Subtle Enhancements, Natural Results With Injectable Fillers in Concord, CA

Dermal fillers are just what the doctor ordered to reduce wrinkles and add volume to lips or other facial features without surgery. While BOTOX® Cosmetic can only treat dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines or crow’s feet, dermal fillers can fill deep creases, plump lips, and eliminate other signs of aging.

Our East Bay med spa offers a variety of fillers to choose from, such as JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel, Restylane®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic. We have two nurse injectors and a physician assistant trained in injectable treatments who can help determine which filler is best for you.

We take pride in tailoring treatments to each patient, promoting natural-looking improvements that suit your facial features. Experience the transformation and discover a more youthful, vibrant you with our expertly administered dermal filler treatments at MSpa in Concord, CA!

What Are Dermal Fillers? 

Dermal fillers are injectable solutions that reduce the signs of aging by smoothing out wrinkles and adding volume to areas that have thinned over time. As we age, we naturally lose subcutaneous fat, which acts as a cushion between our facial muscles and skin. This leads to more pronounced lines around the mouth and eyes, commonly known as smile lines and crow’s feet. Factors like sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle choices can also contribute to skin damage. By replenishing lost fullness, dermal fillers give the face a more youthful and refreshed look.

“I absolutely loved my experience with MSpa. Every single individual made me feel welcomed! Kelly’s hands are so gentle that I barely felt the injections. I will definitely be back soon!”

- Melanie B.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Dermal fillers, particularly those containing hyaluronic acid (HA), replenish HA in the skin. HA acts like a sponge, binding and absorbing water to add volume and hydration, both of which are essential for a youthful appearance.

Natural HA decreases as we age, leading to lines and wrinkles. Injectable HA gels help to restore this molecule, smoothing out wrinkles and adding volume to areas like the cheeks and lips. They can also enhance facial contours and soften the appearance of scars. This minimally invasive treatment offers a quick and effective solution for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance.

What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?

Injectable fillers are made to treat static wrinkles, which are the lines and folds that stay around even when your face is at rest. These are different from dynamic wrinkles, which appear with facial movement and are usually treated with neuromodulators. Common areas for treatment include the lips, cheeks, jawline, chin, undereyes, and nasolabial folds.

Dermal fillers can augment naturally thin lips for a fuller appearance, elevate and define facial contours that may appear shallow, and soften and smooth out the look of fine lines and deeper facial wrinkles. They can also visibly improve and repair the appearance of recessed scars, correct and restore symmetry to facial contour irregularities, and minimize or eliminate shadows cast by sagging under-eye areas.

Book Your Consultation

What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

There have been many advancements since the invention of dermal fillers. Today’s dermal fillers can provide many benefits when compared to a facelift.

  • They offer predictable results.
  • No surgery is necessary.
  • They produce results that look natural.
  • No downtime is required.
  • They can be performed quickly, right in our office.
  • Dermal fillers cost less than surgical procedures.
  • You will see immediate results.

We will discuss what you can expect from our dermal fillers clinic, including cost, treatment options, and results. You can prioritize which areas are most important to you, and we will discuss how many treatments you may need and the estimated cost. Dr. Mariotti or Liz may recommend combining your filler treatments with BOTOX® Cosmetic at our East Bay medical spa as part of a nonsurgical facelift. Dermal fillers offer a versatile solution for those who wish to address the early signs of aging without invasive surgery, rejuvenating your features for a naturally refreshed and youthful look.

What Is the Difference Between Dermal Fillers and BOTOX®?

Cosmetic fillers restore volume where it’s been lost, but BOTOX® works differently. It targets the muscles responsible for repeated facial movements, easing the lines that form when you frown, smile, or squint. By interrupting the nerve signals that tell those muscles to contract, BOTOX® softens dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet and forehead lines. While the two treatments complement each other well, they focus on different causes of facial aging.

Can Dermal Fillers Be Paired With Other Treatments?

Combining dermal fillers with other treatments can enhance skin volume, repair, and rejuvenation. Dermal fillers can pair well with a MOXI® laser treatment to improve overall skin texture and reduce lines and uneven pigmentation.

Another effective combination is dermal fillers with a Hydrafacial or medical-grade skincare products to maintain and enhance the results. The BBL® Hero™, using BroadBand Light by Sciton®, offers photorejuvenation that targets various skin issues such as redness, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, active acne, and vascular lesions.

By customizing a treatment plan that incorporates dermal fillers with one or more of these treatments, patients can develop a synergistic regimen that maximizes the benefits of each method for more pronounced and satisfying results.

Before, During, and After

Book For A Personalized Plan

What To Expect Before Dermal Fillers

Before your dermal filler procedure, you’ll have a free consultation with our expert medical team. This session allows you to share your aesthetic goals, address concerns, and discuss your medical history.

Our skilled practitioner will assess your skin and the targeted areas to determine if dermal fillers are the best option for you. We will then create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your beauty aspirations. You may receive specific pre-treatment instructions, like avoiding certain medications that could increase bruising risks.

What To Expect During Dermal Fillers

Your treatment begins with a thorough sterilization using an antibacterial and antifungal cleanser. To ensure your comfort, we’ll numb the area. We use cannulas instead of needles to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of bruising while optimizing the effectiveness of your treatment.

What To Expect After Dermal Fillers 

After your dermal filler treatment, you might notice slight swelling and redness at the injection site, which should fade quickly. To ensure optimal healing, avoid manipulating the treated area. This means no rubbing, touching, or applying pressure, and avoiding spa treatments or tight headwear for 24 hours. Skip vigorous exercises like cardio, weightlifting, or yoga, and stay out of hot tubs and saunas for the first day or two. Enhancements are immediately visible, although some fillers may take between 24 to 48 hours to show improvements.

How to Maintain Your Dermal Filler Results

Stay Hydrated

Your skin thrives on hydration, and so do your dermal fillers. Drinking enough water helps maintain volume and can extend the look of your results. Hydration is the internal support for any cosmetic fillers that use hyaluronic acid.

Use Quality Skincare

Good skincare isn’t optional. It supports the results of your injectable treatment and promotes healthy, youthful-looking skin. Products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants can support your skin’s elasticity and surface texture, keeping it smooth and balanced.

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Sun Exposure

Both smoking and too much sun can break down collagen and accelerate filler breakdown. UV rays and toxins create inflammation and oxidative stress, which can undo the smooth look you came in for. Hats, SPF, and avoiding smoking are long-term protection for your results.

Schedule Maintenance Treatments

Cosmetic fillers aren’t permanent, and touch-ups are part of the process. Staying on a regular schedule helps you avoid dramatic before-and-after cycles and keeps your look refreshed. Depending on the area treated and the product used, we may recommend visits every 6 to 18 months. Dr. Mariotti can help you plan a schedule that makes sense for you.

Types of Dermal Fillers Available

JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel

Juvéderm products are hyaluronic acid-based fillers known for their smooth consistency, long-lasting results, and versatility across different areas of the face. Many in the collection are made with Vycross® technology, which blends different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to create a more stable, flexible gel that integrates well with facial tissue. Each product in the line is designed for a specific purpose, but they all share a focus on seamless, natural-looking results. Products in this line include:

JUVÉDERM® JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC® XC

This hyaluronic acid filler is approved by the FDA to replenish volume in the cheeks and augment the chin.  JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC XC creates natural-looking, youthful fullness that can last for up to two years in the cheeks and one year in the chin. Formulated with lidocaine for a comfortable treatment experience, JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC XC delivers subtle lift and volume without the hassle of invasive treatments.

JUVÉDERM® JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE® XC® XC

JUVÉDERM® JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE® XC XC softens moderate to severe parentheses lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the lines and wrinkles around your nose and mouth to produce subtle and long-lasting results for up to 18 months. It is a longer-lasting formulation of the original JUVÉDERM® XC product.

JUVÉDERM® ULTRA XC

Juvéderm ULTRA XC is a smooth, pliable filler commonly used to enhance lip volume and soften fine lines around the mouth. Its consistency allows for natural-looking results that move with your expressions. Many people enjoy their results for around 12 months.

JUVÉDERM® ULTRA PLUS XC

ULTRA PLUS XC is formulated with a thicker gel than its counterpart, giving it the strength needed to treat deeper folds and more pronounced wrinkles, especially around the midface and nasolabial area. Its higher hyaluronic acid content provides robust volume and structure where it’s needed most for up to 12 months.

JUVÉDERM® JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC

JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC  is known for its refined texture, perfect for around the lips and under the eyes. It spreads smoothly in delicate areas and offers definition without heaviness. With results that can last up to 12 months, it balances precision and longevity.

JUVÉDERM® VOLUX

VOLUX is built for structure. Its dense formulation is especially effective for sculpting the jawline, creating sharp angles and firm contours that hold their shape. It is one of the most durable fillers in the Juvéderm family, with results that often last 12 to 18 months.

Sculptra® Aesthetic

Made from poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra® is approved by the FDA for the restoration and correction of facial fat loss. It is most often used to treat deep folds between the nose and mouth, as well as creases and wrinkles around the mouth and chin. Through a series of injections over a few months, it can help replace lost collagen by creating an environment beneath the skin that encourages the growth of new collagen. As a result, changes appear gradually and create natural-looking, long-lasting improvements that can last up to 2 years.

Restylane®

Restylane® fillers are also made with hyaluronic acid and offer a broad range of options for structure and flexibility. The collection features two core technologies: NASHA®, which provides firmer gels for precise shaping and lift, and XpresHAn Technology™, which creates more flexible gels that move naturally with facial expressions. This combination allows providers to customize treatments based on your facial dynamics and aesthetic goals.

Restylane® Lyft

Volume loss in the midface area, especially the cheeks, can make you look older than you are by creating a hollow appearance. Where traditional hyaluronic acid-based fillers have fallen short in this area, Restylane® Lyft can achieve the desired result. Its thicker formulation means a smaller amount of Restylane® Lyft can get the same desired results as comparable products, making it a more affordable option. Patients may experience results lasting up to six months.

Restylane® Contour

Restylane® Contour is a dynamic filler made for cheek enhancement that adapts to facial expressions while maintaining volume. Its formulation uses XpresHAn Technology, which allows the gel to move more naturally with the face. Most patients see results that last up to 18 months, with volume that stays visible even during animated expressions. This filler is often chosen for midface definition.

Restylane® and Restylane®-L

Restylane® and Restylane®-L are the original Restylane® formula and can be used for everything from lip shaping to smoothing facial folds and softening nasolabial lines. The difference with Restylane®-L lies in the added lidocaine, which enhances comfort during treatment. These fillers have a firmer texture, ideal for precise shaping and structural support in areas needing more definition. Results last up to 18 months, depending on the area treated and how fast your body metabolizes the product.

Restylane® Eyelight

Restylane® Eyelight is an under-eye filler that treats volume loss in the tear trough area. It provides subtle correction for shadowing and hollowness, brightening the under-eye region with a smoother contour. The formula is dense enough to hold its shape but soft enough for natural blending with surrounding tissues. Most people enjoy results that last up to 18 months with minimal swelling or downtime.

Restylane® Refyne

Refyne is made to treat moderate facial folds and wrinkles, especially around the mouth and cheeks, with flexibility that keeps up with everyday movement. Many people see their results for up to 12 months, although some notice continued benefits even longer. Refyne is a strong choice for smoothing lines without freezing your smile.

Restylane® Kysse

Kysse is a lip filler that enhances volume, shape, and softness while preserving natural movement and expression. It uses XpresHAn Technology to create a pillowy texture that blends well with lip tissue for results that look and feel authentic. Results often last up to a year, and many people notice improved lip texture and color in addition to added volume.

RHA® Collection

The RHA Collection is the first and only line of hyaluronic acid fillers FDA-approved to treat dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, which appear with natural facial movements like smiling, laughing, or frowning. RHA fillers are called “resilient” because they are designed to smooth and contour even the most wrinkle-prone areas of your face.

The RHA Collection includes four different types of fillers, each one specially formulated to treat different areas of the face:

  • RHA 2: RHA 2 is designed to treat surface lines and wrinkles, including vertical lip lines, radial cheek lines (those that fan out from the mouth when you smile), glabellar lines (a.k.a. the “elevens”), and crow’s feet.
  • RHA 3: RHA 3 works best for treating deep wrinkles and creases, such as nasolabial folds (the deep lines that run vertically between the nose and mouth) and the corners of the mouth. It can also be used to volumize the lips and midface and smooth the cheeks.
  • RHA 4: This product is designed to treat the deepest lines and folds, namely those along the lower face and jawline. It is also effective at contouring the cheeks to create the appearance of high cheekbones.
  • Redensity™: Redensity is specifically formulated to smooth fine lines around the mouth, such as perioral wrinkles. Its lightweight texture allows it to integrate seamlessly into delicate skin, offering natural-looking results that can last up to 12 months.

Our team of skincare experts can help you determine which filler is best for your aesthetic goals during a personal consultation. Here are a few of the advantages RHA fillers have over traditional HA fillers:

While traditional HA fillers last between 6-12 months, RHA fillers work for up to 15 months.

Unlike HA fillers, RHA fillers can more effectively treat both dynamic and static wrinkles, meaning they can temporarily correct virtually any and all facial lines and folds. Patients who received RHA fillers experienced less swelling than HA fillers.

FAQ'S

Are Dermal Fillers Safe? 

Dermal fillers have received FDA approval, ensuring their safety for use. Although you might experience minor side effects such as swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness after the treatment, these reactions are typically brief and quickly subside.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Good candidates for dermal fillers are individuals looking to enhance their skin texture and achieve a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are ideal for those desiring tighter, smoother skin, reducing wrinkles like crow’s feet and facial folds, or attaining fuller, more luscious lips.

What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are an effective way to enhance various facial features and improve skin texture, giving it a tighter, smoother, and more rejuvenated appearance. With injectables, we can address a range of concerns, including:

  • Smoothing out wrinkles and facial folds
  • Frown lines
  • Crow’s feet around the eyes
  • Forehead lines
  • Nose-to-mouth lines (nasolabial folds)
  • Mouth-to-chin lines (marionette or bitterness lines)
  • Adding fullness and shape to the lips for a plumper look
  • Adding volume to the cheeks
  • Smoothing wrinkles caused by aging
  • Reducing the appearance of sunken eyes
  • Diminishing acne scars
  • Rejuvenating aging hands
  • Increasing fullness in the chin
  • Sharpening the jawline

How Long Does a Dermal Filler Session Last?

A dermal filler session can vary based on the type of filler and the specific area being treated, but it generally lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.

Are There Any Contraindications for Dermal Fillers? 

There are some contraindications for dermal fillers, including active skin infections, bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies to any of the filler ingredients, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and recent use of blood-thinning medications.

When considering dermal fillers, it’s important to be aware of potential contraindications that may affect your suitability for the procedure. Individuals with severe allergies, particularly those with a history of anaphylaxis or allergies to filler substances, and people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should avoid dermal fillers. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are typically advised against dermal fillers due to the lack of research on their safety in these conditions. Lastly, anyone with active skin infections, such as acne or cold sores, should postpone treatment until these issues are resolved to avoid complications.

How Do I Know Which Filler Is Best for Me? 

Fillers are not one-size-fits-all products, and it’s important to choose an injector with the expertise to know which fillers work best in certain areas of the face. Dr. Mariotti has years of experience with injectable treatments, including both fillers and BOTOX®, and patients trust him to recommend the treatments best-suited for specific cosmetic concerns.

During your consultation, Dr. Mariotti will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that matches your goals.

Do Filler Injections Hurt?

Most patients tolerate the injections quite well. Many fillers are now formulated with lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps minimize discomfort during treatments. We can also apply a local anesthetic cream to the treatment area to create a more comfortable experience. This is typical for lip injections, for example, because the lips are especially sensitive.

Can the Results Be Reversed? 

Yes. Most patients are quite satisfied after getting fillers, but occasionally the outcome is different than what a patient expected. In such a case, Dr. Mariotti injects an enzyme called hyaluronidase directly into the treatment area, which rapidly breaks down the hyaluronic acid filler used.

It’s important to note that hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®, are the only ones with a reversal enzyme. RADIESSE and Sculptra® have different chemical compositions, so they cannot be dissolved in the same manner.

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?

Dermal filler cost is set by each manufacturer. We are committed to keeping the cost of injectables as affordable as possible, but we also want to remain focused on providing the best possible results for our patients. If cost is a factor for your dermal filler treatments, please talk with us about periodic offers or financing options.

Start Today!

Dermal fillers at MSpa are an easy way to rejuvenate the face, whether you’re looking to restore volume, define features, or smooth out lines. With expertly chosen products and an artistic eye, Dr. Mariotti and his staff make subtle enhancements feel like a natural next step. Take the first step toward your dream look and contact us online or call our Concord office at 925-685-4533 to request a consultation.

Build
Confidence

Book Now