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. Gel-like substances are injected 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 placed beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. The most commonly used fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, helps retain moisture, and provides structural support. Other FDA-approved filler materials include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate.
Dermal filler injection is the second most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. Filler can address nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lip volume loss, cheek hollowing, and under-eye shadows. When the underlying problem is tissue descent rather than volume loss, adding filler makes the face read heavier, not younger. Treatment is planned against the 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 filler can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if needed.
Facial fat grafting is a distinct alternative that Dr. Boehm also performs at Consona. Fat is the patient's own tissue, and a portion of it stays permanently. Filler is a manufactured product with a known duration and, in the case of hyaluronic acid, an antidote. Neither is an upgrade of the other. The choice depends on the amount of volume needed, whether reversibility matters, and whether the patient is willing to accept a donor site and an operation.
What to expect
- Initial consultation to discuss aesthetic goals, review medical history, and develop a personalized treatment plan
- Facial anatomy is examined and specific areas for treatment are identified
- The treatment area is cleansed and topical or local anesthesia is applied for comfort
- Injection sites are marked based on the treatment plan
- Filler is injected using fine needles or blunt-tipped cannulas at precise depths
- The treated area is gently massaged 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 filler physically adds volume beneath the skin. Its cross-linked gel integrates into dermal tissue and attracts water molecules, providing immediate volume and sustained hydration in the treated area.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid provide immediate structural support and also stimulate the body's collagen production over time. The resulting improvement in skin thickness and firmness develops gradually and is sustained.
- Each filler has a gel consistency engineered for its intended treatment area. Thinner gels are used in delicate areas such as the lips and tear troughs. Thicker gels provide structural support in areas such as the cheeks and jawline.
- Dr. Boehm performs filler injections at Consona. Because he also performs facial fat grafting and facial surgery, the same assessment can conclude that filler is not the right answer. Volume may be better replaced with autologous fat, or apparent volume loss may instead be tissue descent that needs repositioning.
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 specifically instructed
- 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 found naturally in the skin that helps retain moisture. Other FDA-approved materials include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate. The choice depends on the treatment area and the patient's goals.
- Duration varies by filler and treatment area. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6–18 months. Other filler types may last one to two years or longer. Individual metabolism, the area treated, and the specific product also affect duration. A maintenance schedule is set to suit the patient's results.
- They address different kinds of wrinkles. Filler adds volume beneath the skin to soften static wrinkles and replace lost volume. Botox relaxes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expression. Many patients benefit from using both for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
- Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if the result is unsatisfactory or a complication occurs. Other filler types are not reversible, and their complications may not be easily treatable.
- Most patients experience only mild discomfort. Many filler products contain lidocaine, and topical numbing cream or local anesthesia may be applied before treatment. The injections are generally well tolerated.
- Dr. Boehm performs both at Consona, and the two options carry different trade-offs. Filler is an office appointment with no downtime, an immediate result, and a predictable duration of roughly six months to two years. Hyaluronic acid filler can also be dissolved if the patient dislikes the result. Fat grafting requires a donor site, liposuction, and recovery. A portion of the transferred fat is reabsorbed during the first months, while the fat that survives is generally permanent. Larger volume needs and a preference for the patient's own tissue point toward fat. Filler offers a way to try the added volume before committing to a permanent change.
- Cosmetic filler is not covered by any health plan, and no health plan is billed for it at Consona. Aesthetic care is private pay. Filler is quoted at the visit according to the product and volume required, rather than as a flat procedure fee, because the number of syringes needed cannot be determined from a photograph. Consona's 0% 12-month financing applies to surgical procedures and does not extend to injectable appointments.
- The choice depends on where the filler will be placed and at what depth. Thinner hyaluronic acid gels suit delicate areas such as the lips and tear troughs. Firmer gels are used for structural work along the cheek or jawline. Calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid behave differently: they stimulate the patient's collagen rather than simply adding volume. They are addressed on Consona's biostimulators page because their timelines and expectations differ. Choosing one product does not rule out the others. If the discussion leads there, Dr. Boehm will plan filler now and grafting later as a sequence.
- 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 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: 2026-09-12