Curious as to what a dermal filler treatment is like? Expert Injector Lori Swenson and Real-Life Patient Julie Dowdall share insights below, with before and after photos of results over time…
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, approximately 2.6 million dermal filler injection treatments were completed in 2018. That makes dermal fillers the second most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in America, behind Botox. In 2021, the dermal filler market size was valued at 5.05 billion USD and is projected to boost to 8.79 billion USD by 2029.
Undoubtedly, dermal fillers are a popular treatment that people from all walks of life turn to for a more youthful appearance by improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and adding volume. Individuals also turn to dermal fillers for facial balancing, chin augmentation, jawline contouring, and lip enhancement.
There are various types of dermal fillers on the market. The most popular are HA fillers, made from hyaluronic acid. Juvederm is the most popular HA dermal filler line.
To learn more about the dermal filler treatment experience, we wanted to get and share both a provider’s and a real-life patient’s input. We turned to Houston-based Professional Injector Lori Swenson and DermaTouch RN patient Julie Dowdall to do so.
Lori Swenson – Dermal Filler Expertise & Provider Recommendations
Q: What do you like most about treating patients with dermal fillers?
Lori: There are several things I love when it comes to fillers. I think the most enjoyable is the patient’s transformation from whatever image they perceive in their mind to a more aesthetic view of themselves. Often, when we look at ourselves, we may feel we look tired, angry, or even sad, and fillers, especially in and around the mouth, can improve this almost immediately after treatment.
In comparison with Botox—which can also change our appearance—that change often takes place one week to ten days after treatment, which means, as providers, we often don’t see the results following treatment. Filler treatment results tend to be more immediate, and the changes to the face and truly transformative.
Every one of us has unique perceptions of beauty, and the ability to envision and create beauty is truly an art and a gift.
Q: What is your approach when using dermal fillers with patients?
Lori: Typically, my approach starts with a full medical history and assessment of patient safety and appropriateness for cosmetic procedures. Assessment of any subjective information is often gathered at this point.
The objective information is typically a full assessment of the patient’s face. I start at the forehead and work down in three sections—the forehead, the midface, and the lower face. I will usually comment on skin appearance and texture, as well as any volume deficits that may exist. I feel it is very important to also note positives along with any deficiencies present.
After the areas for fillers are identified as possibilities for correction, I will often discuss why these areas have changes (e.g., aging, muscle movement) and how they can be corrected. I will also discuss the difference between the different types of fillers and where and how they are typically placed in the face. Lastly, we will discuss the budget, plan for treatment, and follow-up care.
Q: What areas of the face were treated, and with what filler(s) in the before and after photos represented?
Lori: Mrs. Dowdall was treated in two different sessions.
During the first session, she was very anxious, as she had never had fillers before and was quite afraid of number one, the pain, and number two, the results. This isn’t uncommon for patients having new cosmetic treatments of any kind.
During the first session, she was treated with 30 Botox units in the forehead and glabella areas and one syringe of Juvederm Voluma in the midface only.
During the second session, she was treated with 2 ½ syringes of Voluma to the midface and jawline areas, two Juvederm Vollure syringes for the nasolabial folds, and one Juvederm Ultra Plus for the oral commissures around the mouth.
Before & After Photos – Juvederm Dermal Filler & Botox
Q: What do you believe is essential for people to consider when considering a dermal filler treatment?
Lori: You want to consider both the provider and the treatment itself. Some important things to consider when choosing a provider include, first, looking at the provider’s experience and, if possible, before and after photos, reviews, and blogs, such as this one. Do your research!
You also want to go to a licensed provider, preferably an RN, FNP, or MD. Avoid providers that post Groupon offers; instead, pick an establishment with lots of feedback and reviews. Compare positive and negative reviews. Some negative reviews are common, so focus on the overall rating and read through the reviews to ensure they are overwhelmingly positive.
Regarding your filler treatment, it’s essential to be realistic about your results. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Achieving your desired results takes time, and it’s generally best to gradually build to your desired results over time.
Listening to your provider and their guidance is also a good idea. For example, many will come in wanting their nasolabial folds treated, though they need to consider that nasolabial folds begin to form due to a loss of volume in the mid-face region. Therefore, it’s often best to treat the midface region before treating the nasolabial fold region to achieve the most natural-looking results.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about dermal filler treatments?
Lori: Pick a provider and stick with them – don’t spa-hop. Spa hopping can lead to frustration and prevents you from building results over time with the same provider.
Before & After Photos – Juvederm Dermal Filler
Julie Dowdall Real-Life Experience – DermaTouch RN Patient, Age 63
Q: What was the experience of getting dermal fillers like for you?
Julie: The experience was not unpleasant at all. Lori did an exceptional job.
Q: What do you love about your results?
Julie: I love the fact that results are immediate and lasting!
Q. What would you suggest for others considering dermal fillers?
Julie: I suggest listening to the expertise of your provider. Lori was very professional and provided very natural-looking results.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
Julie: I was nervous about getting fillers for the first time, but I am so happy I did it and am very happy with my results.
Before and After Photos – Results Over Time with Juvederm Dermal Filler and Botox
Additional Dermal Filler Insights
Are you ready to try dermal filler for yourself? As you can see above, the experience can be very rewarding. Dermal fillers are super effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and adding volume to the face without surgery. Plus, many dermal fillers aren’t permanent, so if you don’t love the results, they’re reversible. Though with the right practitioner, many people love their results and continue dermal filler treatments for life. Start with Lori’s tips above to select the right expert for your dermal filler treatment.
You for sure want to work with a provider you trust — after all, you’re putting your face and looks in their hands. Finally, there are several dermal fillers on the market today made from different substances that work differently in the body. Whoever you choose to work with should be well-versed in the dermal fillers they recommend, and they should also have a good understanding of facial anatomy and how a dermal filler will work with your specific facial structure.
Lori Swenson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
NURSE INJECTOR/ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE
Shortly after receiving her nursing degree in 1998, Lori moved from New York to Texas to begin her nursing career. Most of her 24 years as a nurse involve working within ER and ICU departments of major hospitals. In 2015, she obtained her MSN-FNP and began training under Renee Moschitto at DermaTouch RN. Lori is dedicated to patient safety and customer satisfaction and is experienced in dermal fillers and neurotoxins. Learn more about Lori and the team she works with…
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
