Are Dermal Fillers Painful?

Experiencing discomfort during dermal filler treatments is typically minimal, thanks to various measures in place to ensure your comfort. Most dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which helps numb the area as the injection is administered. Before the procedure, Dr. Greco may also apply a topical anesthetic or administer a dental block to further minimize any potential discomfort. While some patients may feel a brief pinch or sting during the injections, many describe the sensation as tolerable and brief. After the procedure, some swelling or bruising may occur, but this usually subsides within a few days. Iced compresses are very helpful as well as application of Arnica gel. Bruising can also be treated with V-Beam Perfecta (Pulse Dye Laser).

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments required for dermal fillers can vary based on individual goals and treatment areas. Most patients achieve their desired results in just one session, particularly for initial treatments. During this session, Dr. Greco or Brenda will assess your needs and apply the filler to targeted areas. For those looking to enhance or maintain their results, follow-up appointments may be scheduled, typically a few weeks post-treatment. This allows for adjustments and ensures that the desired look is achieved.

How Long Until I See Results?

Immediately after your dermal fillers treatment, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in volume and contour. While some swelling or bruising may occur, this is typically temporary and subsides within a few days. As the initial swelling diminishes, the true results will become clearer, often revealing optimal results within two weeks.

Can I Combine Dermal Fillers With Other Procedures?

Combining dermal fillers with other aesthetic treatments can be a fantastic way to achieve more comprehensive results and maximize your facial rejuvenation. Popular pairings include: BOTOX® or other neuromodulators: Using these alongside dermal fillers can address both static and dynamic wrinkles, smoothing out lines while restoring volume. Chemical peels : For improved skin texture and tone, chemical peels can complement the volumizing effects of fillers, creating a more youthful appearance. Microneedling: This treatment enhances skin texture and firmness, making it an excellent addition to fillers for a more balanced look. Laser treatments: Combining fillers with laser therapy can target pigmentation, fine lines, and skin laxity, providing a holistic approach to rejuvenation. Consulting with Dr. Greco and his aesthetician is crucial to ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, enhancing both safety and effectiveness. This collaborative approach allows for the best possible outcomes, making your aesthetic goals achievable.

What Are the Risks Associated With Dermal Fillers?

Here are some common concerns patients have noticed: Allergic reactions Bruising and swelling Infection Asymmetry Lumps or bumps Vascular complications Migration Before undergoing treatment, discussing these risks with your healthcare provider is vital. They can help you weigh the benefits against potential risks and ensure you have realistic expectations for your results.

Dermal Fillers

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Dermal Fillers

The skin is your body’s largest and most visible organ. Your skin comprises two layers: the uppermost layer of skin (epidermis) which acts as a protective barrier, and the second layer of skin, called the dermis. This layer is composed primarily of a protein called collagen, which provides structural support for your skin. Unfortunately, as you age, your skin loses collagen and other components that help create its youthful appearance. This loss can lead to the development of lines and creases, as well as sagging and laxity of the face.

Dermal fillers effectively address signs of aging, such as fine lines, folds, and volume loss in the cheeks and lips. Dr. Greco or our Nurse Injector, Brenda, will assess your facial structure and aesthetic goals during your consultation to create a personalized treatment plan. They can enhance your features using advanced techniques and high-quality products while maintaining a natural look. With a strong commitment to patient safety and satisfaction, choosing dermal fillers with Greco MD in Bala Cynwyd, PA – conveniently located to treat patients all around the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne – is an investment in a refreshing experience that boosts your confidence.

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Greco

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Most dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to “fill in” and soften crease lines, enhance lips and facial contours, and minimize signs of aging. Dermal filler treatment is a minimally invasive procedure to replace lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and plump thin lips and restore a youthful appearance.

The US FDA has approved most dermal fillers for correcting nasolabial folds. However, they are often used in an “off-label” capacity in other areas of the face.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Juvéderm® Products

Juvéderm® is a versatile hyaluronic acid dermal filler providing immediate improvement in skin wrinkles, texture, and appearance. It comes in three formulations, providing the ability to tailor treatment to an individual patient’s needs.

Juvéderm® is also the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has proved to be safe and effective in patients with darker skin color.

Juvéderm® Ultra Plus provides volume for the face, while Juvéderm® Ultra is used for finer lines. Juvéderm® Voluma creates deep facial volume for cheek enhancement. Volux is beneficial for temple and jawline enhancement. And Volbella® can help create plumper, fuller lips, as well as smooth-out perioral wrinkles, which are lines that form around the mouth. Vollure is a versatile filler used to improve the nasolabial and marionette folds.

These fillers can be layered on top of each other to improve results.

SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®

SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® is a hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable treatment designed to enhance the smoothness of your cheek skin. It can help you achieve glowing and healthy-looking skin. SKINVIVE™ is administered as tiny, intradermal microdroplets of hyaluronic acid within the dermis to ensure your skin remains nourished, vibrant, and glowing.

As the first hyaluronic acid intradermal microdroplet injection available in the U.S., SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® represents an innovative approach to skin rejuvenation. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, this microdroplet injectable treatment focuses on enhancing skin texture without adding volume. Imagine injecting your moisturizer directly into the skin, resulting in deeply hydrated, luminous skin for up to six months!

RHA® Products

RHA® filler products are the first and only FDA-approved injectable dynamic fillers. Resilient hyaluronic acid or RHA is designed to adapt to facial movements.

The innovative hyaluronic acid (HA) formula in RHA® fillers maintains the natural structure of HA so that it behaves like the natural HA in your body. RHA® products offer a unique combination of dynamic stretch and enduring strength to deliver natural-looking results.

RHA® fillers can be safely injected into your skin with an ultrafine needle. RHA® helps plump and smooth away wrinkles and folds. It works on treating dynamic lines by allowing the injected gel to move with your facial muscles to create a natural look whether your muscles are in motion or at rest.

These dermal fillers do not come from an animal source. They contain a small amount of anesthetic medicine (lidocaine) to help reduce discomfort during treatment, making the treatment more comfortable.

It has shown great results in treating:

Laugh lines or smile lines (nasolabial folds)
Forehead furrows (glabella wrinkles)
Lines around the lips and mouth (perioral wrinkles)

Sculptra® (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic substance. Poly-L-lactic acid has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. It is now approved by the US FDA for use as a dermal filler.

Sculptra® Aesthetic is a poly-L-lactic acid product. These fillers are classified as “collagen stimulators” because they smooth fine lines by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen. However, the filler itself dissipates a few days after treatment, only to start the biostimulating process of creating new collagen.

Sculptra is a skin volumizer that is diluted in sterile water and injected beneath the skin to fill facial depressions for a more plump and youthful appearance. Sculptra® provides a gradual volumizing benefit for the face by stimulating new collagen growth for improved skin tone and ongoing aesthetic improvements. It has shown great results in the treatment of deeper facial wrinkles and volume loss. Results are seen after two to three treatments and can last more than two years.

In addition to dermal injections, Dr. Greco’s Nurse Injector Brendacan also use Sculptra in the buttocks. When strategically and skillfully placed, it can improve the appearance of cellulite and add subtle volume and contour.

Radiesse® (Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler)

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a naturally occurring substance found in our bones. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a HA filler and can last about 12 months for most patients.

Radiesse® is an FDA-approved CaHA filler used for wrinkle treatment. It can stimulate your body to grow new collagen for improved skin tone by creating a scaffold for collagen. Radiesse® can restore facial volume to the cheeks and chin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and folds around the mouth. Results are immediate and may last a year or more.

Temple Filler

Recently, the FDA approved using dermal fillers, specifically JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC, for treating moderate to severe temple hollowing. When done by an experienced professional, this treatment temporarily adds volume to the temples, lifting and refining their shape. The filler helps create a smoother, more natural transition from the cheekbones to the forehead, enhancing facial balance and overall symmetry.

The duration of the treatment varies based on your individual aesthetic goals, typically ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. JUVÉDERM injectable gels labeled with “XC” include lidocaine, a local anesthetic designed to reduce pain or discomfort during the procedure. You can also ask Dr. Greco about additional options, such as a topical numbing cream or ice, to further ease any discomfort. Results can last up to 13 months, providing a durable solution for those seeking to enhance or rejuvenate the temple area.

What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances designed to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours, providing a youthful and revitalized appearance. Here are some specific benefits of dermal fillers:

Wrinkle reduction
Volume restoration
Lip enhancement
Non-surgical nose reshaping
Minimally invasive solutions to aging
Stimulates natural collagen production
Enhanced facial contours

Dermal fillers are a versatile and effective option for individuals seeking to enhance their facial aesthetics, offering immediate results and lasting benefits without the need for surgical intervention.

Benefits

Who Are the Best Candidates For Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a fantastic option for a variety of individuals looking to enhance their facial features and rejuvenate their appearance. The best candidates typically include:

Adults seeking volume restoration
Individuals with fine lines and wrinkles
Patients looking for non-surgical solutions
Healthy individuals

If you’re considering dermal fillers, a consultation with a qualified professional like Dr. Timothy Greco, or his nurse injector, Brenda can help determine if this treatment aligns with your aesthetic goals and unique needs!

Candidates

What’s the First Step?

Your Dermal FIller Journey with Dr. Timothy Greco

Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Greco is your first step toward achieving a refreshed and youthful appearance with dermal fillers. During this initial appointment, Dr. Greco will evaluate your facial structure, skin elasticity, and specific areas of concern where volume loss or wrinkles may be present.

He will discuss your aesthetic goals in detail, whether you want to enhance your lips, smooth out nasolabial folds, or restore volume to your cheeks. Dr. Greco will guide you through the different types of dermal fillers available, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers or collagen stimulators, explaining their unique benefits and how they can be strategically applied for optimal results.

This consultation is designed to foster an open dialogue, allowing you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about the procedure. By the end of your visit, you’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique features and desired outcomes, ensuring you feel confident and excited about your decision to enhance your appearance with dermal fillers.

What to Expect on the Day of Dermal Fillers Treatment

On the day of your dermal fillers treatment, the experience is designed to be both efficient and comfortable. Upon arrival at Dr. Greco’s office, you’ll first have a brief consultation where he will review your treatment goals and answer any last-minute questions. This step ensures that you’re both on the same page regarding the desired outcomes.

Once you’re ready, the treatment area will be cleaned, and Dr. Greco may apply a topical anesthetic or do a dental block to minimize any discomfort during the injections. The procedure itself is typically quick, lasting about 30 minutes. Using a precise technique, Dr. Greco will carefully inject the dermal filler into specific areas, such as the cheeks, lips, or under the eyes, to enhance volume and smooth out fine lines. Dr. Greco uses both needle and cannula to strategically place filler for phenomenal results. He has taught these techniques all over the country to other doctors and nurses.

While some patients may feel slight pressure or a quick pinch during the injections, the numbing agent will help keep you comfortable. Afterward, Dr. Greco may gently massage the treated areas to ensure the filler is evenly distributed.

Expect some mild swelling and redness immediately following the treatment, but these effects usually subside within a few hours. Before you leave, Dr. Greco will provide tailored aftercare instructions to maximize your results, leaving you with a fresh, youthful appearance that enhances your natural beauty!

Dermal Fillers

Expectations

Greco

Dermal Fillers Recovery

After receiving dermal fillers, the recovery process is typically quick and uncomplicated. Immediately following the treatment, you may notice some mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites. These symptoms are normal and generally resolve within a few days.

To ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery, follow Dr. Greco’s aftercare instructions. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities, direct sunlight, and makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and blood thinners can help minimize any potential bruising.

Most individuals can resume their daily activities right away, but patience is key. Your final results will continue to improve over two following weeks as any residual swelling dissipates. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Enjoy your refreshed look with confidence!

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of dermal fillers in Philadelphia, PA will vary on numerous factors, including the filler that is injected, the treatment area, and other factors. On average, patients can expect to pay the following amounts, per area being treated:

Starting at:

Juvederm: ~$725
RHA: ~$725
SkinVive: ~$650
Sculptra: ~$925+

It’s important to remember that this is initial pricing, so every patient should understand that this is a starting point. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs and goals, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Greco or our Nurse Injector, Brenda, is essential. Either provider will assess your unique situation and provide a detailed breakdown of costs involved in your dermal filler treatment.

Specialized treatments, such as lip augmentation or under-eye fillers, may fall on the higher end of this spectrum due to the precision and skill required. Additionally, our practice may offer package deals or discounts for multiple syringes or treatments, so it’s worth inquiring about potential savings.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Greco?

Dr. Timothy Greco is a facial plastic surgeon who brings artistry and expertise to the world of dermal fillers, making beauty transformations both exciting and personalized! With board certifications from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Greco expertly blends technical skill with a creative eye to achieve stunning, natural results.

During your first consultation, you’ll have the chance to discuss your aesthetic desires, and Dr. Greco will take the time to assess your unique facial features to craft a tailored treatment plan just for you. His commitment to patient safety and satisfaction shines through in every aspect of his work, and he uses innovative techniques and high-quality, medical-grade products to ensure you look and feel your best. When you choose Dr. Greco or Brenda for your dermal filler journey, you’re not just getting a procedure; you’re stepping into a vibrant experience that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your confidence in a fun and supportive environment!

Why us?

Dermal Fillers FAQ’S

Experiencing discomfort during dermal filler treatments is typically minimal, thanks to various measures in place to ensure your comfort. Most dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which helps numb the area as the injection is administered.

Before the procedure, Dr. Greco may also apply a topical anesthetic or administer a dental block to further minimize any potential discomfort. While some patients may feel a brief pinch or sting during the injections, many describe the sensation as tolerable and brief. After the procedure, some swelling or bruising may occur, but this usually subsides within a few days. Iced compresses are very helpful as well as application of Arnica gel. Bruising can also be treated with V-Beam Perfecta (Pulse Dye Laser).
The number of appointments required for dermal fillers can vary based on individual goals and treatment areas. Most patients achieve their desired results in just one session, particularly for initial treatments. During this session, Dr. Greco or Brenda will assess your needs and apply the filler to targeted areas.

For those looking to enhance or maintain their results, follow-up appointments may be scheduled, typically a few weeks post-treatment. This allows for adjustments and ensures that the desired look is achieved.
Combining dermal fillers with other aesthetic treatments can be a fantastic way to achieve more comprehensive results and maximize your facial rejuvenation. Popular pairings include:
- BOTOX® or other neuromodulators: Using these alongside dermal fillers can address both static and dynamic wrinkles, smoothing out lines while restoring volume.
- Chemical peels: For improved skin texture and tone, chemical peels can complement the volumizing effects of fillers, creating a more youthful appearance.
- Microneedling: This treatment enhances skin texture and firmness, making it an excellent addition to fillers for a more balanced look.
- Laser treatments: Combining fillers with laser therapy can target pigmentation, fine lines, and skin laxity, providing a holistic approach to rejuvenation.
Consulting with Dr. Greco and his aesthetician is crucial to ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, enhancing both safety and effectiveness. This collaborative approach allows for the best possible outcomes, making your aesthetic goals achievable.
Here are some common concerns patients have noticed:
- Allergic reactions
- Bruising and swelling
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Lumps or bumps
- Vascular complications
- Migration
Before undergoing treatment, discussing these risks with your healthcare provider is vital. They can help you weigh the benefits against potential risks and ensure you have realistic expectations for your results.

Schedule a Consultation

Initiating your dermal fillers treatment is as simple as scheduling a consultation with Dr. Timothy Greco. During this appointment, Dr. Greco or Brenda will assess your facial features, discuss your specific aesthetic goals—such as addressing fine lines, adding volume to your lips, or rejuvenating sunken cheeks—and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Contact our office directly by phone or visit our website to book your consultation. Our friendly team will assist you in selecting a time that works best for you. Take the first step towards revitalizing your appearance and boosting your confidence with expert guidance from Dr. Greco!