Getting to Know: Dermal Fillers (with photos!)
by Brittany Lehmann PA-C

There’s nothing quite like that post-treatment moment when I pass the mirror to my beautiful patient and… voila!

The look on their face when they see the final results from their dermal filler treatment- is everything. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things about my job as an Injection Specialist at Skin by Lovely.

Santa Monica filler, before and after, botox
My fellow Injection Specialist showing me MY results after my own dermal filler treatment!

Fillers are, simply put, amazing.

Whether it be softening the hollowness under the eyes, enhancing the shape of the lips, or smoothing smile lines- dermal fillers provide instant re-volumization that helps us all age a little more gracefully.

Fortunately, as the popularity of fillers increases, so does the variety of products to choose from. The majority of dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in our bodies that attracts over twice its weight in water. Allowing our bodies to easily accept the filler and also be naturally metabolized over time. As an Injection Specialist, I am often asked by patients what the best dermal filler is for a specific area and why, so I’ve broken down some of the ways dermal fillers differ. Let’s get to know dermal fillers, shall we?

Dermal Fillers that Lift the Face

Some dermal fillers are more cohesive gels (than others on the market) and when they are injected, they hold their shape incredibly well under the skin. These are great for areas where you want to create the most lift in the overlying tissue. Some examples of optimal places for these types of fillers are the cheeks, temples, jawline, and chin.

The fillers with less lifting capacity are equally as important because they allow us to treat more superficial fine lines and add softer volume without being visible under the skin.

Dermal Fillers with Greater Lifting Capacity:

Dermal Fillers with Less Lifting Capacity (softer volume dermal fillers):

Dermal Fillers with Flexibility

Other dermal filler are more flexible and designed to stretch and move with the animation of the face. We love to use these flexible fillers around the mouth because when you are speaking, smiling and making expressions, they can handle the strain of movements in the most natural-looking and undetectable way.

Flexible Dermal Fillers:

Dermal Filler Longevity

The longevity depends on the structure of the specific dermal filler used but also on how each patient’s body metabolizes the product. The quantity of filler injected will also affect how long results are expected to last, with larger quantities lasting longer than smaller volumes. Currently, Juvederm Voluma is a dermal filler that has clinically been shown to last the longest- lasting up to two years! Below, is a patient who received a combination of fillers at our Portland office.

juvederm voluma, restylane lyft and juvederm ultra in cheeks, jaw and lips before and after
Individual results may vary.

For the Dermal Filler Patient

It is always best to come to your appointments with an open mind and speak with your Injection Specialist about their recommendations for your skin type and anatomy. Dermal fillers are definitely not a “one size fits all” product! Your Injection Specialist has years of clinical knowledge that will guide and help determine the best suggestions for you individually. If you have questions on how dermal filler may help to naturally re-volumize your appearance, contact Skin by Lovely’s team to schedule a complimentary consultation or book online.


About the author, Brittany Lehmann PA-C

Brittany Lehmann PA-C is an Injection Specialist at Skin by Lovely Santa Monica, board certified Physician Assistant who received her Masters in Medical Sciences from Midwestern University in 2015. She is known by her patients for her compassionate personality and eye for all things beauty. She strives to bring out each patient’s inner confidence by enhancing their own natural features. Book online with Brittany here. 


About Skin by Lovely™
Skin by Lovely, the number one Botox® clinic in Oregon, specializes in FDA-approved, natural-looking, non-surgical, medical facial aesthetics and rejuvenation treatments. With practices in Santa Monica, CA, Portland, OR, and Lake Oswego, OR, Skin by Lovely is certified by Allergan, the makers of Botox® and Juvederm®, as a Top 10 facial aesthetic practice in the United States and the Top 25 account for Galderma, the makers of Dysport® and Restylane®. Get the treatment you deserve at Skin by Lovely.

Convenient online scheduling is available for all three Skin by Lovely locations.