DERMAL FILLER

You might not think of fat and tissue volume as a benefit. After all, most of us would be happy to see the fat in our midsections diminish. However, when it comes to skin, the layer of fatty tissue below the epidermis is something we would rather keep. It provides the full lips, apple cheeks, and smooth facial contours that we associate with youth. Over time, the fatty layer below the skin becomes thinner, just as the body is producing less collagen and the skin becomes drier. Filler helps to replace the loss of volume as we age.

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BREAK IT DOWN FOR ME

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Cliff notes: Fill, sculpt and contour

As we age and lose volume in the way of collagen and hyaluronic acid, the visible effects may include hollow cheeks, thin lips, sagging skin, wrinkles, and general loss of youthful shape. Volume loss also impacts other areas of the body, such as the backs of hands. By injecting a filler product made of hyaluronic acid, volume can be restored in areas giving you a more youthful appearance. In modern dermal fillers, the most popular ingredient is HA (hyaluronic acid). It is a type of sugar acid, naturally present in the skin. It has the ability to bind with moisture, helping skin stay plump and hydrated. Restlyane’s line of fillers are formulated with cross-linked HA, which is designed to function just like natural HA. It was one of the first HA fillers on the market, and it continues to be one of the most requested brand names.

HOW DOES THE APPOINTMENT GO?

Cliff notes: 30-60 minutes,depending on location

After we check you in at Obsidian, we'll take you to one of our treatment rooms. Our expert injector will talk to you about your goals, what bothers you about your face, and how best we can get you to your goals. If that means filler, your face will be cleaned and marked with a white pencil marking the perfect injection points. We aim for as few pokes as possible and make it as painless as possible. If you're getting lip filler, your lips will be numbed for 20 minutes prior to injection. A cannula (small flexible tube) may be used to inject cheeks or marionette lines, which will diminish injection points and possible complications. Appointments take 30-60 minutes. We'll go over post-care instructions and give you a card with our cell phone numbers and printed instructions.

WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?

Cliff notes: Not too bad

Dermal filler procedures are non-invasive in nature so there is basically no downtime. Common side effects of Restylane, Juvéderm, and Versa are usually mild, and short-lived. You might see some bruising, swelling, or redness, as well as feeling some soreness in the treatment areas. These effects should subside within a few days or weeks. If visible, they can be covered with make-up. Bruising of the lips may be more common and you will receive special instructions for post care of your new lips. You may ice the area for 15-20 minutes after your appointment. If you're getting lip filler, you will receive a frozen ice pack to ice them down.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Cliff notes: 6-12 months

Changes are immediate, you will notice restored volume right away. Results will last 6-12 months, depending on the type of filler product used in treatment. You'll need to plan on having another filler session at Obsidian Skin Spa in about another year and can vary depending on the patient. Basically when you start seeing the loss of volume starting, its time to call Obsidian!

Our patient satisfaction rate is high, and most are eager to schedule periodic touch-up sessions to maintain their youthful look.

"I never thought my lips could look this good. I came for cheek filler originally because I was concerned with the loss of volume and sagging I was experiencing, I was so pleased with the results I made an appointment to come back for lips!"

JULIE, 48

What is teeth whitening?

People often throw the terms “teeth whitening” and “bleaching” around interchangeably. However, according to the FDA, teeth are “whitened” when they are lightened to match their natural color, and they are “bleached” when they are whitened beyond their natural shade.
Does teeth whitening remove stains?

Yes of course it does! Our Teeth whitening packages not only removes stains but it keeps them from coming back quickly. Obviously excessive drinking of coffee and wine can speed up this process, but even then our teeth whitening package completely slows down the staining process.
How white will my teeth get?

Everyone is born with a particular tooth color, just like your skin, hair and eyes. Our gels work to return you back to your original genetic tooth color. This varies from person to person. After just one treatment, most people are satisfied. For some people, a second or third treatment may be needed to achieve the results they are looking for. Some stains are much more difficult to remove than others. Depending on age and the type of stains, they may require more attention than others.
Is it safe?

Numerous scientific studies have shown that there are no harmful effects from teeth whitening when teeth and gums are normal and healthy.
Are there any side effects?

No serious adverse side effects are associated with our teeth whitening system. Some people do experience blanching of the gum line, a mild tingling sensation, or sensitivity, all of which typically last no more than 24 hours and can be alleviated by applying vitamin E oil to the teeth and/or gums.
How long does it last?

Teeth whitening requires maintenance or touch-ups for a long lasting effect. The results can last for 12 months to 2 years and sometimes longer. The older you are, the more stains you have accumulated. Bleaching works to remove discolorations and restore your teeth to their natural white color. You may want to periodically whiten your teeth as exposure to certain foods and beverages will gradually darken teeth again over time. Most people touch up every 6 months to a year. You can whiten your teeth up to 3 times per year with our system.
How long before I can eat or drink teeth staining foods and drinks after my session?

We recommend avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, berries, candy, red sauces, and other teeth-staining foods and beverages for the first 24 hours after your session.
How long will the appointment take?

Your appointment will be one to three 20 minute sessions. After the first 20 minute session, we will check to see if the desired level of whiteness has been achieved. Typically first time patients will do three treatments, with a 20 minute touch up every three to six months.