Dermal Fillers

Do you want to know why dermal fillers like Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, Bellafill and Belotero get a bad reputation? It’s because you can only tell someone has this done if they look terrible! Therefore, many people think that all filler must be ridiculous looking. When done correctly, and by a board certified plastic surgeon or well trained PA or RN, you will have subtle and natural results! The pillow face and trout lips are not a good look, and let’s hope this will be “out” for 2019 and beyond. But fillers aren’t going anywhere, Dr. Dubrow was quoted saying “that almost everyone in Hollywood is “clearly” having fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm, injected.”

We are very much over the sausage lip trend and thankfully, Dr. Camp doesn’t even like to do fillers in the center of the face. Doctors that are attacking the problem with filler needles instead of treating the cause of the issue, are responsible for the duck lip/pillow faces. And this, my friends, is what we would call the epitome of #firstworldproblems.

How do you know if you are a good candidate for fillers? Fillers are minimally invasive and add volume, fill in wrinkles, add contouring and create a more youthful, smooth look. The most common areas to get filler are lips, cheeks and under the eyes. If you are interested in a minor procedure with no down time and have moderate to severe wrinkles or sunken areas that could use some plumping, you may want to book a consultation.

The first time I tried filler, it was in my lips. I had a friend that worked for a plastic surgeon who said I would love it and should try it. I tried it, my husband hated it, and I was on the fence. I have since done it a few other times and made sure to get a very minimal amount. It really does help even out the asymmetry in my lips and add a tiny bit of volume back that has deflated over the years. The worst part for me is the swelling. I am a full on trout face hiding my lips in shame for about a week. It’s humiliating, but when the swelling goes down, I am left with beautiful even lips. I bruise really bad and I swell really bad, lucky gal.

Jeni and I arrived at Dr. Camp’s office knowing we were getting filler, but didn’t have a plan in place. Jeni’s main concern was her under eye circles and loss of volume and my main concern was my sagging jowl area which is creating a “down frown.” I’m a happy person dammit, I don’t need a permafrown or a chronic case of RBF. We both realize these are minor issues to fix, but we are our own biggest critics and wanted to see what this facial filler thing was all about!

In the photo below, Dr. Camp is talking about how he assesses where the light and shadows hit a patient’s face when creating their filler treatment plan. He discussed Jeni’s tear trough area and the temple where the veins start to become more prominent as we age.

First up, Jeni! Before any needle was poked or any cannula was inserted, he talked through the areas he saw that could use filler and marked us up like a half time game plan. He treated her temple area since she is “very thin” and you can see her veins and where the temple has really started to dip down. Above the cheekbone there was a hollow spot and some discoloration or dark circles. The tear trough filler, which Jeni was most excited about, did NOT disappoint!!! The end of the jaw bone, between the ear lobe and jaw, tends to get relaxed and skin falls. This area was also treated. He compared the filler there to pulling curtains tighter. We like the sound of that!

What looks like the markings of a pillow face filler job, was actually just Dr. Camp being extremely safe and marking where different veins and arteries were, areas to avoid, areas that the cannula would be put through. All of that red is definitely not all treatment areas!

The fill ‘er up began with 4 injections of numbing medicine. It is very minor discomfort. After she was all numb, the actual treatment process is pretty fast and easy, around 15 minutes.

Here is Jeni with half of her face treated. It’s a very very subtle change, I highly doubt many others would notice if you did this. I think this is the best part about it! It addresses your concerns without puffing you up like the old ladies at the country club. Well done, Dr Camp! You get us and you just say no to fluffy sausage lips. It’s that well rested, slightly more youthful look that most of us mamas are looking for!

My turn! He noticed the central part of my face was losing support and starting to sag and little and pre-jowls have appeared. This can happen in your 30s and 40s which makes us prime candidates for filler! His approach is to elevate the face by working from the outside in. Filling up the middle, although that seems like the obvious idea, would result in a “WTH did Paige do to her face?!” commentary. By breaking the face down into thirds, he can evaluate what type and how much aging is happening in each section. He suggested we treat my temple area, the spot between my ear lobe and jaw bone (who knew that was even a thing?!) it blunts the jaw and creates a crisper neckline, and under the eyes.

My favorite area, surprisingly, was the back of the jaw! My jawline is kind of tiny and I love the extra oomph it gives it! He uses the cannula, that has a smooth blunt tip for most of the filler, it minimizes bruising and pain. Thank you for that!!!! The numbing is for sure the worst part, other than that you may feel a little weird tingle or pressure, but no big deal!

Q & A

What is the average cost?

Of course this will vary from patient to patient based on the treatment plan but one syringe is usually between $500 and $700 depending on the type of filler used. Some patients will require multiple syringes to achieve the result they want. The only real way to know the cost, will be to go in for a free consultation. If it’s a little too expensive, Dr. Camp offers a payment plan where they break up the treatment (with a 15% discount) into 12 payments when you join the Camp Beauty Program. Score!

Can fillers help with migraines?

Dermal fillers do not help with migraines, but studies show that Botox can decrease the frequency of migraine days by 50% for those that get 15 or more migraines a month. OUCH! I have had 5 in my life and I have to lay in a dark, silent room with ice on my head and throw up and one sent me to the ER when I was 35 weeks pregnant. I lost my memory, my personality changed, I couldn’t stand or walk, I couldn’t recall words, and it all turned out to be a migraine!!!! That is a long and crazy and I mean CRAZY story, for another time. My heart goes out to anyone who has chronic migraines. Botox for migraines is typically given in the same spots you would get it for cosmetic purposes, so go ahead and kill two birds with one stone! It can also be used on the neck and shoulders if migraines are originating from there. Read about our Botox experience here!

Do you notice a difference? I’m especially interested in the under eyes, as I’ve had my cheeks done! Did it help with dark circles?

YES! The difference was subtle, natural and a more rested look for the under eyes. Jeni had a better result there than I did because I didn’t really have dark circles or a loss of fat there. For Jeni, it was exactly what she was hoping for and it looks like she has concealer on when she doesn’t. She had a beautiful result! My eyes look better and more rested as well and I will definitely do it again! We both fully recommend this area!

Do you feel like the jawline injections made an actual difference?

For me, absolutely! But this was a concern of mine and something I was really wanting to try! I have just never felt like I had a good jawline and the addition of filler on the back of the jaw is such a nice look. My husband, like so many hubbies, thinks injections are weird and dumb. But he even loved the results! He loves to tell me that I am his hot trophy wife, but he also loves to tell me not to do any cosmetic procedures. Well, Zach, I hate to break the news that keeping up with these little maintenance appointments helps to keep me looking nice and feeling confident (and confidence is the ultimate beauty tip!!)

Did you have an idea of what you wanted done or did the doctor guide you?

Neither Jeni, nor I, went in to his office that day with any major expectations. We wanted to hear his honest opinion of what he thought would be beneficial. I was really relieved when he was talking about treating the outer portion of the face to improve the entire look. I was secretly afraid I would get a puffy face, but also totally trusted him. He is so knowledgeable and so very reasonable that we were both confident in his treatment plan for us and we were excited to see the results! When I had made an appointment there before for lip filler, I knew exactly what I was getting and it was more of a personal preference of how much filler I wanted. Sara would have me look in the mirror as we went to decide if I wanted them any bigger or any different. I highly suggest going in for a consultation, you don’t have to book an appointment, but it’s very interesting to hear what areas he would treat and Jeni and I were not expecting him to recommend the areas he did!

Do you ave a plastic surgeon you recommend in Dallas?

Yes! Dr. Adams

Is it painful?

The local anesthetic is all that you feel. Just 4 easy shots, after that, there is no pain, just some weird pressure sensations. The use of cannulas reduces pain and discomfort by 90% or more!

No questions but good luck…. it’s addicting!

Haha! We will definitely want to keep up with our treatment plan and I am so happy about the monthly payment program!

Ok, I literally know zero about this but guessing from the name, would this fix a giant crevice?

Yes, yes it will! There are different types of fillers that do different types of things and crevices can absolutely be reduced or eliminated!

How long does it last?

Most fillers last 6-12 months depending on how fast your body metabolizes them. Some can last 2-5 years, you will have to talk to your plastic surgeon about which one is best for you! Belotero is what was used on Jeni and I and is supposed to last around 8 months.

Making a decision to use dermal fillers is very personal, I will leave you with the pros and cons:

Pros: wrinkles and folds minimized, lips plumped, immediate results, some fillers stimulate your own natural collagen, can last a year or more, no down time

Cons: possibility of swelling, pain or bruising after treatment, some fillers are not reversible

Don’t end up looking like a muppet, choose an experienced professional who knows the ins and outs of filler injections and will help you to achieve a natural beautiful result. No offense to muppet Janice.