Are Dermal Fillers Painful?

The idea of needles can make anyone feel a little nervous, but most patients are surprised by how quick and tolerable the experience is. Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize any discomfort in the treatment area. Additionally, many of the dermal fillers we use contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps further reduce any sensation during injection. You may feel a light pinch or slight pressure, but the entire treatment is over in just a few minutes. An ice pack can be used post-treatment to help reduce discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

It’s common for patients to achieve their desired results after just one appointment, especially when treating areas such as the lips, cheeks, or smile lines. However, depending on the required volume and the type of filler used, a second session may be recommended to gradually build the results for a more natural-looking outcome. For longer-term results, we typically recommend follow-up treatments every 6 to 18 months, depending on your body’s metabolism and the specific filler brand used.

How Long Until I See the Results?

Fillers are designed to effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, contour the face, increase volume, and plump your lips. You will see an immediate youthful fullness in the area injected.

Can I Combine Dermal Fillers with Other Procedures?

Absolutely, and in many cases, combining treatments with other cosmetic procedures can actually enhance your overall results. Dermal fillers work beautifully in conjunction with neuromodulators like BOTOX to address both static wrinkles (caused by volume loss ) and dynamic wrinkles (caused by muscle contractions ). You can also pair fillers with skin treatments such as microneedling , laser therapy , or medical-grade facials to improve skin elasticity, texture, and tone.

What Are the Risks Associated with Dermal Fillers?

While dermal fillers are widely considered safe and FDA-approved, all cosmetic treatments come with some level of risk, especially if not performed by a trained professional. At Luminance, your safety is our top priority. Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days. Rare but serious complications can include infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion (when filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel). These risks are extremely uncommon, and our providers are extensively trained in facial anatomy to avoid and manage them if necessary.

Dermal Fillers

In San Jose, CA

Introduction to Dermal Fillers

Not every cosmetic tweak or enhancement needs surgical intervention. Dermal fillers are suitable for individuals of all ages and address a wide range of aesthetic concerns. In fact, in many cases, individuals can solve their concerns simply with dermal fillers. For issues such as asymmetrical features, signs of aging (including wrinkles, deep folds, and fine lines), or to plump areas of the face that have lost volume, dermal fillers offer a non-surgical, non-invasive solution that can last for up to two years with proper care. Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness’s medical providers here in San Jose are highly experienced and trained in the art of fillers, ensuring that you are achieving your desired look while maintaining results that are natural-looking and in harmony with your facial structure.

During your consultation, our medical spa team will help determine whether you are an ideal candidate for dermal fillers. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, do not have active skin infections or certain allergies, and have realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcomes. It is important to understand that while dermal fillers can provide significant improvements, having realistic expectations about the results will help ensure satisfaction and proper planning.

FDA-approved dermal fillers are considered safe when administered by a trained medical professional. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on aftercare following dermal filler treatments.

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What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers or injectables, literally “fill” the areas under your skin. One of the most popular minimally invasive procedures on the market, it restores volume, adds youthful fullness, corrects contours, and minimizes facial wrinkles and deep lines. We offer the most advanced fillers on the market today, including Sculptra®, Juvederm® (JUVÉDERM Ultra XC® is a hyaluronic acid filler used to restore skin volume and plump the lips), Voluma® (a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that replenishes volume in the midface), Versa®, Restylane®, and Kyss®! Some fillers, such as Sculptra® (a unique dermal filler made with poly-L-lactic acid that stimulates collagen production for a more youthful glow) and Radiesse® (which contains Calcium Hydroxylapatite, or CaHA, a substance found naturally in bones and used to fill deep creases), act as collagen stimulators, helping to boost the skin’s natural collagen production and achieve a longer-lasting, more natural appearance.

How Dermal Fillers Work

Fillers and injectables are composed of natural acids, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium. HA fillers are the most commonly used dermal fillers in the United States, derived from a naturally occurring substance in the body, and are known for their ability to hydrate the skin, restore volume, and improve facial features. They are injected into specific facial lines to add volume, restore contours, and minimize wrinkles. Certain fillers not only add volume but also help restore it by stimulating collagen production, thereby improving skin texture and firmness over time. Fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler you choose.

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What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

Instantly creates a youthful fullness for facial rejuvenation
Softens fine lines and facial creases
Increases volume to shallow contours in the face
Plumps lips
Immediate results with visible improvements right after treatment
Improves the appearance of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, pre-jowls, and more!
Delivers exceptional results for patients seeking natural enhancements
Helps achieve a rejuvenated appearance by restoring youthful contours
Effective for enhancing facial volume and achieving more definition
Can be used for facial contouring, improving the harmony and balance of facial features

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Who Are the Best Candidates for Dermal Fillers?

Ideal candidates for dermal fillers in San Jose are individuals in good overall health, non-smokers, and those with realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcomes. While dermal fillers are extremely versatile and can be effective for most patients over the age of 18, we most commonly see patients aged 30 and above who are concerned about fine lines and wrinkles. However, candidates of any age experiencing these concerns may also be eligible for treatment.

It is important for candidates to understand the limitations of dermal fillers and to have realistic expectations regarding the results. If you’re not sure whether you’re an ideal candidate, speak with one of our providers in San Jose during a consultation.

Dermal fillers should only be administered by trained and experienced medical professionals to minimize risks.

What’s the First Step?

There are many different kinds of dermal fillers available, each with many uses. Before your treatment, please consult with one of our San Jose aestheticians for an in-depth, personalized discussion of your treatment options. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, questions, goals, and medical history to determine how dermal fillers can benefit you. Our team will thoroughly examine your skin, review the available filler options, offer personal recommendations, and outline a potential treatment schedule should you decide to proceed with maintenance. During your consultation, your provider will also identify the targeted areas for filler placement to achieve your specific cosmetic goals

From there, you can often have your first treatment immediately following your consultation. Patient safety and satisfaction are always top priorities throughout the dermal filler process.

Choosing the Right Dermal Filler

With so many dermal fillers available, selecting the right one for your needs can feel overwhelming. The best dermal fillers are FDA-approved and made from high-quality ingredients, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. The use of FDA-approved dermal fillers is a standard practice among qualified practitioners. Our clinic specializes in both plastic surgery and nonsurgical options, offering expertise in facial rejuvenation to provide comprehensive facial enhancement.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are popular choices for treating nasolabial folds, smile lines, and marionette lines, providing natural-looking results and restoring lost volume.

For deeper wrinkles and more significant volume loss, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers like Radiesse may be recommended. During your consultation, your provider will assess your facial structure and discuss your goals to determine which filler is best suited to help you achieve your desired outcome. This personalized approach ensures that your results are both beautiful and natural.

What to Expect on the Day of a Dermal Filler Procedure

Your dermal filler procedure is super simple at our San Jose office. The entire process, from consultation to completion of the injections, usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated and your familiarity with the procedure. Common treatment areas include the mouth and nose, where fillers can address volume loss and improve the shape of these features for a more youthful appearance. They are injected into the targeted area beneath the skin using a small needle. Patients typically find the treatment convenient, with minimal downtime and a quick recovery. You may experience mild pain, tenderness, swelling, or a sensation of pressure in the treated areas after the procedure. You may also experience some swelling or minor bruising. Fillers can last from 6 months to several years!

Dermal Fillers Recovery

There is minimal downtime after receiving dermal filler injections at our San Jose practice, as most patients can return to their routines immediately. Some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site is completely normal and typically resolves within a few days. You’ll be given aftercare instructions for your specific treatment to help achieve the best possible results.

However, to help reduce swelling, we recommend applying a cold compress and avoiding strenuous activities for 24 hours.

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost in San Jose, CA?

The cost of dermal fillers in San Jose averages a few hundred dollars per session, although this can vary depending on the type of filler used, the number of syringes required, and the area(s) being treated. At Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness, we create custom treatment plans for each patient, so your pricing reflects your specific goals and needs. During your consultation, your provider will walk you through your options and provide transparent pricing upfront, as well as any potential packaged pricing options.

Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness proudly serves clients from San Jose, Los Gatos, and throughout Silicon Valley.

Why Choose Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness?

At Luminance, we take pride in offering more than just treatments, as we provide a fully personalized experience rooted in safety and patient-centered care. Our San Jose providers are extensively trained in facial anatomy and modern injection techniques, ensuring subtle results that are both beautiful and balanced. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience a calming, judgment-free environment where your comfort and confidence come first.

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Dermal Fillers FAQ’S

The idea of needles can make anyone feel a little nervous, but most patients are surprised by how quick and tolerable the experience is. Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize any discomfort in the treatment area.

Additionally, many of the dermal fillers we use contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps further reduce any sensation during injection. You may feel a light pinch or slight pressure, but the entire treatment is over in just a few minutes. An ice pack can be used post-treatment to help reduce discomfort.
It’s common for patients to achieve their desired results after just one appointment, especially when treating areas such as the lips, cheeks, or smile lines. However, depending on the required volume and the type of filler used, a second session may be recommended to gradually build the results for a more natural-looking outcome. For longer-term results, we typically recommend follow-up treatments every 6 to 18 months, depending on your body’s metabolism and the specific filler brand used.
Absolutely, and in many cases, combining treatments with other cosmetic procedures can actually enhance your overall results. Dermal fillers work beautifully in conjunction with neuromodulators like BOTOX to address both static wrinkles (caused by volume loss) and dynamic wrinkles (caused by muscle contractions). You can also pair fillers with skin treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy, or medical-grade facials to improve skin elasticity, texture, and tone.
While dermal fillers are widely considered safe and FDA-approved, all cosmetic treatments come with some level of risk, especially if not performed by a trained professional. At Luminance, your safety is our top priority. Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days.

Rare but serious complications can include infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion (when filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel). These risks are extremely uncommon, and our providers are extensively trained in facial anatomy to avoid and manage them if necessary.

Schedule a
Consultation

If you’re considering dermal fillers but aren’t sure where to start, booking a consultation is the perfect first step. Contact us at (669) 200-0459 or complete our online form to get started. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, voice any concerns, and discuss what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. In many cases, if you feel ready, we can perform the filler treatment on the same day as your consultation.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (669) 214-2967