New Orleans, LA dermatologist describes common myths and facts about dermal fillers
By Dr. Mary Lupo
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.
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?
Our practice also offers other injections for our patients to consider, including:
- Botox
- Xeomin
- Dysport
- Radiesse
- Belotero
- Sculptra
- Restylane
- Versa
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!
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 the 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 the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.
