In the modern landscape of cosmetic surgery and types of body modification and augmentation, facial fillers are one of the most popular and widely accessible forms of treatment in the USA.
Once upon a time, dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Volbella, and Radiesse were regarded as treatments that were only available for the rich and famous, but this is no longer the case with filler injections from plastic surgeons being seen by some as almost in the same category as things like a trip to the orthodontist or optometrist!
Of course, as is the case with the majority of surgical and non-surgical procedures, the deciding factor in whether or not you end up getting filler treatment will almost always be down to the cost of the procedure and how it matches up with your financial situation. Lip injections like hyaluronic acid fillers are one of the treatments on the more affordable end of the spectrum, but what does that mean for you?
Let’s take a closer look at just how much filler enhancement might cost you, depending on certain factors like quantity, location, and how often you need to keep appointments as a new part of your modern skincare routine.
Why Do People Get Lip Fillers?
Here are some of the most common reasons why people consider the idea of getting a syringe of Juvederm or similar filler in the first place.
- To Fight The Signs Of Age
Anti-aging is, without doubt, the biggest reason for the rise in popularity of dermal filler providers around the world. As we get older, the natural production of collagen in our bodies begins to slow down, and a lack of collagen is the reason that wrinkles, fine lines, and smile lines begin to appear, most notably on the face. When your wrinkles aren’t severe enough to warrant something like a full facelift, then fillers can provide you with some much-needed rejuvenation.
- Volume Loss
A lack of collagen in the face can also lead to a loss of volume which can result in a ‘jowly’, sagging skin look around the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline. Patients can get the required amount of filler that makes up for this natural volume loss to restore a more youthful and ‘full’ appearance to the face.
- To Alter The Natural Shape Of The Face
Some people who are not yet dealing with the visual effects of aging might instead opt for special filler treatments to alter and change the natural shape of their face for purely cosmetic reasons. If you wish that you had a more defined jawline or that some of your facial features were a little bit stronger and/or bolder, then an FDA-approved filler injection treatment can help to provide the desired results.
How Much Filler Do You Need?
It is important to note that the amount of filler that you need, along with the type of filler that is most suitable for you, will vary for each individual based on their needs and preferences.
In the vast majority of cases, multiple syringes of filler will be needed to optimally enhance a person’s face. Areas like the lips may only require 1ml of dermal filler to achieve the desired outcome. Other areas, like the cheek, may require anywhere from 1-4 syringes for a noticeable enhancement. This can help to create a beautiful lift and plenty of volume in the process.
If you are looking for an ultra-simple comparison for context, 1ml of dermal filler liquid equates roughly to the same amount as ⅕ of a teaspoon.
If you want to count this amount in terms of syringes, then it can be fair to say that a suitable starting point may be one syringe of filler per decade of age for the customer. This would mean 3 syringes for someone in their 30s, 4 syringes for someone in their 40s, 5 syringes for someone in their 50s, and so on.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
The cost of filler injections is something that can vary greatly depending on how much you need, which brand you choose, the reputation and quality of your chosen surgeon, and even sometimes where in the world you live.
Some average costs of common filler types are as follows:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers like Radiesse: $700-$900
- Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvederm: $600-$800
- Polylactic acid fillers like Sculptra: $850-$1000
- Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres like Bellafill: $10000-$1200
In terms of cost, what is also important to note is the fact that dermal fillers are not a permanent medical spa treatment. Fillers provide a very noticeable and successful change in appearance for the face, but only in a temporary fashion that lasts 6 to 18 months depending on body location.
If you are seriously considering adding fillers into your skincare routine alongside other things like peels and facials, then you need to understand that it will be a recurring cost to maintain the youthful and rejuvenating difference that the injections have provided.
There are no reasons why you shouldn’t have a single or one-off filler treatment. For example, you might want fuller lips for your wedding day.
What Are The Most Common Treatment Areas For Fillers?
So, now that you know a rough estimate of how much filler you might need and how much it might cost, let’s take a look at some of the most common areas where people choose to have fillers.
- Lips
Thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner and her various Kardashian siblings, the lips are an area of the face that is most commonly treated with dermal fillers. Fillers can provide volume and plumpness that typifies the beauty standards of the modern era.
On average, lip fillers need to be updated every 6 to 12 months.
- Cheeks
Cheeks are a feature that loses a lot of volume as we age, and fillers can be used as an effective and long-lasting way to restore that volume and in turn restore that fading youthful appearance. Cheek fillers can help to reveal a much more energized-looking face overall.
On average, cheek fillers need to be updated every 9 to 18 months.
- Smile Lines
Also known as the nasolabial folds, these are the creases that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth and become more prominent as the years go by. Fillers can be used to improve the volume and soften any etched lines of the skin in the area.
On average, smile line filler needs to be updated every 6 to 12 months.
- Marionette Lines
Marionette lines are the lines that extend from the corners of your mouth down to the chin area. Loss of support and volume in this area gives the appearance similar to that seen in marionette puppets. These get deeper and more significant with age. These deepening lines can easily be plumped back out with targeted filler injections and can result in a softer, more youthful-looking face overall.
On average, marionette line fillers need to be updated every 6 to 12 months.
- Scars
Dermal fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of any facial scars that you might want to hide or reduce, including acne scars. The fillers can even out the surrounding texture of the scar tissue to provide a smoother look and feel, and this can lead to an improvement in self-confidence and mental health.
On average, scar fillers need to be updated every 6 months.
Are Fillers Right For You?
If you are considering fillers of any sort, the best thing is to consult an experienced aesthetic physician like our Dr. Zadeh. They can advise on your suitability as a potential candidate, explain the choices, what brand fillers they offer, show you potential results (using before and after photos), and provide details of the costs.