Dermal Filler Treatment

They do opposite jobs. Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin) relax muscles to soften lines caused by movement — frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines. Dermal filler adds volume to replace what has been lost and to smooth static lines that are visible even when the face is completely still. Many patients benefit from both, and Dr. Bangalee frequently plans them together in a single session.

Overfilled results come from placing too much product, placing it in the wrong plane, or treating one area in isolation without regard for the rest of the face. Dr. Bangalee's approach is proportion-based and deliberately conservative — he will decline to place more volume than your anatomy can naturally carry, and will often recommend building the result across two sessions rather than one.

Hyaluronic acid filler can usually be dissolved using hyaluronidase (Hyalase), an enzyme that breaks HA down, with the effect generally seen within 24–48 hours. More than one session is sometimes required, and hyaluronidase itself carries risks including allergic reaction, so it is given after assessment. Reversibility remains a genuine safety advantage of HA filler over permanent fillers, which cannot be removed without surgery.

Topical anaesthetic is applied for 20–30 minutes beforehand, and premium HA fillers contain lidocaine within the product itself. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain. Where a blunt cannula is used instead of a needle, discomfort is reduced further.

This is determined at consultation and depends on how much volume has been lost and how many areas are being treated. A single area of refinement may need 1ml; full mid-face restoration commonly requires 2ml or more, often staged across sessions. Dr. Bangalee will give you a clear plan and cost before anything is injected — nothing is decided while you are in the chair.

The tear trough is one of the most technically demanding areas in facial aesthetics — the skin is thin, the anatomy is vascular, and poor placement causes lasting puffiness or a bluish tint. It should only be treated by an experienced medical injector using a blunt cannula and an appropriate product. Dr. Bangalee assesses suitability carefully and will decline to treat the area where the anatomy makes a good result unlikely.

Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements — aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E — and alcohol for 48–72 hours beforehand, as these significantly increase bruising. Tell Dr. Bangalee if you have a history of cold sores, are on any regular medication, or have had filler previously, including where and when.

Yes, but it must be disclosed. Dr. Bangalee needs to know what product was used, in which areas, and how long ago — residual filler affects both what is required now and where it can safely be placed. If you are unsure what you were treated with, say so; that itself is useful information.

Fillers are contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in active skin infection at the treatment site, in uncontrolled autoimmune conditions, and in patients with a known allergy to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine. A full medical history is taken at consultation and Dr. Bangalee will tell you plainly if treatment is not appropriate for you.

Any adjustment is made at the two-week review, never sooner — the result is not final until swelling has fully resolved and the product has integrated. For maintenance, most patients return at 9–18 months depending on the area treated.