New Orleans, LA dermatologist describes common myths and facts about dermal fillers

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Dr. Mary Lupo and her team of professionals in New Orleans, LA see a lot of patients who are concerned about the signs of aging.
Dr. Mary Lupo and her team of professionals in New Orleans, LA see a lot of patients who are concerned about the signs of aging. Many of these patients are worried about what to expect from cosmetic injectables such as dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are just one of many aesthetic treatments available for aging skin. However, there are many common myths surrounding these injectables. Dr. Mary Lupo takes the time to dispel myths to help patients feel more at ease about undergoing cosmetic injectables such as dermal fillers in her state-of-the-art practice.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectables that are formulated with hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite or poly-l-lactic acid to add volume or stimulate collagen where they are injected. They are best used for fine lines, wrinkles, and folds that are troublesome on the facial area. Dr. Mary Lupo at the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology finds these to be the most effective way to treat aging skin without plastic surgery.

Myth or fact?

Fillers and Botox are the same. Myth. Botox is a neuromodulator that is not injected into the skin, it is injected into the muscles to reduce muscle contractions that cause fine lines and wrinkles. Botox relaxes and lifts. Fillers fill and lift.

Injections are painful.

Myth. For most patients, the discomfort of an injection is very well-tolerated and does not keep patients from having it done. Some patients who are worried about discomfort can ask about topical anesthetics before the injection or use anti-anxiety medication to relax them during the quick procedure.

Fillers are not natural looking.

Dr. Lupo was one of the original investigators for FDA approval of Juvederm in 2004. Myth. When done correctly, dermal fillers will look completely natural. It is important to see a Board-certified dermatologist for injections to ensure they are done correctly. Over injection can cause the results to look unnatural and should be avoided.

There are side effects to injections.

Myth. There is no downtime and reported side effects like bruising are typically mild and self-limiting.

Fillers can eliminate the need for plastic surgery.

Myth. Fillers can help reduce the need for extensive plastic surgery and can improve the appearance of the skin enough to address minor imperfections of the skin, but it cannot eliminate the need for plastic surgery in cases of severe skin laxity. Patients should have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with injections versus plastic surgery and know that it is not a replacement.

Fillers provide immediate results.

Fact. Fillers work right away, and patients can leave the practice seeing the results. This is different from injectables such as Botox, which can take a few days to see the results achieved with the injections. We encourage patients to educate themselves on how the different types of cosmetic injectables work to decide which one is best for them. This way, patients know what to expect following services.

One of the most popular dermal fillers available in our practice is Juvéderm. Juvéderm is a great option for many of our patients because it provides natural results and is affordable. It is also long-lasting, ensuring patients don’t need to have injections done too often. Dr. Lupo was one of the original investigators for FDA approval of Juvederm in 2004.

What other injections are available?

Dr. Mary Lupo and her team of professionals are ready to help patients in the community with their general, medical, and cosmetic dermatology needs.

Our practice also offers other injections for our patients to consider, including:

  • Botox
  • Xeomin
  • Dysport
  • Radiesse
  • Belotero
  • Sculptra
  • Restylane
  • Versa
Learn about the common myths and facts about dermal fillers from our New Orleans, LA dermatologist

Dr. Mary Lupo and her team of professionals are ready to help patients in the community with their general, medical, and cosmetic dermatology needs. When patients visit the practice at 145 Allen Toussaint Boulevard #302, they are taking a step in the right direction, finding solutions for their concerns. Whether you are interested in dermal fillers or other services at our practice, contact us for an appointment at (504) 777-3047. Our team is here to help, and encourages patients to ask questions about how to achieve the look they want without the need for plastic surgery. At the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology, we are committed to assisting others!


Meet one of the countrys leading experts in the field of non-surgical skin rejuvenation.

Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin

Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients.

Board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for approval of new drugs and devices and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.