Is There a Limit on How Much Dermal Filler Can Be Injected in the Face?

Once upon a time, plastic surgery was only available for the rich and famous, but then came dermal filler injections. Dermal fillers have been a lifesaver for patients seeking to bring back the life and youth of their faces. These can be administered to fill in lines, plump up lips, and increase volume in various facial regions.

So how much do I need to inject into my face? This question always comes up when considering dermal fillers. The optimal amount of filler that you need actually depends on your needs and preferences; however, it’s most likely that you will need more syringes for a drastic enhancement.

The Proper Dosage of Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler is not a one size fits all procedure. While you can inject fillers in nearly any part of your face, different locations call for different amounts (and, sometimes, a different product or brand). Keep in mind that 1 filler syringe can range from 0.3 to 1 mL – less than a teaspoon.

Treated Area	Average Number of Syringes	Description
Lips	1 to 2	The lips are usually one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. Cosmetic practitioners are typically conservative of lip filler amounts since results can easily look overdone.
Cheeks	2 to 6	Your cheeks are one of the most dynamic areas of your face and can be the most challenging region to treat. Health conditions and weight loss can sometimes negatively impact the amount of cheek fat.
Smile lines	1 to 2	Called a nasolabial fold, a smile line can be smoothed out with just 1 to 2 syringes; however, the recommended number is only enough for light to moderate lines and not necessarily to restore volume.
Jawline	2 to 4	If you’re looking for a softer result, you may opt for fewer syringes for your jawline filler.
Temples	2 to 4	Place your fingers at the outer edge of your brows (just below where your forehead starts) – those small flat areas on either side of your face are temples. Correcting the hollowing of this often overlooked area can alter your facial proportions.
Brow lift	1	Dermal fillers can lift your droopy eyes, particularly its outside corners.
Glabellar lines	1	The deep-set 11’s between your eyebrows, also known as glabellar lines, can be corrected by injecting dermal fillers.
Chin	2 to 4	The chin is a bony protrusion. Your doctor will use a filler that can mimic the bone’s firmness.
Nose	1	A nose job doesn’t have to be as expensive as rhinoplasty surgery. Patients usually need only 1 syringe to recontour their nose.
Neck	1	1 syringe of dermal filler is typically enough to fill in necklace lines.
Hands	2 to 3	1 dermal filler injection per hand is the most common amount.
Décollete lines	1	Dermal filler can be injected into individual deep chest wrinkles f ound in your décolletage area.
Facial sculpting	4 to 8	A facial sculpting procedure is usually performed on younger patients, those who are not experiencing much volume loss brought about by aging.

How to Make Filler Results Last Longer

To make dermal filler results last longer, do the following:

1. Minimize UV Exposure

Over-exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and reverse the benefits of the injectable treatment. Skin damage can cause inflammation. As the skin heals itself, the dermal fillers may break down.

Hence, it’s encouraged for filler patients to consistently protect themselves from sunlight by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, staying indoors during peak UV hours, and using high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 45 and above). Moreover, despite not being UV light, blue light or exposure to screens can also negatively affect the skin cells.

2. Practice a Proper Skin Care Routine

Taking good care of your skin makes the benefits of injectables last longer. This routine includes using the right products such as a cleanser, moisturizer, anti-aging treatment, and sunscreen.

Moisturizing every day and drinking a lot of water also improves the water-absorption effect of a hyaluronic acid filler. This helps maintain the concerned areas free from wrinkles and deep-set lines.

3. Avoid Stress Triggers

The acceleration of the aging process can be an effect of high stress levels. This is because cortisol and other hormones are released at higher rates, thus emphasizing the typical unwanted signs of aging. Stress relief techniques such as yoga or meditation should be incorporated into your daily activities.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating nutritious food not only directly affects your appearance but also the skin's health. Too much sugar intake and foods that are processed and packaged must be avoided to maximize the results of the filler.

What Type of Dermal Filler Do You Need?

With a plethora of dermal filler options on the market – with each having their own unique formulations and specialties – it may get overwhelming. You might find it hard to choose which one is best for you, especially without a doctor’s guidance. In general, fillers are categorized based on their base substance:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring enzyme that keeps the skin well-hydrated and plump. This means that your body can naturally absorb its particles. If you’re considering getting an HA filler, try out Juvéderm Voluma, Restylane, or Belotero.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is naturally found in the bones. It stimulates collagen production and is usually used for deeper lines and facial wrinkles.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid is a synthetic substance that facilitates natural collagen rebuilding. Results can last for as long as 2 years.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in the form of a tiny ball is placed underneath the skin to provide structure and support for an indefinite period of time. One example of a PMMA filler is Bellafill.
• Facial fat grafting (autologous fat injections) is a surgical injectable treatment for fillers. The plastic surgeon harvests some of your fat in another area of your body then injects it into the facial area you want to restore volume.

What Can Go Wrong With Dermal Fillers?

Keep in mind that the post-procedure experience varies per patient. The following can be noticed immediately after a dermal filler procedure:

• Itching in the area
• Lumps and bumps
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Asymmetry
• Red needle puncture marks

Other potential risks are:

• Under- or over-correction of wrinkles
• Filler palpability under the skin surface of the skin
• Skin rash along side itching
• Skin eruptions that are like acne
• Skin redness
• Bleeding from the site of injection
• Skin damage, causing wound and possible scarring

Serious risks of dermal fillers include:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection due to the use of a syringe.
• Blocked blood vessels: It is very rare for the dermal filler to be injected into the blood vessels. When it does happen, it can block blood flow and potentially result in blindness, stroke, or skin necrosis.

How to Prevent Dermal Filler Complications

The most important thing you could do to minimize the risks of a facial filler procedure is to go to a licensed practitioner that has extensive expertise in facial anatomy, face structure, and dermal filler qualities. During your initial consultation, ask them about their specialty and for examples of their work. You should feel comfortable with your doctor, as well as in the clinic’s environment.

Another important thing to note is that you must be completely aware of everything that comes with dermal filler treatments – the good, the bad, and the dangerous. While you’re busy thinking about being a step closer to the skin of your dreams, the results might fall short of your expectations if you aren’t well-informed of the possible risks and complications.

Above all, stick closely to your doctor’s pre-treatment and aftercare advice. If instructions include avoiding specific medications or refraining from a certain activity for x amount of time, don’t deviate. Minimize room for error as much as possible.

Why Do People Get Dermal Fillers?

These are some of the most common reasons why people consider a syringe of dermal filler in the first place:

1. Combat Signs of Aging

It’s impossible to stop aging, but dermal fillers are one way to de-emphasize its compounding effects on your face. As we grow older, the rate of collagen production in our bodies slows down and wrinkles and fine lines start to become prominent. Dermal fillers can make you look younger without the need for surgery.

2. Restore Volume

We typically observe “jowly” skin around the cheeks, smile lines, and jawline area. But worry not, sagging skin will no longer be an issue after having dermal fillers as these gel-like injectables add a subtle and healthy amount of volume to your area of concern.

3. Change the Shape of Your Face

With non-surgical filler treatment, you can alter and define some of your facial features. If you’ve been dreaming of a jawline that could cut through steel or chiseled cheekbones as high as Mount Everest, an FDA-approved injectable can help provide your desired results.

Achieve Your Aesthetic Goals with Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Age is just a number when your face looks so much younger. Here at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we want all our clients to get the most out of their dermal filler treatment. That’s why our doctors advise a patient’s suitability, explain all their cosmetic procedure options, and show potential results. We guarantee that you’ll be in safe and caring hands. Book a consultation with us today.