Skip to content
RUBEN CASTRO MD
HomeAboutProceduresBlogContactES
HomeAboutProceduresBlogContactEspañol

NEWPORT BEACH, CA

Accessibility|Terms|Privacy
RUBEN CASTRO MDPlastic Surgeon
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 170
Newport Beach, CA 92660
@rubencastromd

Content is for informational purposes only and does not establish a physician-patient relationship or constitute medical advice. Always consult a physician for medical concerns. Individual results vary; images may feature models or actual patients and do not guarantee specific outcomes.

© 2026 RUBEN CASTRO MD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PrivacyTermsOpen PaymentsAccessibilitySitemap

Dermal Fillers

Restore volume and contour to the face.

Dermal Fillers - Our Approach

Dermal fillers restore volume, refine contours, and soften select lines without surgery. Whether plumping the lips, defining the cheeks, or softening nasolabial folds, fillers provide immediate, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Inquire

The Ideal Candidate

  • Loss of volume in the cheeks, lips, temples, and chin
  • Deepening of the creases around the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Desire for immediate facial contouring without surgery
  • Seeking to improve facial symmetry and fullness

Procedure Quick Facts

AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia
Estimated Duration30–60 minutes
DowntimeNone to 2 days
Return to WorkNo downtime required for most patients. Return to work and social activities is immediate in the majority of cases.

Surgical Technique

Dermal filler treatments are performed following thorough facial analysis and photographic documentation. A personalized injection plan is mapped based on areas of volume deficit and structural descent. Topical anesthetic cream is applied thirty minutes prior to treatment. Cannulas are preferred in high-risk vascular zones including the temples, nasolabial region, and periorbital area, while sharp needles are used for precise structural augmentation in areas such as the chin and jawline. Injections are placed at the appropriate anatomical plane - supraperiosteal for structural support, subcutaneous for soft tissue enhancement, or intradermal for fine-line correction - using product viscosity matched to each indication.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Fillers are a good fit for adults who want to restore volume or smooth contour changes without surgery. Common presenting concerns include malar volume deflation, deepened nasolabial and marionette folds, lip thinning, temporal hollowing, and pre-jowl sulcus depressions. Candidates should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, must have no active skin infection at the injection site, and should have clear expectations for the duration and extent of filler results.

Recovery

Dermal filler treatments require minimal to no downtime. Mild swelling, redness, and bruising at injection sites typically resolve within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Ice application immediately post-treatment reduces swelling. Strenuous exercise and alcohol are avoided for twenty-four hours. Results are immediately visible and improve further as swelling resolves over the first week. Lip filler swelling may take up to two weeks to fully settle.

Immediate Post-Treatment

Ice applied to reduce swelling. Avoid alcohol, exercise, and facial massage for 24 hours.

Settling Phase

Bruising and swelling subside. Filler integrates into tissue. Final result visible by 1–2 weeks.

Maintenance

Effect gradually diminishes depending on product and area. Touch-up or repeat treatment recommended to maintain results.

Dermal Fillers Risks & Considerations

The most serious risk of dermal filler injection is inadvertent intravascular injection, which can cause vascular occlusion leading to tissue ischemia or, in rare cases, blindness when injected near orbital vessels. This is prevented by knowledge of facial vascular anatomy, aspiration technique, low injection pressure, and cannula use in high-risk zones. Hyaluronidase is kept on hand for emergency dissolution. Common minor risks include bruising, swelling, lumpiness, and the Tyndall effect (bluish discoloration from superficially placed hyaluronic acid).

  • Bruising and swelling
  • Vascular occlusion (rare but serious)
  • Tyndall effect (bluish discoloration)
  • Nodules or lumpiness
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction
  • Asymmetry

Alternatives to Dermal Fillers

Botulinum toxin addresses dynamic muscle-driven wrinkles but does not restore volume. Surgical options including fat grafting provide long-lasting natural volume restoration but require recovery. A facelift or midface lift addresses structural tissue descent that fillers cannot correct over time. For patients seeking a permanent solution to volume loss, structural fat grafting at the time of a facelift is an excellent alternative.

Blepharoplasty vs Dermal Fillers

Blepharoplasty

Botulinum Toxin vs Dermal Fillers

Botulinum Toxin

Facelift vs Dermal Fillers

Facelift

Chin Implant vs Dermal Fillers

Chin Implant

Laser Resurfacing vs Dermal Fillers

Laser Resurfacing

Rhinoplasty vs Dermal Fillers

Rhinoplasty

Chemical Peels vs Dermal Fillers

Chemical Peels

Related Procedures

  • Botulinum Toxin
  • Chemical Peels
  • Facelift

Medical Sources

  • Adverse Events Associated with Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection for Non-surgical Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review of High Level of Evidence StudiesAesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • Vision-Threatening Complications of Soft Tissue Fillers: A Report by the American Academy of OphthalmologyOphthalmology

Dermal Fillers - Frequently Asked Questions

How long do fillers last?
Depending on the product and area, fillers can last anywhere from six months to several years.
What are fillers made of?
Most modern fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin.
Is the treatment painful?
Many fillers contain a local anesthetic. Patients typically feel a slight pressure during injection.
Can fillers be reversed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved quickly with a special enzyme if needed.
When will I see results?
The results of dermal fillers are visible immediately, though some minor swelling may take a few days to subside.

Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California

All Procedures