What Are The Best Dermal Fillers for You in Richmond, VA?
Dermal fillers volumize, plump, and smooth fine to moderate wrinkles as part of non-surgical facial rejuvenation with modern injectables. They are commonly used to plump the lips (lip augmentation), soften the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and restore lost volume in the cheeks and temples. They are most beneficial for patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who have mild to moderate skin laxity and are not ready for surgical correction but still want subtle, effective cosmetic injectables instead of surgery.
Most injectable fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a water-loving sugar molecule that occurs naturally in our skin and joints. They have different viscosities and amounts of cross-linking, which make certain fillers appropriate for supportive, lifting action, while other fillers great for smoothing fine lines. Hyaluronic acid fillers are considered non-toxic and safe, as they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase in cases of emergencies. They are gradually broken down by the body over the course of months to years, depending on the filler.
The injector’s toolbox of fillers has grown significantly over the past decade. Since there are so many hyaluronic acid fillers on the market now, it is key to see a skilled injector who stays up to date on the latest products and understands how to use cosmetic injectables to complement your overall facial rejuvenation plan. At Zinsser Plastic Surgery, we currently offer the following fillers and participate with Allē and Aspire® rewards.
Our Fillers Include:
- Juvederm®
- Juvederm Ultra®
- Juvederm Ultra Plus®
- Juvederm Voluma®
- Juvederm Vollure®
- Juvederm Volbella®
- Restylane®
- Restylane-L®
- Restylane Lyft®
- Restylane Defyne®
- Sculptra®
- PRF EZ Gel®
What Will I Look Like After the Dermal Filler Is Injected?
You will be able to see an immediate improvement after the filler is placed! Over the next two weeks, the filler will settle and integrate into your skin, any bruising that occurs will fade, and swelling will decrease. Bruising is an expected side effect of getting injections, but most patients have 1 or 2 purple spots smaller than the size of a penny. However, if you are on any type of aspirin or blood thinner, you can expect to have larger bruises that may take longer to go away. Swelling is typically minimal except for lip injections. When the lips are injected, expect to have noticeable swelling for 2 to 7 days. Icing can help reduce soreness and swelling and is a simple way to support smooth, natural-looking facial rejuvenation after your injectables visit.
How Long Will Dermal Fillers Last?
This depends upon the product, the amount injected, and your body’s metabolism and response. Fillers in and around the mouth last the shortest amount of time, about 3 to 9 months, because this area moves so much. Filler placed in the upper cheeks, temples, and tear troughs tend to last about 9 to 24 months. Every patient has unique facial features, and, therefore, different needs, so we encourage you to start with a consultation to develop a personalized plan. We also recommend that all filler patients reevaluate and maintain their investment at 6-month intervals. You may inject multiple syringes initially to achieve your goals, but it is easier to maintain the filler by injecting one syringe every 6 months versus waiting two years and needing multiple syringes for a good correction. This kind of long-term approach helps your cosmetic injectables look refined and consistent over time.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Dermal fillers are very safe overall, with a low incidence of complications. Some bruising is normal and to be expected after injections. The uncommon and more serious side effects include infection, bacterial growth on the filler, allergic sensitization to the filler, and vascular occlusion. If you notice any skin paleness, mottling, blistering, or increasing pain at rest after the filler is injected, call our office immediately so that we can address potential complications as soon as possible. Choosing an experienced injector who performs cosmetic injectables regularly is one of the best ways to keep risks low and outcomes predictable.
The Results You Desire
The Respect You Deserve
Zinsser Plastic Surgery provides a level of patient care that is unparalleled. We blend compassion, skill and the latest surgical techniques to create a signature experience that is unique in our field.
Whether treating patients in their 20s or 70s, Dr. John Zinsser believes the keys to providing world-class results lie in a completely individualized approach to patient care. At Zinsser Plastic Surgery, you will be treated as the unique individual you are, and your treatment plan will be customized specifically for you.
What Do You Do to Protect My Safety?
Prior to the placement of facial fillers, your skin will be cleansed with a pre-surgical scrub containing chlorhexidine to remove surface bacteria. A hypochlorous acid solution is also used as a skin antiseptic during and after injections, which reduces the risk of infection. We keep Hylenex® on-site at all times in the event that the filler needs to be dissolved. We also offer an after-hours emergency contact number. These steps reflect our commitment to safe, thoughtful facial rejuvenation with injectables.
What Is the Price Range for Dermal Filler Injections?
When you come in for your consultation and develop a plan, you will receive a quote personalized for you. Our fillers range from $450 to $725 per syringe, and the number of syringes recommended for you will depend upon your goals and the condition of your skin. For example, a patient in her 50s who needs a “makeover” correction may invest $4000 in her appearance. During your visit, we will also talk about how ongoing cosmetic injectables can be spaced out over time to fit your budget and goals.
What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?
Botox and dermal fillers are both popular injectables, but they treat different concerns. Botox and other neuromodulators relax the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers add volume, structure, or subtle lift to areas like the cheeks, lips, and folds around the mouth. In a complete facial rejuvenation plan, Botox is typically used for lines that appear with expression, while cosmetic injectables like fillers are used to contour, plump, and smooth areas that have lost volume. Many patients choose both treatments together for a balanced, natural-looking result.
How Do I Know Which Dermal Filler Is Right for Me?
The best dermal filler depends on where you’re losing volume, how your skin behaves, and what kind of result you want (soft and subtle vs. more structured). At your consultation, we’ll examine your features and then match products to specific concerns. In general:
- Juvéderm Ultra – Great for natural lip augmentation and softening fine to moderate lines around the mouth.
- Juvéderm Ultra Plus – Slightly thicker; better for deeper folds like pronounced nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Juvéderm Voluma – Designed for cheek and midface contour, restoring lift and structure along the cheekbones.
- Juvéderm Vollure – Ideal for smile lines and folds when you want smooth, flexible movement without looking overfilled.
- Juvéderm Volbella – Best for fine lip lines, subtle lip definition, and delicate under-eye work in carefully selected patients.
- Restylane-L – Versatile option for moderate folds, tear troughs, and areas needing soft but supportive volume.
- Restylane Lyft – A firmer gel used to lift cheeks and support midface and posterior cheek volume.
- Restylane Defyne – Formulated for dynamic areas like deeper laugh lines where you still need natural facial movement.
- Sculptra – A biostimulatory filler that gradually stimulates collagen for global facial rejuvenation, especially in the cheeks, temples, and lower face.
- PRF EZ Gel – Uses your own blood-derived growth factors to improve skin quality and give subtle volume, often in under-eye or fine-line areas.
We’ll walk you through these choices, explain how long each tends to last, and create a cosmetic injectables plan that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort level.
What Other Procedures Can Be Combined with Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers integrate easily with other treatments for a more comprehensive result. Common combinations include neuromodulators (like Botox) for expression lines, laser skin resurfacing to improve texture and tone, microneedling for collagen stimulation, and HydraFacial for deep cleansing and hydration. Fillers shape and support, while these additional services refine the skin’s surface and movement. In many cases, pairing injectables with good skincare and sun protection delivers the most natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation without surgery.
When Is the Best Time to Get Dermal Fillers?
There is no single “perfect” age for dermal fillers. Timing depends on your concerns and goals. Some patients start in their late 20s or 30s for early contouring and prevention, while others wait until they see more visible volume loss in their 40s, 50s, or beyond. The best time is when you’re noticing changes that bother you and are ready for a minimally invasive solution. We can also help you plan around events, suggesting when to schedule your injectables so any swelling or bruising has resolved, and your facial rejuvenation results look their best.
The Results You Desire...Today!
Richmond, VA, Dermal Fillers FAQ
Dermal fillers can be used to treat various areas of the face with volume deficits. These areas include the cheeks, tear troughs, lips, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and a few other select areas.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers attract water once they are administered into the dermis through a series of injections. This creates a more supple and hydrated appearance to the tissues, temporarily offsetting any volume deficiencies.
After the treatment plan is thoroughly discussed with our injector, she will then apply a topical numbing agent to ensure you are comfortable during the treatment. After 5-10 minutes, you will start to feel the effects of the numbing, and the procedure will begin. Treatment generally takes anywhere between 30-45 minutes, depending on the amount/placement of dermal filler.
Any discomfort associated with filler treatments is kept to a minimum with the use of topical lidocaine prior to injections and ice packs post-procedure.
In most cases, filler results are almost immediate. It is very common to experience swelling and bruising that may potentially last for up to 2 weeks after your treatment; however, this generally resolves within 72 hours for most patients.
Filler longevity can range anywhere between 6-24 months depending on the type of filler, patient’s metabolism, amount of filler, and other factors. Cheek filler, for instance, has been proven to last up to 2 years with optimal treatment, whereas lip filler is known to metabolize within a year’s time.
A comprehensive full-face filler treatment can be achieved through proper assessment and treatment with an adequate amount of product. Ultimately, dermal fillers will not replace the need for a facelift but can offer patients a non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation.
Botox and dermal fillers treat different types of lines, so many patients benefit from both. Botox relaxes the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles—like frown lines and crow’s feet—while fillers address volume loss and contour. If your main concern is movement-related lines, Botox may be recommended first. If you see flattening in the cheeks or deeper folds, cosmetic injectables like fillers may be the priority. During your visit, we’ll design a facial rejuvenation plan that explains exactly how each treatment helps.
When performed by an experienced injector, dermal fillers should look soft and natural, more like a rested version of you than a “done” look. We use conservative amounts, place product in precise planes, and always respect your existing facial structure. Our goal with injectables is to enhance, not change, your features. Friends may notice you look refreshed, but they shouldn’t be able to tell why.
We generally recommend avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements (when medically safe), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and certain herbal products, for several days before treatment. Limiting alcohol and not scheduling fillers immediately before major events can also help. Come with clean skin and a clear idea of your goals. Your injector will review your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for cosmetic injectables.
You can’t completely control how quickly your body metabolizes fillers, but good habits help extend your results. Protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and maintaining a stable weight all support longer-lasting results. Following a consistent skincare routine and scheduling small maintenance treatments rather than waiting for all volume to fade are key parts of a smart facial rejuvenation strategy.
Many men choose dermal fillers to address tired or sunken features while still looking masculine and natural. Common areas include the cheeks, jawline, and under-eyes. The principles of facial rejuvenation are the same, but injection patterns and goals are tailored to male facial structure. Our approach to cosmetic injectables is always individualized, regardless of gender.
Most patients return to work or to normal activities the same day or the next day after injectables. You may have mild swelling, redness, or small bruises at the injection points, which are usually easy to camouflage with makeup once we say it’s safe. If you have a big event coming up, we’ll help you time your dermal fillers so your facial rejuvenation results look polished and any minor side effects have resolved.