As more and more women opt for non-surgical procedures to enhance their looks, we need to know—do fillers hurt? Will my results look unnatural? And how much does it cost?

Did you know that 83% of Canadians find facial fillers more acceptable than they did five years ago? Add that to the fact that 90% of Canadians want to look good at any age, and you might begin to understand why more and more people are looking for information about JUVÉDERM®, the leading brand of hyaluronic acid facial fillers. But, the truth is there is still some information out there that is misleading or even just plain wrong, which is why we’re tackling some of the biggest myths about facial fillers and letting you know the truth about this increasingly popular non-surgical option for looking and feeling your best.

[myth 1] Facial fillers are only if you want to look younger

While appearing more youthful is definitely a reason many people opt for facial fillers, the truth is a bit more complicated. Terms like “fresh” and “rejuvenated” are also used when referencing JUVÉDERM® treatments, which goes to show the close relationship between how you feel and how you look. “The most common reason why people get filler is to look more refreshed and less tired,” says Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll. “However, sometimes patients are interested in refining a certain feature such as their lips or jawline.” People get filler for many reasons, and while looking younger is certainly part of the picture, there are many more that focus on bridging the gap between how you look and how you feel.

Image Courtesy of JUVÉDERM®

[myth 2] Filler is made out of harmful or unnatural ingredients

JUVÉDERM® facial filler is composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance found naturally in our skin that helps to retain water, giving us that plump and moisturized look. Filler itself is gel-like in texture and is readily accepted into the skin because it’s a familiar substance. As for safety? “Fillers are quite safe,” says Dr. Carroll. “As with any medical procedure there are risks, but in the hands of an experienced dermatologist these are minimized.”

[myth 3] Getting fillers will make me look unnatural

The biggest fear that most people have before getting any sort of treatment on their face is that it will result in an unnatural look. The truth is, fillers have come a long way and treatment plans are designed to make sure you get exactly what you want—even if that means you want to look like you haven’t had anything “done” to your face. Dr. Carroll treats her patients in stages which allows her to create a more natural look over time, instead of doing a full treatment plan all at once. The result? A fresh and lifted look that appears completely natural. You’ll look like the best version of yourself.

Image Courtesy of JUVÉDERM®

[myth 4] Fillers are prohibitively expensive

With any facial treatment, costs can range. But, when it comes to beauty, the costs of spa-treatments and even everyday makeup can add-up quickly. So really, fillers can be seen as a reinvestment of your beauty dollars. Just remember, you're investing in yourself and you can't put a price on confidence! The good news is, your dermatologist will work with you to create a plan that works for you. From there, your first step is to always get to know your practitioner and book a consultation to get a sense of pricing. “The first step is to book a consultation to discuss your goals and the treatment,” says Dr. Carroll. “This is a good chance to get to know the dermatologist and for them to get to know you, and to make a plan working within your budget and schedule.” Another way to think about it is in terms of effectiveness. Getting filler has tangible and immediate results, showing you real progress as it happens. While you might pay more for them than you would other items in your beauty routine, rest assured you’ll see better results with them, too.

[myth 5] Facial fillers are painful

Anytime needles are involved, there’s always fear about pain. But the good news is, it’s not actually that painful to get the treatment done. “The treatment does involve tiny needles, but it’s very tolerable for patients—and the results are worth it!” says Dr. Carroll. “Also, most fillers, including the JUVÉDERM® line, include a numbing agent.” So, you might not feel much at all.

[myth 6] Facial fillers are permanent

Facial fillers are not permanent. They temporarily offer shape, definition, volume and smoothness before being absorbed into the skin and flushed away. But, depending on where you get them, they can last up to 24 months. “There’s really no specific timing, but typically my patients get a treatment every six to 12 months for maintenance,” says Dr. Carroll. If you are planning on getting filler, it’s good to plan for touch-up treatments at least once a year, though you may find you need or want more to keep your results.

Interested in learning more? Find a practitioner near you to book a consultation:  https://www.juvederm.ca/en/find-a-clinic