Dermal fillers are injectable gels, most commonly hyaluronic acid, used to restore volume that has been lost, support facial structure, and soften folds that remain visible when the face is at rest. Fillers are administered by a board-certified dermatologist at our clinic at Yonge and Wellesley in downtown Toronto.

Filler or Botox?

They do different things and are frequently confused. Botox relaxes muscles and softens lines caused by movement. Filler replaces volume and supports tissue, and works on lines that are present when your face is completely still. Many treatment plans use both, for different areas and different reasons.

Areas treated

• Cheeks and midface, where volume loss is often the underlying cause of a tired appearance.
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
• Lips, for hydration, definition or modest volume.
• Jawline and chin, for contour and definition.
• Tear trough, a technically demanding area where careful patient selection matters more than product.
• Individual atrophic scars, including some acne scars.

Safety

Filler is a medical procedure, not a beauty treatment. The serious risk, though rare, is injection into or compression of a blood vessel, which can affect the skin or, very rarely, vision. That risk is managed by anatomical knowledge, appropriate technique, and having the means to reverse hyaluronic acid filler on hand and knowing when to use it. This is the strongest argument for having filler done by a physician rather than on the basis of price.

What to expect

Appointments take 30 to 45 minutes. Numbing cream is used, and most fillers contain local anaesthetic. Expect swelling and the possibility of bruising for several days; lips swell more than most people anticipate. The final result settles over about two weeks.

Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six to eighteen months depending on the product and the area.

Our approach

We treat conservatively and in stages rather than aiming for a dramatic single-visit change. If what you are asking for would not look right, or would be better addressed by something other than filler, we will tell you.

Cost and coverage

Cosmetic and not covered by OHIP. Cost depends on the product and number of syringes and is confirmed at consultation. Receipts provided for health spending accounts.

Booking

No referral needed. Call 416.792.0159 or email info@sagedermatology.ca. Sage Dermatology is at 591 Yonge Street, steps from Wellesley station. Plan your visit.

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