Injectable Dermal Fillers in Delafield
Volume restored exactly where it left.
Injectable dermal fillers are FDA-approved medical devices used to restore facial volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Board-certified dermatologists inject gel-like substances beneath the skin to plump lips, fill nasolabial folds, and address age-related volume loss with results lasting 6-18 months.
At a Glance
- Dermal filler injection is the second most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States[1]
- FDA-approved filler types include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate[1]
- Results from hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six months to one year depending on the product and treatment area[2]
- Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if results are unsatisfactory or complications arise[3]
Overview
Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. The most commonly used fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps retain moisture and provides structural support. Other FDA-approved filler materials include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate.
Dermal filler injections are the second most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, fillers can achieve natural-looking results that address nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lip volume loss, cheek hollowing, and under-eye shadows. Treatment is customized to each patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Results are visible immediately after injection and typically last six months to two years, depending on the filler type, treatment area, and individual metabolism. Hyaluronic acid fillers offer the advantage of reversibility -- the enzyme hyaluronidase can dissolve the product if needed.
What to expect
- Initial consultation to discuss aesthetic goals, review medical history, and develop a personalized treatment plan
- The dermatologist examines facial anatomy and identifies specific areas for treatment
- The treatment area is cleansed and topical or local anesthesia is applied for comfort
- The dermatologist marks injection sites based on the treatment plan
- Filler is injected using fine needles or blunt-tipped cannulas at precise depths
- The dermatologist gently massages the treated area to ensure even distribution
- Ice may be applied briefly to minimize swelling and bruising
- Before-and-after photographs are taken for documentation
- Aftercare instructions are provided, including activity restrictions for the first 24-48 hours
- Follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess results and determine if touch-up is needed
How a injectable dermal fillers works
- Hyaluronic acid fillers work by physically adding volume beneath the skin surface. The cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel integrates into dermal tissue and attracts water molecules, providing both immediate volume and sustained hydration to the treated area.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid fillers provide immediate structural support and also stimulate the body's own collagen production over time, creating a gradual and sustained improvement in skin thickness and firmness.
- The gel consistency of each filler product is specifically engineered for its intended treatment area -- thinner gels for delicate areas like lips and tear troughs, and thicker gels for areas requiring structural support like cheeks and jawline.
When it's recommended
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines from nose to mouth)
- Marionette lines (lines from mouth corners to chin)
- Lip augmentation and volume restoration
- Cheek volume loss and midface hollowing
- Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
- Temple hollowing
- Chin and jawline contouring
- Vertical lip lines (smoker's lines)
- Hand rejuvenation (volume restoration)
Is a injectable dermal fillers right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Recovery & aftercare
- Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment
- Mild swelling and bruising typically resolve within 3-7 days
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after injection
- Avoid excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot tubs) for 48 hours
- Do not massage or apply pressure to treated areas unless instructed by the dermatologist
- Results are visible immediately but settle into final appearance over 1-2 weeks
- Schedule a follow-up visit at 2 weeks to assess results
Alternatives
- Botox and other neuromodulators (for dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement)
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Surgical facelift (for significant skin laxity)
- Topical retinoids and skincare regimens
Related treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
- The most common dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in your skin and helps retain moisture. Other FDA-approved filler materials include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate. Your dermatologist will recommend the best type based on your treatment goals and the area being treated.
- Results vary by filler type and treatment area. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6-18 months, while other filler types may last one to two years or longer. Factors that affect duration include your metabolism, the treatment area, and the specific product used. Your dermatologist can recommend a maintenance schedule.
- Dermal fillers and Botox address different types of wrinkles. Fillers add volume beneath the skin to smooth static wrinkles and restore lost volume, while Botox relaxes muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles from facial expressions. Many patients benefit from both treatments used together for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if results are unsatisfactory or if a complication occurs. This is one of the advantages of hyaluronic acid-based products. Other filler types are not reversible and therefore the complications may not be easily treatable.
- Most patients experience only mild discomfort during filler injections. Many filler products contain lidocaine to minimize pain, and your dermatologist may apply topical numbing cream or use local anesthesia before treatment. The procedure is generally well-tolerated.
- Injectable Dermal Fillers may not be appropriate for individuals with known allergy to filler components (hyaluronic acid, lidocaine, or other ingredients) or active skin infection, inflammation, or rash at the intended injection site. Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, or redness at injection sites (common and typically resolves within days), lumps or irregularities that may require massage or additional treatment, asymmetry requiring touch-up injections. Dr. Boehm will review your health history to ensure Injectable Dermal Fillers is safe for you.
- Injectable Dermal Fillers is commonly recommended for individuals experiencing nasolabial folds (smile lines from nose to mouth), marionette lines (lines from mouth corners to chin), lip augmentation and volume restoration, cheek volume loss and midface hollowing. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Boehm in Delafield to find out if Injectable Dermal Fillers is right for you.
Injectable Dermal Fillers risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Known allergy to filler components (hyaluronic acid, lidocaine, or other ingredients)
- Active skin infection, inflammation, or rash at the intended injection site
- History of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Bleeding disorders or current anticoagulant therapy (relative contraindication)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Possible risks
- Bruising, swelling, or redness at injection sites (common and typically resolves within days)
- Lumps or irregularities that may require massage or additional treatment
- Asymmetry requiring touch-up injections
- Infection at the injection site (uncommon)
- Allergic reaction to filler components (rare)
- Vascular occlusion from accidental injection into a blood vessel (rare but serious)
- Skin necrosis if blood supply is compromised (rare)
- Migration of filler material from the injection site
- Granuloma formation (inflammatory nodules, rare)
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 5 sources, including government health agencies, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Educational & general
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13