Dermal fillers are the second-most-requested aesthetic treatment in America, right behind BOTOX® Cosmetic — and for good reason. When done by a skilled, conservative injector, they restore lost volume, refine facial proportions, and soften the lines that age makes more obvious. When done poorly, they're responsible for every "overfilled" cautionary tale on social media. At Remedy+ Hair Restoration & Medical Spa in Grand Rapids, master injector Terry Selgo, RN brings 21+ years of experience and Allergan Medical Institute Faculty credentials to every syringe.
The Hook: Subtle Refinement, Not Obvious "Work"
The single most important principle of modern dermal filler: the goal is to look like a more rested, more youthful version of yourself — not like a different person. Beautifully done filler is invisible as filler. People notice you, not your face.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels — most commonly made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule naturally found in your skin — that add immediate, customizable volume beneath the surface. Hyaluronic acid is the same substance that gives healthy skin its plumpness, hydration, and bounce. As we age, our natural HA declines, leading to volume loss, hollowing, and lines.
HA fillers come in different formulations engineered for specific uses — some are softer for delicate areas like the lips, others are firmer for structural support in the cheeks and jawline.
The Filler Brand Family Tree
The JUVÉDERM® Collection (Allergan)
- VOLUMA® XC — firm, long-lasting; ideal for cheek and chin structure
- VOLLURE® XC — moderate; smile lines and nasolabial folds
- VOLBELLA® XC — soft and refined; lip enhancement and perioral lines
- ULTRA Plus XC / ULTRA XC — versatile; lips and folds
- VOLUX® XC — firmest; jawline definition
The Restylane® Collection (Galderma)
- Restylane Lyft — cheek, midface, and hand rejuvenation
- Restylane Refyne / Defyne — flexible; smile lines and marionette lines
- Restylane Kysse — natural-looking lip enhancement
- Restylane Eyelight — under-eye tear trough
- Restylane Contour — cheek definition
SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®
SKINVIVE isn't technically a volumizing filler — it's a hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable that improves cheek skin smoothness and hydration without adding volume. We often combine it with traditional fillers for a complete refresh.
What Fillers Can Do
Lips
Restore natural shape, add subtle volume, define the lip border, and balance asymmetry. The goal is hydrated, healthy-looking lips that complement your face — not "duck lips."
Cheeks and Midface
Restoring cheek volume is one of the most powerful anti-aging interventions in aesthetic medicine. Lifted cheeks soften lines, improve under-eye hollows, and refresh the entire face.
Under-Eye Tear Troughs
Carefully placed filler can dramatically reduce dark circles and tired-looking hollows. This is one of the most technique-sensitive areas — only experienced injectors should treat it.
Jawline and Chin
Defined jawline contour and projected chin balance the lower face, improve profile aesthetics, and can even soften the appearance of a "double chin."
Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines
The lines from nose to mouth and from mouth corners downward soften beautifully with appropriate filler — often best treated by lifting the cheek above rather than only filling the line itself.
Temple and Brow Hollowing
Restoring lost temple volume creates a smoother transition from forehead to face and supports the brow position naturally.
Hands
Restylane Lyft and Radiesse can rejuvenate aging hands, often the first body part to give away age.
What to Expect at Your Filler Appointment
- Consultation and facial mapping: We assess your anatomy at rest and in motion, discuss your goals, and design a plan that respects your natural proportions
- Topical numbing: A numbing cream is applied for 15–20 minutes; most fillers also contain lidocaine for additional comfort during injection
- Injection: Using either fine needles or blunt-tipped cannulas (depending on the area), the filler is placed at the precise depth and location for optimal results
- Massage and shaping: Gentle molding ensures smooth, natural distribution
- Aftercare review: Cool compresses to reduce swelling, no strenuous exercise for 24 hours, no dental work for 2 weeks if possible
Most appointments take 30–60 minutes. Results are visible immediately, with final settling at 2 weeks once any swelling resolves.
How Long Do Fillers Last?
Longevity depends on the product, the area treated, your metabolism, and lifestyle factors. Typical ranges:
- Lips: 6–12 months
- Cheeks: 12–24 months
- Jawline / chin: 12–24 months
- Under eyes: 9–18 months
- Smile lines: 9–15 months
HA fillers gradually break down over time and are eliminated by your body. They can also be dissolved instantly with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you're ever unhappy with a result — a unique advantage of HA-based products.
What Does Filler Cost?
Filler is typically priced per syringe. Most patients need 1–2 syringes per area at the initial appointment, with smaller maintenance volumes thereafter. The exact plan and cost are discussed at consultation. We're transparent about pricing and never pressure patients into more product than they need.
Side Effects and Safety
Common, expected, temporary effects include:
- Mild swelling for 24–72 hours (more in lips, less elsewhere)
- Tiny injection-site bruising
- Tenderness for 1–3 days
Serious complications are rare in trained hands. The most important reason to see an experienced injector is the ability to recognize and rapidly treat the very rare vascular complications that can occur when filler is placed incorrectly. At Remedy+, we always have hyaluronidase on hand and follow strict safety protocols.
Avoiding the "Overfilled" Look
The hallmarks of poor filler are: pillow cheeks, sausage lips, distorted facial proportions, and the inability to make natural expressions. None of these happen with thoughtful, conservative dosing. Our philosophy at Remedy+:
- Less product, more often, than too much at once
- Treat the cause, not just the line (often that means lifting from above)
- Respect your natural anatomy and proportions
- Build slowly over multiple appointments, evaluating each step
- Always say no when more product would not improve the result
Combining Filler with Other Treatments
- Filler + BOTOX® — the classic "liquid facelift" combination; relax dynamic muscles and restore static volume
- Filler + SKINVIVE — volume plus skin quality and hydration
- Filler + microneedling — improve volume and surface texture together
- Filler + IPL PhotoFacial — address tone and pigmentation alongside structure
- Filler + TriBella™ — full skin rejuvenation paired with structural restoration
Who Is Not a Candidate?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Active skin infection in the treatment area
- Known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
- Certain autoimmune conditions (case-by-case basis)
- Anyone unwilling to be conservative — patient-driven over-treatment is a red flag we take seriously
Why Remedy+ for Dermal Fillers in Grand Rapids?
- Master injector Terry Selgo, RN — 21+ years and Allergan Medical Institute Faculty
- Full JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® portfolios available
- Conservative, natural-results philosophy
- Cannula technique available for delicate areas to minimize bruising
- Allē rewards points on every JUVÉDERM® treatment
- Allergan Aesthetics Top Growth Achievement Award winner
Ready to Refresh Your Look?
Dermal fillers, in the right hands, are one of the most rewarding treatments in modern aesthetic medicine. Book your filler consultation with Terry Selgo, RN at Remedy+ in Grand Rapids today, or call (616) 355-1552. We'll listen to your goals, evaluate your face holistically, and craft a plan designed to make you look like the best version of yourself.