What are Fillers?
Injectable Fillers are used as a procedure to create volume and reshape the face. I have developed special techniques to use fillers for various purposes – to plump, enhance, and re-shape the lips, fill under eye hollows, soften facial wrinkles especially in the jowls, nasolabial folds, around the lips, enhance the cheekbones with volume, smooth necklines and even lines in the earlobes, and to restore volume and fullness in the face. Fillers can also be used to perform non-surgical methods of popular cosmetic procedures such as liquid rhinoplasty or liquid chin, which enhance the appearance of the face without having surgery.
Brand names of facial fillers containing hyaluronic acid include JUVEDERM, RESTYLANE, AND PERLANE. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) that exists in human tissue. These are the most commonly used facial fillers and can be performed in the office or under anesthesia if used in combination with other plastic surgery procedures.
The application of injectable fillers is a true technical art and requires detailed facial analysis as well as communication to create the aesthetic specific for each patient. As everyone is unique and has a particular look they are trying to achieve, I encourage my patients to bring in photos both ones they like and those they don’t like so I can have an in-depth understanding of what they are hoping to achieve. There is true art in creating beautiful shapes and features of the face using filler. For example when it comes to the lips – I apply fillers in a specific way to make them look NATURALLY fuller. I do not like the “duck” look that I often see on women. Also, when it comes to under-eye filler, it is important to be conservative with the filler so patients don’t look puffy or overfilled. I have also developed a special multi-layer multi-directional technique that creates a smooth and blended look rather than the clumps that I have seen.
Types of Facial Fillers Available in Beverly Hills
I select the ideal filler type for each patient based on their anatomy, the treatment area, and the
results they want to achieve. Here are the most commonly used facial fillers in my practice:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane): The most popular category of cosmetic fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that attracts moisture and adds
volume beneath the skin. These versatile dermal fillers are my go-to for lip enhancement, cheek augmentation, nasolabial fold correction, and under-eye (tear trough) rejuvenation. Results
typically last 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product and treatment area.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse): A thicker, longer-lasting filler that stimulates your body’s own collagen production. I find Radiesse particularly effective for deeper facial folds,
jawline definition, and restoring volume in the cheeks and temples. Results can last 12 to 18 months.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra): Unlike traditional fillers that add immediate volume, Sculptra works as a biostimulator that gradually encourages your body to produce new collagen
over several months. This makes it an excellent choice for patients seeking subtle, progressive facial rejuvenation with results lasting up to two years.
During your consultation, I will recommend the filler type—or combination of fillers—best suited to achieve your aesthetic goals while maintaining a natural, refreshed appearance.
Facial Fillers Beverly Hills: Good To Know Before
Facial filler injections are true technical art. I take the time to do a detailed analysis of those muscles as well as spend a lot of time in communication with you to create the best aesthetic shape and results for you. Injections may seem like a simple procedure, but having seen patients who have had filler in their forehead making them look like a Klingon, overstuffed in the upper lip and outside the lips making them look like there is a piece of bubble gum stuck there, or overdone or lumpy in the face, or even worse placed in dangerous areas resulting in the lip or facial skin necrosis and death – filler procedures are both an art and a science.
To minimize the possibility of bruising, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal medications a week before the procedure. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot have Botox or filler treatments.
What Happens During Fillers Procedure
Every treatment will start with a detailed facial analysis and discussion at our Beverly Hills office. If it is your first time having facial fillers with me, this consultation and analysis will be extensive. I will take into consideration not only your anatomy, but also any corrections you may want to your facial structure, any asymmetries, or proportions of your face you may want to improve, your preferred aesthetic, as well as any important work or life events you have coming up. For your comfort, you will be numbed with topical anesthetic so you feel no pain. I will also use ice and a special probe that also reduces the possibility of pain. Sterility is extremely important so I will be cleansing your face with different solutions to make sure there is no possibility of infection. A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of filler meticulously, precisely, and artistically to create your desired shape and aesthetic based on all things we have discussed and considered. Facial filler procedures usually take 30-60 minutes based on complexity and discussion.
Fillers Recovery & Results: What To Expect
There is no down time or recovery time for facial filler procedures. If directed, you can ice and also massage the treated areas after the procedure. You must refrain from using makeup or placing anything that could have bacteria on it on your face for 24 hours. No strenuous activity or exercise for 24 hours.
There will be some bruising and swelling but I have developed a special gentle technique that causes this to be minimal. Swelling lasts 3-7 days depending on the area you had injected. Depending on the type of filler, the results will last from several months to years. We will create a long term maintenance plan for you and at the end of each treatment plan when the next treatment will be in order to maintain your ideal results.
How Long Do Facial Fillers Last?
One of the most common questions I hear from patients is how long their results will last. The
answer depends on the type of filler, the treatment area, and individual factors like metabolism
and lifestyle:
Lip fillers: 6 to 12 months (the lips have high blood flow, which metabolizes filler faster)
Cheek fillers: 12 to 18 months
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: 9 to 15 months
Jawline contouring: 12 to 18 months
Under-eye (tear trough): 12 to 18 months
Sculptra: Up to 2 years with a series of treatments
I create a personalized maintenance schedule for each of my patients, ensuring results remain
consistent and natural over time. Many patients find that regular touch-up treatments require
less filler than the initial session, as the treated areas maintain their improved contour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Fillers
Are facial fillers safe?
Yes. FDA-approved dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra have extensive safety profiles when administered by a board-certified surgeon. Dr. Cat’s meticulous
injection technique and deep understanding of facial anatomy minimize risks and ensure predictable, beautiful results.
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox and fillers address different concerns. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles like forehead lines and crow’s feet, while facial fillers restore lost volume and smooth
static wrinkles and folds. Many patients benefit from combining both treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Cat will recommend the ideal combination during your
consultation.
Can fillers be dissolved if I don’t like the results?
Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm and Restylane) can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This provides an added layer of safety and flexibility. Non-hyaluronic acid fillers
like Radiesse and Sculptra are not reversible, which is why choosing an experienced injector is essential.
How much do facial fillers cost in Beverly Hills?
The cost of facial fillers varies based on the type and amount of filler used, the number of treatment areas, and the complexity of your personalized plan. During your consultation, Dr.
Cat will provide a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your specific goals. We offer flexible financing options to make treatment accessible.
How should I prepare for my filler appointment?
Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen), alcohol, and herbal supplements for one week before your appointment to minimize bruising. Arrive with a clean face free of makeup. Dr. Cat recommends bringing reference photos to help communicate your goals during the consultation.
