--- title: "Facial Rejuvenation With Injectables" --- Dermal fillers are injectable soft-tissue gels used within a considered plan to restore support, refine contour, and rebalance the face — not simply to add volume — in areas including the cheeks, lips, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, and jawline. Most are hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that is biocompatible, gives immediate results, and can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed. Results are temporary, commonly lasting from about six months to over a year. For collagen-stimulating options such as Sculptra and Radiesse, see [regenerative facial treatments](https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/regenerative-facial-treatments/). ## What it does Assessment comes first: Dr. Pontius reads the whole face — bone, fat, skin and soft-tissue support — then uses filler only where it restores support and balance, which softening a wrinkle from the surface cannot do. - Restores support. Rebuilds structural support in the cheeks and midface for a rested, lifted look. - Refines contour. Softens the nasolabial folds and lines around the mouth by supporting them from underneath. - Rebalances proportion. Refines the lips, supports the under-eye area, and defines the jawline. Because most fillers used are hyaluronic acid, results are immediate and can be adjusted or dissolved with hyaluronidase when appropriate. ## How it works Filler is injected under the skin with a fine needle or a blunt cannula, placed at the depth and in the amount each area needs, from deep structural support in the cheeks to fine, soft placement in the lips. Most hyaluronic acid formulations include a local anesthetic for comfort, and treatment takes minutes with little downtime beyond possible swelling or bruising for a few days. How much, where, and which filler are matched to your face and goals, which is exactly what the consultation is for, and where the injector's judgment matters most. ## Which filler, and why it matters Most treatments here use hyaluronic acid, chosen and placed to fit the area and the goal. When the goal includes collagen stimulation, tissue quality or gradual structural support, Dr. Pontius may recommend a biostimulatory or regenerative approach such as Sculptra, Radiesse or PRF instead of — or in combination with — hyaluronic acid filler. These treatments are covered under [Regenerative Facial Treatments](https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/regenerative-facial-treatments/). ## What fillers work with This is what the consultation assesses, because the goal decides the tool. What you haveWhat it meansThe planFlattened cheeks, midfaceVolume lossHA in the deep midfaceThin or uneven lipsLip enhancementSoft HA, conservativelyHollow under-eyesTear-trough concernCareful HA, or cheek support firstLines from muscle movementNot a filler problemNeuromodulators insteadSignificant saggingBeyond fillerA surgical option The value is not the list. It is that a facial plastic surgeon reads what is volume loss, what is muscle, and what is sagging, and tells you honestly when filler is the answer and when it is not. ## Why Santa Barbara Face & Body Filler is easy to get and easy to overdo, and the difference is entirely in the hand that injects it. Dr. Pontius is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs injections herself rather than delegating them, and she works with restraint, placing product only where it restores support and balance so the result reads as rested, not filled. Physician-injected results across every skin tone are the standard here. ## What to expect Dr. Pontius looks at your face at rest and in motion, and works out what is volume loss, what is muscle, and what is skin, because filler only solves the first. She explains which filler suits each area, how much she recommends and why less is often better, and what to expect for swelling or bruising. If filler is not the right tool, she will say so. You leave looking refreshed, with a plan you understand. ## What it costs The amount and type of filler recommended varies with the treatment plan. Your consultation will include a clear discussion of the recommended treatment, amount and cost before proceeding. > Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (United States). Dermal fillers are injected to smooth wrinkles and folds and restore volume; hyaluronic acid is a common, naturally derived, absorbable material whose effects can be reversed with hyaluronidase, while other materials such as calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid work differently, and all carry risks such as swelling and bruising. — [Dermal Fillers](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-fillers) > Dermal Fillers, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (United States). Soft-tissue fillers restore lost volume and smooth lines in areas including the cheeks, lips, and folds around the mouth; results are typically immediate and temporary, with duration varying by product and area, and treatment involves minimal downtime. — [Dermal Fillers, American Society of Plastic Surgeons](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers) ## Dermal Fillers in Santa Barbara, CA The best filler work is the kind no one can point to — restored support and balance that simply make you look rested. In our Santa Barbara practice, Dr. Pontius approaches filler with precision and restraint, evaluating the whole face so the result is natural rather than 'done.' If you've been curious about fillers or want a softer result than you've had before, we'd love to help. Fill out the form below or call us at [(805) 764-9074](tel:+18057649074). ```ld+json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/dermal-fillers/#service", "name": "Facial Rejuvenation With Injectables", "url": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/dermal-fillers/", "description": "Facial rejuvenation with injectables uses dermal fillers as one part of a whole-face plan — to restore support, refine contour and rebalance proportion, not simply to add volume. 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At Santa Barbara Face & Body in Santa Barbara, California, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon assesses the whole face first, then injects — most often hyaluronic acid, which is reversible — for immediate, natural-looking results that typically last several months to over a year." }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/dermal-fillers/#webpage" }, "url": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/dermal-fillers/" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long do fillers last?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It depends on the filler and the area. Hyaluronic acid fillers commonly last from about six months to over a year, with high-movement areas like the lips tending to break down faster than deeper placement in the cheeks. Dr. Pontius will estimate a range for your treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are fillers reversible?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Hyaluronic acid fillers are, which is a real safety advantage. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve HA filler, whether to correct overcorrection, adjust a result, or, importantly, to treat the rare complication of a blocked blood vessel." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I look overdone?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Not if it is done with restraint. The overfilled look comes from too much product or placement that ignores natural anatomy. Our approach is to assess the whole face and use only what restores balance, so you look rested rather than filled. A physician injector with an eye for proportion is the best protection against an unnatural result." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does it hurt?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most people find it very tolerable. Most hyaluronic acid fillers contain a local anesthetic, and a topical numbing cream can be applied first, so discomfort is usually mild and brief. Some swelling or bruising afterward is normal for a few days. Dr. Pontius will talk you through comfort options before starting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between filler and Botox?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "They solve different problems. Fillers restore support and refine contour, while neuromodulators relax the muscles that create expression lines like frown lines and crow's feet. Many people benefit from both, used together, and a facial plastic surgeon will tell you which your specific concerns call for rather than defaulting to one." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/dermal-fillers/#citation-32d7a1b5", "name": "Dermal Fillers", "url": "https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-fillers" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/dermal-fillers/#citation-3f052cc2", "name": "Dermal Fillers, American Society of Plastic Surgeons", "url": "https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers" } ] } ```