Facial Fillers

Facial fillers represent a variety of FDA-approved products that can be used to restore a more youthful look to the face. Whilst a multitude of filler types exist, they can most easily be categorized by the substance they are made from: Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Calcium Hydroxylapatite, Poly-L-lactic Acid, Polymethylmethacrylate, and autologous fat injections. Nowadays, the HA-type fillers represent the safest and most reliable filler options (note: they can be dissolved), with the most notable brands including Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, RHA, and Versa. Just as an artist chooses his brush, rest assured that Dr. Raggio will choose the best facial filler product that fits your specific needs.

For most people, filler injections are a quick in-office procedure (30-60 minutes) associated with minimal discomfort. In short, the area is cleansed, and marked, and the filler of choice is precisely placed into the target area using a very fine needle or blunt-tipped cannula. For those concerned about discomfort, you may be relieved to hear that most filler preparations come pre-mixed with lidocaine. It may also help to find an injector like Dr. Raggio who offers ancillary measures to maximize your comfort, which include vibration devices, ice, or topical and/or regional anesthesia. Dr. Raggio is also pleased to offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to patients who may have more anxiety about the procedure.

The term “liquid facelift” refers to the use of fillers to fill hollows and depressions associated with age-related volume loss. Because fillers vary in their ability to absorb water, stimulate collagen, and “lift” surrounding tissues, they can often be used to mimic the results of a traditional facelift, thus the term “liquid facelift.” Age-related problem areas typically addressed include a depressed forehead, hollowed temples, sunken eyes, deflated midface/cheeks, lines around the nose and mouth, decreased lip plump or pout, recessed chin, poorly defined jawline, jowls, and prominent neck creases. 

A more experienced injector may even utilize filler for reshaping the nose, coined “liquid rhinoplasty.” Combining such treatments with botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox) further augments the results. 

NOTE: Some of these treatments may be considered “off-label,” so please consult with a credentialed physician well-versed in facial anatomy and the various filler options available.

There is no right or wrong age to begin filler treatments, but rather any person with signs of facial aging wishing to refresh their appearance would likely be a good candidate. The first step involves finding a reputable and experienced injector with intimate knowledge of facial anatomy who can offer you a customized treatment plan (surgical and non-surgical) based on your aesthetic goals. As always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There are few things more important than the relationship you have with your doctor.

Filler injections are quick and easy, blending well with most of our patients’ schedules. The number of initial treatment appointments needed for the best Facial Filler results at Raggio Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham is generally 1-2 sessions. The process typically involves an initial consultation to discuss your goals, assess your candidacy, and create a personalized treatment plan. Injections are often performed same-day, or scheduled at another time based on the discussion you have with Dr. Raggio.

The actual Facial Filler procedure is typically performed in a single session, making it convenient for those seeking immediate enhancements. Some patients may opt for additional touch-up sessions or follow-up appointments to assess and fine-tune results.

The beautiful thing about facial filler with Dr. Raggio in Birmingham is that results are often immediate! Final results, however, typically take 2-3 weeks to “settle” but can vary depending on the product used, the amount injected, and any associated swelling. Results last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years but ultimately depend on a variety of factors including the product, the area injected, and the patient’s intrinsic factors (e.g., age, weight, etc.). 

For the best facial filler results, Dr. Raggio recommends repeated “maintenance” injections every 12-18 months to help patients sustain their results.

At Raggio DM Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, one syringe of filler (1 ml) may cost anywhere between $750-900, usually enough for 1 treatment area (e.g., lips, chin, cheeks, tear troughs). It is not uncommon, however, for Dr. Raggio to recommend you receive 2-5 syringes per session, depending on your aesthetic goals and age-related changes. 

A word of advice: beware of injectors offering heavy discounts. Although more experienced injectors will likely require more of an investment financially, you must remember that you are not just paying for the product, but rather the skill and expertise of the injector. To that effect, more experienced injectors often utilize less product to obtain the desired result. In the end, a lower cost does not always equate to a better deal (or result!). In short, remember the adage “You get what you pay for.” After all, it is your face we’re talking about!

Yes of course! Combining Facial Fillers with other procedures is a common and popular practice, offering a comprehensive approach to overall facial rejuvenation.

Many patients choose to complement their Facial Filler with procedures such as BOTOX, Radiofrequency Microneedling, or CO2 Laser skin resurfacing.

Dr. Raggio will offer our expert advice on this approach in a consultation. 

YES! Fillers for cosmetic use have an extremely high safety profile with minimal and temporary side effects including bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness to the injection site. You may be prescribed a medicine, such as a steroid or an antihistamine, to lessen the chance of such reactions. Rare but serious adverse events have been reported and may include skin necrosis, stroke, and blindness. It is also recommended to avoid treatment within 2 weeks of being sick, having dental work, or receiving a vaccine. Nevertheless, injectable fillers represent a safe and powerful tool for facial rejuvenation in the hands of an experienced injector. 

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with Facial Fillers, though they are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified professional like Dr. Raggio and our team. Common risks and complications may include:

• Temporary side effects
• Infection
• Allergic reactions:
• Asymmetry or irregularities
• Vascular complications

Dr. Raggio and his team maintain a clean and sterilized environment to offer the best Facial Filler service to all our patients. By being informed about potential risks with Facial Filler, you can make the right decision to suit your needs.

While many plastic surgery practices offer treatments in all parts of the body, we take a different approach. At Raggio MD, we offer highly specialized treatments focused exclusively on one area: the face. We believe that this singular, undistracted focus is what creates true mastery of the field. Dr. Raggio’s passion and extensive experience in Facial Plastic Surgery guarantee that we provide unparalleled results. At Raggio MD we focus all of our energy and expertise on facial procedures, ensuring that we do perform them at their highest level. Because Face is all we do, we can honestly say that we do it best.

We give the patient a 100% honest evaluation of their concerns and goals. Having the full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments allows us to develop a plan without the potential for treatment bias. During consultation visits, Dr. Raggio will present his recommendation(s) and arm patients with the necessary knowledge to make an educated decision about their treatment. The theme that permeates every appointment: “The patient comes first.”

Dr. Raggio also serves as an Injectable Trainer (e.g., BOTOX, Facial Filler) for the Beverly Hills Institute of Aesthetic Medicine in Los Angeles, CA. He enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge for all things Facial Plastic Surgery-related, and takes great pride in delivering exceptionally natural results with injectables, BOTOX included.

Raggio MD promises you’ll receive the best Facial Filler results in Birmingham without compromise. Dr. Raggio prides himself on being a perfectionist and tailors an individualized treatment plan for each patient. He believes that no two surgical cases are identical and that outstanding results demand precision, attention to detail, and an appreciation for beauty.