Are Dermal Fillers Painful?

No. Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive treatment applied using injections, which many of our patients are able to handle. Dr. Vagotis can apply a topical anesthetic to desensitize the skin and allow for a more comfortable experience. Immediately after the treatment, patients may experience mild swelling and tenderness once the anesthetic has worn off. These symptoms should be reduced soon after the procedure and can be managed with the application of a cold compress or ice pack.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments necessary will depend on the extent of the targeted area to be treated and the type of dermal fillers used for the treatment. Dermal fillers require maintenance for longer-lasting results, so Dr. Vagotis recommends regular touch-up appointments to preserve the effect. Discontinuing dermal filler treatments may result in fine lines and wrinkles reappearing.

How Long Until I See Results?

Pretty much immediately! Dr. Vagotis advises patients to wait until any swelling has disappeared so the dermal filler has time to settle in and support the skin’s foundation. Results may last anywhere from six months up to a year, but this will vary from individual to individual. Dr. Vagotis recommends regular maintenance appointments to enjoy longer-lasting results from your dermal filler treatment.

Can I Combine Dermal Fillers With Other Procedures?

Absolutely—during your consultation, please inform your provider about every procedure you wish to include along with your dermal filler treatment. Many of our Grand Rapids dermal filler patients have chosen complementary cosmetic treatments such as HydraFacials or laser treatments for a holistic, rejuvenated appearance. Our knowledgeable and highly trained providers will be able to recommend the safest combination of treatments in your customized treatment plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved, and patients rarely experience adverse effects under Dr. Vagotis’ expertise. However, dermal fillers do not come without risks. Some of the side effects patients may experience as a result of a dermal filler treatment include: Bleeding Swelling Tenderness Change in skin sensitivity Allergic reactions Infection Tissue death Filler migration

Dermal Fillers

In Grand Rapids, MI

Introduction to Dermal Fillers

Aging is inevitable, but volume loss and wrinkles do not have to be part of the package! Dermal fillers are a hugely popular treatment for addressing skin texture and re-contouring the face, all in a simple, non-surgical procedure.

Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Grand Rapids, MI, offers a variety of dermal fillers to restore your youthful glow. Under Dr. Francine Vagotis, patients can benefit from the expertise of a leader in facial treatments who can skillfully address skincare issues and rejuvenate their look. Read on to learn which dermal fillers are right for you!

A woman with long hair, partially covering one side of her face, looking off to the side with a contemplative expression - Dermal Fillers in Grand Rapids, MI

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive treatment that targets areas of the skin that are sagging, wrinkled, or have otherwise lost volume. The injectables are typically composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body. They are most commonly used to fill in larger facial aging lines, such as the nasolabial folds, and augment lips. By adding volume to facial features that have become drawn or sunken, dermal fillers smooth out the complexion and restore the texture of the skin by providing volume and support.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center offers the following dermal fillers in Grand Rapids, MI:

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, resulting in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas.

The results from Sculptra® are not immediate, but they are long-lasting. In a clinical study, most patients’ effects lasted for up to two years after the first treatment session. No skin testing is required.

Restylane®

Restylane® is an injectable dermal filler used to smooth out facial wrinkles. It is a biodegradable gel composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found within the body. In addition to adding fullness to the skin, Restylane attracts water molecules to the injection site, further enhancing its effectiveness.

Restylane provides noticeable results immediately after injection, although the swelling may take a few days to subside. Day-to-day activities can be resumed immediately afterward, with no downtime necessary. Additional Restylane injections should be administered about 4 to 8 months later to maintain its effects.

There are minimal complications associated with Restylane. The compound is derived from bacterial origins, so most allergies should not be an issue (unless specific to bacterial proteins). Side effects may include slight redness, minor swelling, and mild discomfort, which usually subside within three days as the body adjusts to the new hyaluronic acid. Patients should refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area for approximately 48 hours.

Perlane®

Perlane® is an injectable filler used to treat deep facial lines, augment the lips, and contour the cheeks and chin. Made by the same company that produces Restylane®, Perlane contains purified hyaluronic acid, a sugar found naturally in the body that works with collagen to keep the skin smooth and supple. It is hypoallergenic and does not require a pre-treatment skin test. With its unique ability to bind with water, Perlane continues to perform up to 60% longer than collagen.

What are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Our patients love dermal fillers, especially when paired with Dr. Vagotis’ special techniques to restore the face. Many of our patients report the following highlights of receiving dermal fillers:

Improving volume
Smoothing out the skin texture
Adding support to the skin layers
Non-surgical, minimally-invasive treatment
Fast procedure
Quick results
Youthful appearance

A woman standing in dramatic lighting, her face partially illuminated, wearing a beige top and gazing thoughtfully into the distance - Dermal Fillers in Grand Rapids, MI

Who are the best candidates

Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center recommends dermal fillers to patients who exhibit the following attributes:

Thinning or sagging skin, i.e., volume loss
Deep folds or wrinkles
Fine lines around the eyes or mouth
Asymmetrical appearance
Maintain realistic aesthetic goals for what dermal fillers can achieve

What’s the First Step?

Your Dermal Fillers Journey with Dr. Francine Vagotis

If you would like to learn more about whether dermal fillers are right for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Francine Vagotis at Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Vagotis will meet with you to discuss your desired skincare treatments, evaluate your skincare and medical history, and then make recommendations as to which dermal filler would be most suitable for your skin. Dr. Vagotis will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your skincare needs.

When you are aligned on the plan, you may receive your first injections that day or schedule an appointment with a member of our patient care team at a later time that is convenient for you.

What to Expect on the Day of Dermal Fillers?

Dr. Vagotis takes care to ensure her patients’ comfort before beginning treatment. Before receiving the injections, she will explain how she will target the treatment areas previously discussed in your consultation and answer any outstanding questions or concerns.

When you are ready, Dr. Vagotis will prep the skin by thoroughly cleansing the area and applying a topical anesthetic to desensitize it, if preferred. She will then carefully target the sunken areas of the skin and gradually add volume until she achieves the desired result.

The procedure should take less than thirty minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment involved. Most patients are able to return home and resume their daily activities the same day.

Dermal Fillers

Expectations

Dermal Fillers Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Dermal Fillers Care

Although dermal fillers are minimally invasive and a great alternative to surgery, some patients may still feel some tenderness or swelling immediately after their procedure. These symptoms should reduce and eventually disappear shortly after the treatment. Dr. Vagotis advises patients to allow time for the swelling to reduce and the filler to settle before evaluating their results. Patients may apply an ice pack or cold compress to mitigate any swelling.

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

The cost of dermal fillers in Grand Rapids will depend on several factors, such as the type of dermal filler used, the extent of the treatment, the number of appointments necessary to achieve and maintain the desired results, and facility fees. Dr. Vagotis will provide a cost breakdown and financing options at the time of your consultation.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Vagotis?

Dr. Francine Vagotis, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializes in facial rejuvenation, breast and body contouring, and skincare.

Dr. Vagotis is a leader in facial procedures in Western Michigan and one of the few surgical professionals to have had the opportunity to learn under Dr. Bruce Connell, also known as “the father of the modern facelift.” Her extensive training under Dr. Connell sets her apart from other cosmetic surgeons in the Midwest, and at this time, she is the only surgeon with these credentials in the state of Michigan.

Dr. Vagotis is licensed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and has medical licenses in Michigan, Colorado, and Illinois.

Additionally, Dr. Vagotis is board-certified and a member of the following organizations:

Why Us?

Dermal Fillers FAQ’S

No. Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive treatment applied using injections, which many of our patients are able to handle. Dr. Vagotis can apply a topical anesthetic to desensitize the skin and allow for a more comfortable experience.

Immediately after the treatment, patients may experience mild swelling and tenderness once the anesthetic has worn off. These symptoms should be reduced soon after the procedure and can be managed with the application of a cold compress or ice pack.
The number of appointments necessary will depend on the extent of the targeted area to be treated and the type of dermal fillers used for the treatment. Dermal fillers require maintenance for longer-lasting results, so Dr. Vagotis recommends regular touch-up appointments to preserve the effect. Discontinuing dermal filler treatments may result in fine lines and wrinkles reappearing.
Pretty much immediately! Dr. Vagotis advises patients to wait until any swelling has disappeared so the dermal filler has time to settle in and support the skin’s foundation. Results may last anywhere from six months up to a year, but this will vary from individual to individual. Dr. Vagotis recommends regular maintenance appointments to enjoy longer-lasting results from your dermal filler treatment.
Absolutely—during your consultation, please inform your provider about every procedure you wish to include along with your dermal filler treatment. Many of our Grand Rapids dermal filler patients have chosen complementary cosmetic treatments such as HydraFacials or laser treatments for a holistic, rejuvenated appearance. Our knowledgeable and highly trained providers will be able to recommend the safest combination of treatments in your customized treatment plan.
Dermal fillers are FDA-approved, and patients rarely experience adverse effects under Dr. Vagotis’ expertise. However, dermal fillers do not come without risks. Some of the side effects patients may experience as a result of a dermal filler treatment include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Change in skin sensitivity
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Tissue death
- Filler migration

Schedule a consultation

If you are ready to refresh your appearance and reinvigorate your facial features, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Francine Vagotis at Vagotis Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Grand Rapids, MI.

Please call us at (616) 285-6400 or use our online booking form to schedule an appointment. A member of our team will contact you shortly to help you begin your journey with dermal fillers!

Schedule a Consultation