissue descent.
How long do results last?+
Longevity varies by the filler used, treatment area, amount placed, and your metabolism. Filler should be considered temporary or long-lasting according to the specific product—not permanent by default.
Will the result look natural?+
The treatment plan prioritizes proportion and restraint. Starting conservatively can be especially helpful because additional treatment can be considered later if appropriate.
What are the risks?+
Bruising, swelling, tenderness, asymmetry, infection, and nodules can occur. Rare vascular complications can be serious. Dr. Chang will review product-specific benefits, risks, warning signs, and aftercare before treatment.
Can filler be dissolved?+
Some hyaluronic-acid fillers can often be reduced with an enzyme, but not every filler is dissolvable and reversal is not guaranteed to restore the exact starting appearance. Product choice matters.
Which areas can dermal filler treat?+
Approved uses vary by product and may include the lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, under-eye hollows, certain facial folds, the back of the hands, or acne scars. Some popular treatment areas are off-label or carry higher risk, so anatomy and product labeling are reviewed first.
When will you see the final result?+
A change is often visible immediately, but swelling can distort the early appearance. Depending on the area and product, it may take days to a few weeks for tissue to settle enough to judge the result.
Does filler hurt?+
You may feel pressure, pinching, or tenderness. Some fillers contain lidocaine, and topical numbing or other comfort measures may be appropriate. Comfort and safety are discussed before treatment begins.
Can filler happen on the same day as your consultation?+
Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. More time may be appropriate if your history needs review, the desired product is not available, you have recent inflammation or dental work, or you want time to consider the plan.
What should you do before filler?+
Share all medications, supplements, allergies, prior filler, dental plans, illness, vaccines, cold sores, and skin changes. Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner unless the clinician who prescribed it tells you to.
What symptoms are urgent after filler?+
Call immediately for severe or escalating pain, pale or mottled skin, a cool treatment area, blisters, unusual visual symptoms, weakness, trouble speaking, or any rapid change that feels alarming. Vision or neurologic symptoms require emergency care.
Can fillers be combined in different areas?+
Sometimes different products or placements can support a coordinated plan, but more is not automatically better. A staged approach may reduce swelling, clarify what each change contributes, and keep the result proportionate.
Will filler stretch your skin or look worse as it fades?+
Appropriately selected, conservative filler generally fades gradually. Aging continues independently of treatment, and repeated high-volume treatment can change tissue. Periodic reassessment helps avoid simply replacing volume by habit.