Are Dermal Fillers Painful?

No, most patients report not feeling any pain during or after treatment. Before injections are administered, numbing creams are often provided; however, some fillers, such as Juvederm®, also contain lidocaine, adding an additional layer of comfort. Most say the injection feels like a small pinch. Afterward, you may experience some swelling and tightness at the injection site for about 24-48 hours; however, the sensation is not painful, but rather slightly uncomfortable. It can be easily remedied with ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments needed for dermal fillers depends on the filler type, the rate at which your body naturally breaks down the filler, and your aesthetic preferences. For most fillers, you’ll have an initial consultation to map out your treatment plan, with injections often being administered on the same day. On average, fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or longer, depending on the brand and amount of product used.

How Long Until I See Results?

The timeline for results depends on the type of dermal filler used. Though mild swelling may temporarily affect the final outcome, you’ll notice an immediate enhancement with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane. Collagen-stimulating fillers, like Bellafill, work gradually, with results developing over several weeks as your body produces new collagen. As a result, collagen-based fillers also often last longer than HA fillers.

Can I Combine Dermal Fillers With Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Dermal fillers can be combined with a variety of cosmetic treatments. Many patients pair fillers with Botox® or Dysport® to smooth dynamic wrinkles while restoring lost volume. Additionally, treatments such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, or chemical peels can improve skin texture and tone. During your consultation, we will create a personalized treatment plan that considers all your skin concerns to ensure you receive treatments that work in harmony to achieve your ultimate goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With Dermal Fillers?

When performed by skilled professionals, dermal fillers are generally safe, but as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks. Common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. Complications such as asymmetry, lumps, or vascular occlusion may occur in rare cases. Our highly trained providers prioritize patient safety by using advanced techniques and premium-quality fillers to minimize risks while ensuring natural results.

I Have Read About Granulomas. What Are They?

Granulomas are inflammatory reactions that can occur with all fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane. They are easily treated. Bellafill® was studied in the longest and largest filler safety study ever conducted. The granuloma rate was a mere 1.7% in this study. The majority of lumps or “granulomas” resolve on their own, with only a few requiring treatment with a small injection of low-dose Kenalog or steroid.

Will Bellafill Work For Me?

Bellafill was shown to work equally well on all skin types, including those of men and women. Tell your provider if you have a history of severe allergies, have known bovine collagen allergies, are allergic to lidocaine, or are prone to thick scar formation and/or excessive scarring.

When Will I See Results Of Bellafill?

Bellafill® fillers replace lost volume in the skin below the wrinkle for immediate and very long-lasting correction.

How Long Will Bellafill Last?

The poly (methyl methacrylate) beads (PMMA) that make up 10 to 20% of a Bellafill syringe are non-resorbable and act as a bio-stimulant for your body, resulting in your body’s own natural collagen production, which ultimately strengthens the skin’s layers. This provides the support your skin needs for wrinkle correction and younger-looking skin, with results that last. In clinical trials, Bellafill® showed significant improvement in smile lines at 3 months and 6 months after treatment, and this improvement continued for 12 months, lasting up to 5 years.

Where Can Bellafill Be Injected?

Bellafill can be injected in almost any area of the body where there is a loss of subcutaneous tissue volume. While it is FDA-approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds, Bellafill, like many other medical devices, has numerous off-label uses. Bellafill can be used as a lip filler, to correct lower eyelid bags, nasal hump and asymmetry correction, chin augmentation, cheek augmentation, wrinkled ear lobes and several other areas.

What Makes Bellafill Different From The Other Temporary Dermal Fillers?

Temporary injectable wrinkle fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are typically composed of various natural or synthetic materials that break down and are gradually absorbed by the body. Typically, they last from 3 months up to a year. Some, like Juvederm Voluma and Radiesse, last a little longer (up to 2 years). Therefore, wrinkle correction is only temporary, and most often, you will need to pay for repeat injections several months after the initial treatment to maintain the correction. Bellafill features unique microspheres, allowing it to work differently. Your body does not absorb the microspheres, providing a support structure for long-lasting, natural-looking correction.

How Is A D.C. Bellafill Filler Procedure Different From Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer to restore facial volume has become very popular. Surgeons frequently use fat transfer to restore volume lost in conjunction with a skin-tightening procedure, such as a facelift, eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty. The problem with fat is that it requires surgery to harvest, which involves liposuction, and then the placement of the fat is very unpredictable. The reported rate of “take”, or amount of fat that remains long after the procedure, is between 35% and 85%. This is problematic when precision is required to get the best result for you. In contrast, Bellafill is very predictable and does not require surgery. When Bellafill is injected, the result you see immediately after is the result you should get without any absorption of the Bellafill.

Does Bellafill Treatment Take A Long Time?

Bellafill typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. You can return to your normal daily routine right away. Dr. Somenek uses a micro-cannula technique while injecting, so bruising is less likely than when a needle is used.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects From A D.C. Bellafill Procedure?

As with all injectable wrinkle fillers, you can expect swelling and bruising in the treatment area. Swelling usually goes away completely after 10 days, but in rare cases, if you have Bellafill under your eyes, it can last up to 3 months. Sometimes, there is bruising that typically disappears within seven days, but can persist for up to three weeks before it is completely gone. If you have bruising after a Bellafill treatment, it is fine to use any cover-up makeup. It is very common to experience some slight redness and increased sensitivity at one or more injection sites. Two rare side effects of all dermal fillers may be lumps and granulomas. With Bellafill, true granulomas are extremely rare. Usually, what is seen are lumps. The original collagen injections for wrinkles almost always resulted in lumps that dissipated within 3 months. Since Bellafill is mostly collagen, it is not unusual for Bellafill to make lumps that you can feel. These lumps almost always disappear within 3 months, and they are rarely visible. Dr. Somenek can treat them to make them disappear if they can be seen.

How Quickly Will I See Results With The Bellafill Filler, and How Long Will It Last?

You will see results immediately.

How Many Bellafill Injections Are Needed to See Results?

Most people achieve a noticeable result with one Bellafill treatment, but the outcome depends on the severity of the facial wrinkles and folds. You and Dr. Somenek will decide at your follow-up appointment, scheduled for one month from now, whether you require further treatment to enhance your results.

Washington, D.C.

Dermal Fillers

Our Philosophy On Facial Fillers

Dermal fillers come in a variety of materials, most of which are considered temporary. However, some fillers on the market are classified as permanent.

They are used to replace volume that becomes depleted over time and instantly restore the appearance and facial balance associated with youth. The sunken and skeletal look that can occur with age is often associated with someone who is unhealthy, whereas a face with good volume and facial proportions is considered attractive, healthy, and youthful.

The most common filler material is hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring substance in our skin becomes depleted over time. This temporary filler material can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months. This can depend on the thickness of the filler used as well as the amount injected. Thinner fillers are typically placed in areas of thin skin, such as the lips and the undereyes. A thin filler is used in these areas to avoid the lumps and bumps that can form from thicker fillers. Thicker fillers can provide a stronger lift to the underlying tissues and are used in areas of the face with thicker skin that require more power to volumize the tissues, such as the cheeks and temples.

Most fillers fit the definition of a subtle enhancement treatment to help individuals look good quickly. Many filler treatments can be completed in minutes in the office with minimal downtime. We frequently use fillers in combination with other treatments such as Botox injections. Combination treatments, including fillers, neuromodulators, and laser treatments, are becoming increasingly popular and can be a fast way to make a positive first impression.

Dermal Fillers Results

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What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments, typically composed of a gel-like substance that enhances volume in features such as the cheeks, chin, lips, forehead, and even the hands. The purpose is to help create a smoother, more youthful appearance by filling out loose or sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines, or other signs of aging. Different types of fillers exist for various purposes; some are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), while others are derived from collagen or other substances. In some cases, a combination of fillers may be used for more complex cases, making them versatile and customizable to the individual.

Close-up of a young woman with a short bob haircut and fair skin, wearing a black tank top. Her light blue eyes and neutral, pensive expression are framed by smooth, light-brown hair. Subtle lighting casts soft highlights on her face and neck, revealing natural features including small, light brown spots on her neck and upper chest. The background is a light gray concrete wall, adding a minimalistic, textured contrast. - Dermal Fillers in Washington, DC and New York, NY

Bellafill® is a different type of filler. It is a non-surgical volume replacer that rebuilds your own collagen, thereby smoothing facial wrinkles for natural-feeling and natural-looking results that last for years, not months.

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Bellafill® filler is collagen-based and creates a lasting improvement in your skin. Its tiny, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres are suspended within a base of smooth collagen gel. Once injected, a DC Bellafill® procedure immediately reduces the look of smile lines. Over time, your body uses the microspheres to create a “scaffold” onto which your own collagen can develop. This collagen forms a foundation that adds volume to wrinkles, reducing their appearance. These natural-looking results feel soft and smooth for 5 years.

Bellafill® requires a skin test to identify patients who may be allergic to any of its ingredients.

Bellafill is a filler composed primarily of bovine collagen and is absorbed within 3 to 6 months. The bovine collagen is mixed with a very small amount of microspheres called PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), which acts as a bio-stimulant to help you make your own collagen to replace the bovine collagen as it is absorbed. There is also a little bit of lidocaine or a local anesthetic for your comfort. Unlike temporary wrinkle correction treatments or fillers, Bellafill is a wrinkle filler that provides longer-lasting results, lasting at least 8 to 10 years.

Acne Scars: Although your acne may be long gone, its scars can remain.. Bellafill® fades these scars by adding volume to them, bringing them to the level of the surrounding skin and maintaining this level for up to 1 year. Bellafill® is the first and only injectable filler that’s FDA-approved to treat acne scars.

Juvederm is a safe and effective injectable that can be used on all skin types and colors, and does not require prior testing.

Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman strive to offer their patients the latest treatments. When it comes to improving the signs of aging around the lips, the doctors proudly offer Juvederm Volbella. Volbella is the latest injectable filler, uniquely designed for the lips and the surrounding areas of the mouth. Patients with wrinkles or fine lines around the mouth, decreased lip volume, or poorly defined lips can be great candidates for this proven injectable filler.

Like the other products in the Juvederm family, Juvederm Volbella features Vycross technology to deliver a natural look and feel for patients. Volbella is also set apart by its ability to provide more long-term results compared to other lip fillers. As one of the thinnest fillers on the market, it produces natural results, allowing patients to achieve their ideal lip volume and appearance for up to one year following treatment. Volbella is formulated using an ultra-smooth gel, ensuring your lips feel soft and do not look over-inflated or unnatural.

As we age, our lips, unfortunately, lose volume. This is typically caused by a depletion in hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in nearly every cell of your body. Juvederm Volbella XC is designed to replenish hyaluronic acid and reverse the effects of volume loss in the lips and around the mouth. Volbella helps to achieve the following:
- Naturally fuller lips
- More defined Cupid’s bow
- Decreasing the appearance of smoker’s lines
- Restoring lost volume to an aging lip
- Adding hydration to the lips

Juvederm Voluma is an injectable filler designed to treat volume loss in the mid-face and cheek region. Unlike other facial fillers that only last a matter of months, it can last up to two years. Juvederm Voluma can be used on any patient with mid-face volume loss. Like many other facial fillers, Voluma is comprised of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. What sets Juvederm Voluma apart is its longevity and indication for mid-face volume loss. In clinical trials, it was demonstrated to last up to two years, which is a potential benefit for patients who prefer not to undergo frequent repeat injections.

Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman utilize the blunt-tip microcannula technique, which minimizes bruising and discomfort for patients. This method allows for fewer injection sites, which ultimately reduces trauma to the skin. The cannula method used for Voluma injections reduces downtime, allowing patients to notice immediate results with minimal bruising.

Juvederm Voluma is placed in the upper cheek region, and we work down the cheek into the midface region to restore lost volume. This creates a seamless transition from the cheek to the midface, maintaining a natural and rejuvenated appearance. Patients will look years younger immediately following treatment as volume is restored to areas of previous volume loss. The nasolabial folds, also known as “Smile Lines”, can be reduced by adding volume to the cheeks and midface. This treatment can be combined with other injectable fillers in other areas of the face to restore volume in all regions.

The Restylane line of hyaluronic acid fillers is used to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines, create fuller and more accentuated lips, and add lift and volume to the cheeks. All Restylane products work to enhance facial features and give long-lasting yet non-permanent results.

Restylane can be used to add volume and fullness to the skin, correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).

Restylane is the first FDA-approved dermal filler for lip enhancement. It can provide a natural, subtle enhancement to restore lost volume to the lip and perioral region. It is composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our skin, and attracts water upon injection to hydrate and add natural volume to the lips. If you desire a more youthful, wrinkle-free smile with luscious lips, call and schedule a consultation for a Restylane treatment in Washington, D.C..

Various Restylane injectable products can be used to restore lost volume to various regions of the face. Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman will discuss all the options during your consultation to ensure that the correct filler is used to shape and rejuvenate the areas that concern you.There are currently three products in the Restylane family of injectables:
- Restylane: Restylane can be used to add volume and fullness to the skin, correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). Restylane may also be used for lip enhancement.
- Restylane Silk: Restylane® Silk is the first FDA-approved product specifically designed for lip augmentation and smoothing wrinkles around the mouth in patients.
- Restylane Lyft: Restylane® Lyft is approved by the FDA for cheek augmentation and correcting volume loss in the midface. This also treats moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds, also known as the “smile lines.”
You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman to determine which injectable filler treatment best suits your needs in DC.

Restylane Lyft (formerly known as Perlane-L) is an injectable hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that gradually decreases as we age. The consequence is a noted volume loss throughout the face. This lack of support leads to the formation of wrinkles and the “sagging” appearance that we associate with an aging face.
Restylane Lyft uses larger particles compared to the other products in the Restylane family (Restylane-L and Restylane Silk). This allows Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman to treat areas that require additional lift and underlying support, such as the cheeks and midface. The benefits of this treatment can last for up to a year.

Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman utilize the blunt-tip microcannula technique, which minimizes bruising and discomfort for their patients. This method allows for fewer injection sites, which ultimately reduces trauma to the skin. The cannula method used for injecting Restylane Lyft reduces downtime, allowing patients to notice immediate results with minimal bruising.

Restylane Lyft is placed in the upper cheek region, and the doctor works down the cheek into the midface region to restore lost volume. This creates a seamless transition from the cheek to the midface, maintaining a natural and rejuvenated appearance. Patients will look years younger immediately following treatment as volume is restored to areas of previous volume loss. The nasolabial folds, also known as “Smile Lines”, can be reduced by adding volume to the cheeks and midface. This treatment can be combined with other injectable fillers in other areas of the face to restore volume in all regions.

Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne are next-generation hyaluronic dermal fillers designed to support your skin while maintaining your natural appearance. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, which makes it more susceptible to wrinkle formation on the face. This is especially true in areas of the face that are constantly moving, particularly the perioral region(lips and mouth). Many people are bothered by the lines that form around their mouths when they smile. Until now, there has been no filler on the market that has effectively treated this area. The FDA has approved both Restylane Refyne and Defyne, designed with XpresHAn Technology™ to help soften laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). This can help you restore a more natural look to your face while maintaining your facial expressions. This ensures that you always look like your natural self, just refreshed.

Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman utilize the microcannula technique to inject these fillers, ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment. More importantly, this technique prevents bruising, so you don’t have to worry about the downtime that others experience when they get filler treatments with needles.

Unfortunately, as we age, our lips lose volume. This is typically caused by the depletion of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in nearly every cell of our body.
Restylane Silk is the latest addition to the Restylane family and is designed to provide a subtle yet noticeable enhancement in lip appearance. It is also used for fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and face. It mimics the body’s hyaluronic acid, which naturally decreases as a person ages. Restylane Silk is designed to replenish hyaluronic acid and reverse the effects of volume loss in the lips and around the mouth. It differs from traditional Restylane in that Restylane Silk contains smaller particles, resulting in a natural and subtle appearance.

Like other products in the same family, Restylane Silk is a non-invasive procedure approved by the FDA for use on lips, fine lines, and wrinkles. It provides a subtle yet noticeable improvement, resulting in fuller and smoother lips without the need for augmentation.

Restylane Silk yields natural-looking results, as it is one of the thinnest fillers available on the market. Patients can achieve their ideal lip volume and appearance for up to one year following treatment. Restylane Silk is formulated using an ultra-smooth gel, ensuring your lips feel soft and natural.

Radiesse is comprised of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHa) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. This substance is similar to the calcium found in bones and teeth, and when injected, it immediately fills up and adds volume to specific areas. As the gel is absorbed, it leaves behind molecules of CaHA, which stimulate the body’s natural collagen fibers, filling in wrinkles and lines and helping your skin form new collagen. This treatment typically lasts two to three years, during which the CaHA particles are metabolized in the body’s tissues while new collagen forms in their place.

Most patients who receive Radiesse injections have them administered in areas of the face, such as around the nose and mouth, or where the skin is wrinkled or folded. It can also target laugh lines and restore a fuller and youthful appearance to the face. In some cases, Radiesse can fill in deep scars and add lost volume to the hands.

- Bellafill® is a different type of filler. It is a non-surgical volume replacer that rebuilds your own collagen, thereby smoothing facial wrinkles for natural-feeling and natural-looking results that last for years, not months.
  
  Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Bellafill® filler is collagen-based and creates a lasting improvement in your skin. Its tiny, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres are suspended within a base of smooth collagen gel. Once injected, a DC Bellafill® procedure immediately reduces the look of smile lines. Over time, your body uses the microspheres to create a “scaffold” onto which your own collagen can develop. This collagen forms a foundation that adds volume to wrinkles, reducing their appearance. These natural-looking results feel soft and smooth for 5 years.
  
  Bellafill® requires a skin test to identify patients who may be allergic to any of its ingredients.
  
  Bellafill is a filler composed primarily of bovine collagen and is absorbed within 3 to 6 months. The bovine collagen is mixed with a very small amount of microspheres called PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), which acts as a bio-stimulant to help you make your own collagen to replace the bovine collagen as it is absorbed. There is also a little bit of lidocaine or a local anesthetic for your comfort. Unlike temporary wrinkle correction treatments or fillers, Bellafill is a wrinkle filler that provides longer-lasting results, lasting at least 8 to 10 years.
  
  Acne Scars: Although your acne may be long gone, its scars can remain.. Bellafill® fades these scars by adding volume to them, bringing them to the level of the surrounding skin and maintaining this level for up to 1 year. Bellafill® is the first and only injectable filler that’s FDA-approved to treat acne scars.
- Juvederm is a safe and effective injectable that can be used on all skin types and colors, and does not require prior testing.
  
  Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman strive to offer their patients the latest treatments. When it comes to improving the signs of aging around the lips, the doctors proudly offer Juvederm Volbella. Volbella is the latest injectable filler, uniquely designed for the lips and the surrounding areas of the mouth. Patients with wrinkles or fine lines around the mouth, decreased lip volume, or poorly defined lips can be great candidates for this proven injectable filler.
  
  Like the other products in the Juvederm family, Juvederm Volbella features Vycross technology to deliver a natural look and feel for patients. Volbella is also set apart by its ability to provide more long-term results compared to other lip fillers. As one of the thinnest fillers on the market, it produces natural results, allowing patients to achieve their ideal lip volume and appearance for up to one year following treatment. Volbella is formulated using an ultra-smooth gel, ensuring your lips feel soft and do not look over-inflated or unnatural.
  
  As we age, our lips, unfortunately, lose volume. This is typically caused by a depletion in hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in nearly every cell of your body. Juvederm Volbella XC is designed to replenish hyaluronic acid and reverse the effects of volume loss in the lips and around the mouth. Volbella helps to achieve the following:
  - Naturally fuller lips
  - More defined Cupid’s bow
  - Decreasing the appearance of smoker’s lines
  - Restoring lost volume to an aging lip
  - Adding hydration to the lips
- Juvederm Voluma is an injectable filler designed to treat volume loss in the mid-face and cheek region. Unlike other facial fillers that only last a matter of months, it can last up to two years. Juvederm Voluma can be used on any patient with mid-face volume loss. Like many other facial fillers, Voluma is comprised of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. What sets Juvederm Voluma apart is its longevity and indication for mid-face volume loss. In clinical trials, it was demonstrated to last up to two years, which is a potential benefit for patients who prefer not to undergo frequent repeat injections.
  
  Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman utilize the blunt-tip microcannula technique, which minimizes bruising and discomfort for patients. This method allows for fewer injection sites, which ultimately reduces trauma to the skin. The cannula method used for Voluma injections reduces downtime, allowing patients to notice immediate results with minimal bruising.
  
  Juvederm Voluma is placed in the upper cheek region, and we work down the cheek into the midface region to restore lost volume. This creates a seamless transition from the cheek to the midface, maintaining a natural and rejuvenated appearance. Patients will look years younger immediately following treatment as volume is restored to areas of previous volume loss. The nasolabial folds, also known as “Smile Lines”, can be reduced by adding volume to the cheeks and midface. This treatment can be combined with other injectable fillers in other areas of the face to restore volume in all regions.
- The Restylane line of hyaluronic acid fillers is used to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines, create fuller and more accentuated lips, and add lift and volume to the cheeks. All Restylane products work to enhance facial features and give long-lasting yet non-permanent results.
  
  Restylane can be used to add volume and fullness to the skin, correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).
  
  Restylane is the first FDA-approved dermal filler for lip enhancement. It can provide a natural, subtle enhancement to restore lost volume to the lip and perioral region. It is composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our skin, and attracts water upon injection to hydrate and add natural volume to the lips. If you desire a more youthful, wrinkle-free smile with luscious lips, call and schedule a consultation for a Restylane treatment in Washington, D.C..
  
  Various Restylane injectable products can be used to restore lost volume to various regions of the face. Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman will discuss all the options during your consultation to ensure that the correct filler is used to shape and rejuvenate the areas that concern you.There are currently three products in the Restylane family of injectables:
  - Restylane: Restylane can be used to add volume and fullness to the skin, correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). Restylane may also be used for lip enhancement.
  - Restylane Silk: Restylane® Silk is the first FDA-approved product specifically designed for lip augmentation and smoothing wrinkles around the mouth in patients.
  - Restylane Lyft: Restylane® Lyft is approved by the FDA for cheek augmentation and correcting volume loss in the midface. This also treats moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds, also known as the “smile lines.”
  You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman to determine which injectable filler treatment best suits your needs in DC.
- Restylane Lyft (formerly known as Perlane-L) is an injectable hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that gradually decreases as we age. The consequence is a noted volume loss throughout the face. This lack of support leads to the formation of wrinkles and the “sagging” appearance that we associate with an aging face.
  Restylane Lyft uses larger particles compared to the other products in the Restylane family (Restylane-L and Restylane Silk). This allows Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman to treat areas that require additional lift and underlying support, such as the cheeks and midface. The benefits of this treatment can last for up to a year.
  
  Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman utilize the blunt-tip microcannula technique, which minimizes bruising and discomfort for their patients. This method allows for fewer injection sites, which ultimately reduces trauma to the skin. The cannula method used for injecting Restylane Lyft reduces downtime, allowing patients to notice immediate results with minimal bruising.
  
  Restylane Lyft is placed in the upper cheek region, and the doctor works down the cheek into the midface region to restore lost volume. This creates a seamless transition from the cheek to the midface, maintaining a natural and rejuvenated appearance. Patients will look years younger immediately following treatment as volume is restored to areas of previous volume loss. The nasolabial folds, also known as “Smile Lines”, can be reduced by adding volume to the cheeks and midface. This treatment can be combined with other injectable fillers in other areas of the face to restore volume in all regions.
- Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne are next-generation hyaluronic dermal fillers designed to support your skin while maintaining your natural appearance. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, which makes it more susceptible to wrinkle formation on the face. This is especially true in areas of the face that are constantly moving, particularly the perioral region(lips and mouth). Many people are bothered by the lines that form around their mouths when they smile. Until now, there has been no filler on the market that has effectively treated this area. The FDA has approved both Restylane Refyne and Defyne, designed with XpresHAn Technology™ to help soften laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). This can help you restore a more natural look to your face while maintaining your facial expressions. This ensures that you always look like your natural self, just refreshed.
  
  Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman utilize the microcannula technique to inject these fillers, ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment. More importantly, this technique prevents bruising, so you don’t have to worry about the downtime that others experience when they get filler treatments with needles.
- Unfortunately, as we age, our lips lose volume. This is typically caused by the depletion of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in nearly every cell of our body.
  Restylane Silk is the latest addition to the Restylane family and is designed to provide a subtle yet noticeable enhancement in lip appearance. It is also used for fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and face. It mimics the body’s hyaluronic acid, which naturally decreases as a person ages. Restylane Silk is designed to replenish hyaluronic acid and reverse the effects of volume loss in the lips and around the mouth. It differs from traditional Restylane in that Restylane Silk contains smaller particles, resulting in a natural and subtle appearance.
  
  Like other products in the same family, Restylane Silk is a non-invasive procedure approved by the FDA for use on lips, fine lines, and wrinkles. It provides a subtle yet noticeable improvement, resulting in fuller and smoother lips without the need for augmentation.
  
  Restylane Silk yields natural-looking results, as it is one of the thinnest fillers available on the market. Patients can achieve their ideal lip volume and appearance for up to one year following treatment. Restylane Silk is formulated using an ultra-smooth gel, ensuring your lips feel soft and natural.
- Radiesse is comprised of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHa) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. This substance is similar to the calcium found in bones and teeth, and when injected, it immediately fills up and adds volume to specific areas. As the gel is absorbed, it leaves behind molecules of CaHA, which stimulate the body’s natural collagen fibers, filling in wrinkles and lines and helping your skin form new collagen. This treatment typically lasts two to three years, during which the CaHA particles are metabolized in the body’s tissues while new collagen forms in their place.
  
  Most patients who receive Radiesse injections have them administered in areas of the face, such as around the nose and mouth, or where the skin is wrinkled or folded. It can also target laugh lines and restore a fuller and youthful appearance to the face. In some cases, Radiesse can fill in deep scars and add lost volume to the hands.

What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

One of the primary benefits of dermal fillers is that they provide instant results, eliminating the need for surgery and requiring minimal recovery time (typically just one to two days for swelling to subside). They are more affordable than traditional plastic surgery and offer a customizable approach to cosmetic enhancement, whether it’s to address signs of aging or to volumize areas that have hollowed out over time, such as the cheeks.

Additionally, since dermal fillers are not permanent, they are ideal for those interested in achieving subtle enhancements without a long-term commitment. For example, patients can choose whether to continue receiving treatment every 1 to 2 years or dissolve the HA fillers altogether if their aesthetic preferences change.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Fillers?

In general, fillers can benefit those who have lost volume or have deepening furrows, creases, and lines characteristic of aging. Younger people who desire more defined lips, cheeks, or chins may also benefit from fillers.

What’s the first step?

To achieve a look that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, you’ll first want to consult with Dr. Somenek, Dr. Pittman, or one of our other experienced providers. We will discuss your cosmetic goals, assess your facial structure, and determine the most suitable dermal filler treatment to enhance your natural beauty. Our team prioritizes a tailored approach, ensuring that your results appear balanced, refined, and in harmony with your features. Additionally, we will review your medical history, address any questions or concerns you may have, and provide professional recommendations to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

- New Injectables in Washington, DC and New York, NY

What to Expect During Treatment

The general guidelines for all filler treatments are:

You will be seated comfortably and upright in a cushioned chair
Makeup and dirt will be removed before any filler product is administered, usually with an alcohol pad.
You may use a topical anesthetic cream to blunt the discomfort associated with an injection.
Our team constantly analyzes the face as they inject to ensure balance and harmony with all facial features.
While the injections may be slightly uncomfortable, many patients find them tolerable with a topical anesthetic or an ice cube placed on the site just before the procedure.

What Happens After Treatment?

Patients can expect almost immediate improvement in the treated skin and will typically see full results within one week. Radiesse and other dermal fillers are not considered permanent, unlike some surgical procedures, and patients may require additional treatments in the future. Some local patients might require only one filler treatment every two years, while others need small maintenance injections between appointments. The doctors may advise against strenuous activities and exposure to direct sunlight for a short time immediately after the procedure.

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of dermal fillers in Washington, D.C., depends on the type of filler used and the amount of product required to achieve your desired look. One filler syringe can cost between $500 and $1,500, with patients generally needing between 1 and 3 syringes. Again, this is completely unique to the individual and their ultimate goals, so a consultation is the only way to get an exact price estimate for your treatment. In some cases, financing options may also be available to provide additional accessibility to the treatment. If you’re curious about how much dermal fillers will cost you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Somenek, Dr. Pittman, or one of our providers today.

Dermal Fillers FAQ’S

No, most patients report not feeling any pain during or after treatment. Before injections are administered, numbing creams are often provided; however, some fillers, such as Juvederm®, also contain lidocaine, adding an additional layer of comfort. Most say the injection feels like a small pinch. Afterward, you may experience some swelling and tightness at the injection site for about 24-48 hours; however, the sensation is not painful, but rather slightly uncomfortable. It can be easily remedied with ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers.
The number of appointments needed for dermal fillers depends on the filler type, the rate at which your body naturally breaks down the filler, and your aesthetic preferences. For most fillers, you’ll have an initial consultation to map out your treatment plan, with injections often being administered on the same day. On average, fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or longer, depending on the brand and amount of product used.
The timeline for results depends on the type of dermal filler used. Though mild swelling may temporarily affect the final outcome, you’ll notice an immediate enhancement with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane. Collagen-stimulating fillers, like Bellafill, work gradually, with results developing over several weeks as your body produces new collagen. As a result, collagen-based fillers also often last longer than HA fillers.
Absolutely. Dermal fillers can be combined with a variety of cosmetic treatments. Many patients pair fillers with Botox® or Dysport® to smooth dynamic wrinkles while restoring lost volume. Additionally, treatments such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, or chemical peels can improve skin texture and tone. During your consultation, we will create a personalized treatment plan that considers all your skin concerns to ensure you receive treatments that work in harmony to achieve your ultimate goals.
When performed by skilled professionals, dermal fillers are generally safe, but as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks. Common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. Complications such as asymmetry, lumps, or vascular occlusion may occur in rare cases. Our highly trained providers prioritize patient safety by using advanced techniques and premium-quality fillers to minimize risks while ensuring natural results.
Granulomas are inflammatory reactions that can occur with all fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane. They are easily treated. Bellafill® was studied in the longest and largest filler safety study ever conducted. The granuloma rate was a mere 1.7% in this study. The majority of lumps or “granulomas” resolve on their own, with only a few requiring treatment with a small injection of low-dose Kenalog or steroid.
The poly (methyl methacrylate) beads (PMMA) that make up 10 to 20% of a Bellafill syringe are non-resorbable and act as a bio-stimulant for your body, resulting in your body’s own natural collagen production, which ultimately strengthens the skin’s layers. This provides the support your skin needs for wrinkle correction and younger-looking skin, with results that last. In clinical trials, Bellafill® showed significant improvement in smile lines at 3 months and 6 months after treatment, and this improvement continued for 12 months, lasting up to 5 years.
Bellafill can be injected in almost any area of the body where there is a loss of subcutaneous tissue volume. While it is FDA-approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds, Bellafill, like many other medical devices, has numerous off-label uses. Bellafill can be used as a lip filler, to correct lower eyelid bags, nasal hump and asymmetry correction, chin augmentation, cheek augmentation, wrinkled ear lobes and several other areas.
Temporary injectable wrinkle fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are typically composed of various natural or synthetic materials that break down and are gradually absorbed by the body. Typically, they last from 3 months up to a year. Some, like Juvederm Voluma and Radiesse, last a little longer (up to 2 years). Therefore, wrinkle correction is only temporary, and most often, you will need to pay for repeat injections several months after the initial treatment to maintain the correction.

Bellafill features unique microspheres, allowing it to work differently. Your body does not absorb the microspheres, providing a support structure for long-lasting, natural-looking correction.
Fat transfer to restore facial volume has become very popular. Surgeons frequently use fat transfer to restore volume lost in conjunction with a skin-tightening procedure, such as a facelift, eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty. The problem with fat is that it requires surgery to harvest, which involves liposuction, and then the placement of the fat is very unpredictable. The reported rate of “take”, or amount of fat that remains long after the procedure, is between 35% and 85%. This is problematic when precision is required to get the best result for you. In contrast, Bellafill is very predictable and does not require surgery. When Bellafill is injected, the result you see immediately after is the result you should get without any absorption of the Bellafill.
As with all injectable wrinkle fillers, you can expect swelling and bruising in the treatment area. Swelling usually goes away completely after 10 days, but in rare cases, if you have Bellafill under your eyes, it can last up to 3 months. Sometimes, there is bruising that typically disappears within seven days, but can persist for up to three weeks before it is completely gone. If you have bruising after a Bellafill treatment, it is fine to use any cover-up makeup. It is very common to experience some slight redness and increased sensitivity at one or more injection sites. Two rare side effects of all dermal fillers may be lumps and granulomas. With Bellafill, true granulomas are extremely rare. Usually, what is seen are lumps. The original collagen injections for wrinkles almost always resulted in lumps that dissipated within 3 months. Since Bellafill is mostly collagen, it is not unusual for Bellafill to make lumps that you can feel. These lumps almost always disappear within 3 months, and they are rarely visible. Dr. Somenek can treat them to make them disappear if they can be seen.

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Patient Reviews

Thank you for the fantastic experience.

I recently had a facial procedure at Somemek and Pittman Clinic, and I’m extremely happy with the results! The staff was very professional and supportive, guiding me through every step and ensuring I felt comfortable. The recovery was smooth, and I love how I look now. I highly recommend Dr. Pittman for anyone considering facial procedures. Thank you for the fantastic experience.

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Aubrey L.
I had spent years searching for the right doctor, and choosing Dr. Somenek was truly the best decision I could have made

Dr. Somenek is truly exceptional. From the very first consultation to the final results, the entire experience exceeded every expectation I had. His attention to detail, artistic eye, and deep understanding of facial harmony are unmatched.

Beyond the amazing results, the level of care and attention from both Dr. Somenek and his entire team was outstanding. He personally called me to check in after my procedure, and the team followed up as well to make sure I felt supported every step of the way. I felt completely cared for, and genuinely listened to throughout the entire process.

I had spent years searching for the right doctor, and choosing Dr. Somenek was truly the best decision I could have made. If you are looking for someone who is not only highly skilled but also a perfectionist who truly cares about his patients, I cannot recommend him enough.

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L.S., Google
I had high expectations and they were exceeded at every turn.

Dr. Pittman and his team are the best there is. He presented options to me I hadn’t even considered! After my initial consult I had more questions and they got me in swiftly and answered them all. The office, surgical suite and staff are 11/10. I felt safe and cared for. Dr Pittman even called me himself the next day to check in! On top of all of that, I couldn’t be happier with my results. I would recommend him to anyone. I had high expectations and they were exceeded at every turn.

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Aubrey L.

Discover The Difference

Dermal Fillers are a simple and relatively painless way to eliminate wrinkles on your face and hands. Although they are not permanent, they can be a more relaxing way to address your appearance without the need for full surgery. Consult with one of our surgeons to determine if fillers are a suitable option for you in Washington, D.C., or New York City.

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