FILLERS

FILLERS ALBUQUERQUE NM

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by Sandia Skin + Face
Albuquerque, NM

FILLERS

WHAT ARE FILLERS (FACE FILLERS)?

Fillers (Face Filler – Dermal Fillers) are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.

While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:

  • Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
  • Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
  • Diminish vertical lip lines
  • Plump & enhance the lips
  • Smooth out a chin crease
  • Improve symmetry among facial features

There is a variety of FDA-approved filler products that cosmetic surgeons use.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:

  • Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
  • Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Contour
  • Belotero Balance
  • Revanesse Versa
  • The RHA collection: RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically lasts longer, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite helps stimulate natural collagen production and is for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA-approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance.Poly-L-lactic acid has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically classified as “collagen stimulators,” as their primary mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than two years. FDA-approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic, biocompatible substance that has been used in medicine for much of the last century. In dermal fillers, PMMA takes the form of a “microsphere” or tiny ball that remains beneath the skin indefinitely to provide continued support. PMMA fillers will also contain collagen, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that provides structure and firmness. FDA-approved PMMA fillers include Bellafill® (formerly known as Artefill).

Autologous fat injections (Facial Fat Grafting)

Autologous fat injections are the only injectable filler treatment that requires surgery, but results can last for many years. Your fat is harvested from another area (autologous means “from the same person”), typically using liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into the face to help restore volume to the cheeks, temples, lower eyelids, or other areas. Fat injections require specialized training to perform safely and achieve great results and should only be performed by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon.

Areas Fillers can treat:

  • Lip enhancement
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Corners of the mouth (marionette lines)
  • Cheek enhancement
  • Smoke and lip lines
  • Temple enchancement
  • Lower face contouring
  • Chin
  • Under Eye
  • Jawline

WHICH COSMETIC FACIAL FILLER DO I NEED?

With so many dermal filler products on the market, it can be challenging to know which option is best for you without an experienced cosmetic surgeon’s guidance. Each product is uniquely formulated to have a specific texture, density, and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for some regions of concern. While your provider will determine what product is best for you, the following diagram illustrates in general where cosmetic surgeons tend to apply certain products:

Cosmetic Filler Treatment Areas by Filler Type
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

SANDIA SKIN + FACE
FACIAL FILLERS

JUVEDERM

Juvederm is the #1 doctor-recommended facial filler worldwide. Using hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar found in your body, Juvederm combines with water in your skin to enhance volume in areas with lost fullness, such as the cheeks, lips, and fine lines around the mouth.

JUVEDERM ULTRA AND ULTRA PLUS

Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus are medium volume fillers that enhance and define lips, cheeks, and jawline. They include pain-reducing lidocaine and instantly provide results that last from 6 to 12 months.

See our FAQ below. Contact Us with any other questions.

FACIAL FILLERS
BEFORE-AFTER IMAGES

Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Cheek Filler
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Marionette Lines
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler - Nasolabial Fold
Cosmetic Facial Filler – Nasolabial Fold

VOLBELLA

Volbella is a thinner, more pliable hyaluronic acid dermal filler designed to inject and fill the lips and fine lines surrounding the lips. They gain popularity over other lip fillers to achieve natural plumpness to the lips while smoothing fine lines. Volbella contains lidocaine which makes the procedure more comfortable, with results lasting an entire year. See1 Syringe Volbella:

VOLBELLA LIP FILLER
BEFORE-AFTER IMAGES

Volbella Lip Enhancement - Lip Filler
Volbella Lip Enhancement
Volbella Lip Enhancement - Lip Filler
Volbella Lip Enhancement
Volbella Tear Trough
Volbella Tear Trough

VOLUMA

Voluma is a thicker hyaluronic acid gel designed to add volume to the cheeks to restore an overall youthfulness to the face while achieving a modest lift of the jawline and reducing the nasolabial creases (the smile lines between the nose and corners of the mouth). Voluma lasts approximately two years.

VOLUMA FACIAL FILLER
BEFORE-AFTER IMAGES

Voluma Facial Filler - Chin Filler
Voluma Facial Filler – Chin Filler
Voluma Facial Filler - Chin Filler
Voluma Facial Filler – Chin Filler
Voluma Facial Filler - Chin Filler
Voluma Facial Filler – Chin Filler

FACIAL FILLERS FAQ

Fortunately, a dermal filler works very quickly, and you won’t have to wait twelve months to see the full benefits of your injections. That said, these injectable treatments take some time to integrate into your tissues, and it’s normal for your dermal filler to take up to two weeks to settle into your face entirely.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Do not use AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C therapy, or oil-based make-up for 24 hours. Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy-based treatments, and microdermabrasion for two weeks after treatment.

For the most part, people are using hyaluronic acid fillers, the same component found in many topical skin care products designed for anti-aging and skin plumping. While the filler itself doesn’t stay in your system, its effects last a lifetime. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is non-permanent.

Drinking plenty of water can keep your skin hydrated and enhance the effect of hyaluronic acid fillers. After your treatment, we can recommend skin care products that complement the effects of your filler type.

Even as the hyaluronic acid is processed by your body, healthy collagen and elastin grow significantly, which means you will see initial improvement nearly immediately. They will improve over six to eight weeks.

Mild swelling is expected and is normal. Would you please not wear any heavy jewelry on your ears? Would you please not sleep on your sides and try to stay sleeping flat on your back?

  • Avoid itching, or picking around the injection site.
  • Avoid applying intense heat to the treated area, that includes hot tubs, saunas, sunbathing or tanning.
  • Don’t drink alcohol the day of treatment, and try to avoid it for 2 days after.
  • Avoid exercising for 2 days or until swelling subsides.

If you’re looking for a dermal filler to combat signs of aging, your mid-20s are often a good time to start. Your body starts to lose bone and collagen around age 26, so it’s a good time to begin maintenance injections. By starting early, you’ll use require less product than if you wait until your mid-50s.

Dermal fillers are an excellent way to provide a temporary fix for lines and wrinkles on the face. However, recent studies indicate that repeated, long-term use of deep tissue dermal fillers can cause permanent damage or harm the lymphatic system in your face.

Some dermal fillers have been studied to last close to two years. The threeCosmetic Facial Fillers that tend to last the longest are Restylane Lyft, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne, Juvederm, Voluma, Radiesse, and Sculptra. Restylane Defyne is built for balance and used in the nasal labial folds and marionette lines.

Hydration can help extend the life of your Facial Filler injections, especially hyaluronic acid-based injections. Hyaluronic acid loves water, so the more hydrated you stay and the more moisturizer you use, the better. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, and remember to apply a moisturizing lotion day and night.

Massage can encourage the Dermal Fillers to be broken up by the body more quickly. But in practice, this still takes a long time (like weeks of daily vigorous massage) to improve the outcome.

In some ways, adding volume can correct bony features and make you look ‘fatter,’ but this is the desired effect. However, ‘overfilled’ faces or the wrong placement of fillers can lead to an unnatural appearance and make you look fat.

Injectable dermalCosmetic Dermal Fillers are an extremely effective way to restore facial volume, fill in lines and wrinkles, and plump up certain facial features for a more attractive, youthful, rejuvenated look. Some of the most exciting benefits that fillers have to offer include: Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Not only might intense makeouts or performing oral sex feel uncomfortable, really going for it could exacerbate your side effects to an extent. “Forceful pressure in the first 72 hours after filler can increase the risk of bruising and swelling,

Avoid touching the treated area for 3-4 hours following the injection. After that, light make-up can be applied, and the site can be gently washed with soap and water. Until the initial swelling and redness have resolved, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (i.e., sunbathing or tanning bed) or extreme cold.

Would you please not wear makeup? You may bring your makeup to apply after your treatment. Some bruising may also occur. You may experience some tenderness at the treatment site(s) that can last for a few hours or a few days.

Dermal fillers might produce more long-term results, but these injections also carry more side effects than Botox injections. It would be best to remember that Botox and dermal fillers treat slightly different problems and are usually used in various face areas.

Cosmetic Dermal Facial Fillers treatments are contraindicated in active autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

With hyaluronic acid (HA)Dermal Facial Fillers, such a Restylane, and Juvederm, Vitrase can help dissolve bumps. For non-HADermal Facial Fillers, such as Sculptra, Radiesse, and Bellafill, Kenalog injections can be very effective. Sometimes 5-fluorouracil is mixed with the Kenalog for greater effectiveness.

KEYSTONE ARTICLE

25 BEST FACIAL FILLER FAQS (2022)
25 BEST FACIAL FILLER FAQS (2022) – TAP THE IMAGE TO READ

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality Easy to book online. Seamless appointment and did not feel rushed. Tonya explained thoroughly and made sure i had the best results for botox and minimizing my frown line. Highly recommend!

    Karen Avatar Karen

    Tonya is amazing!! She made me feel so comfortable and really listened to my concerns about my skin. She really cares and knows what she is doing. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!! I was concerned my first appointment but I just had my third and I can say it’s so worth it!!! Botox has been an incredible experience and I’m so happy to have tried it, I’m so much happier with my appearance and it looks incredibly natural. I’ve included before and after photos, neither photo is filtered or edited, you can see how makeup would collect in my forehead, and how the after it’s smooth and looks so lovely. It doesn’t feel weird or like I can’t move my muscles at all, it feels super natural. One of my biggest concerns was that I wouldn’t be able to emote with Botox but that’s just not true at all. I feel so confident and that is thanks to Tonya!

    Devon Lopez Avatar Devon Lopez

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value Dr. Tonya Tuggle is a true professional and such a nice person. I highly recommend her and Sandia Skin.

    Lisa Rampy Avatar Lisa Rampy

  • Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value Getting botox at Sandia Skin & Face was the best decision I've ever made. No more lines on my forehead 🙂

    Melissa Kibler Avatar Melissa Kibler

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value First time getting Botox, I was very nervous. They ARE super friendly. They explained everything to me also answered all of my questions. Tonya is the BEST!!! she is so friendly and professional. I totally recommend this place to get Botox. THE BEST IN ABQ

    Arturo Camunez Avatar Arturo Camunez

    I recently relocated from CA. I was nervous to find a new place for lip fillers after going to the same person for several years. Tonya was absolutely amazing! She is extremely knowledgeable and instantly made me feel comfortable. Tonya exceeded my expectations. I’ve received so many compliments from friends and family. The entire staff were friendly and professional. I will definitely become a loyal client. Thank you Tonya and team!!!

    treesem Avatar treesem

  • The office staff is super accommodating and helpful, and Dr. Tuggle and Tonya Tuggle are both wonderful at what they do. I have had multiple procedures/treatments here over the years and highly recommend them. I never feel uncomfortable or judged, which is huge when deciding on cosmetic procedures. I also never felt pressured into anything and always felt informed about all of my decisions. They have great seasonal specials on fillers, etc!

    Amanda Hosbach Avatar Amanda Hosbach

    How amazing! I can’t believe what Tonya has done for me! She took excellent care of me! My first time ever for Botox and Lip Filler. I’m 58 feeling like 30 again! Everyone deserves this! I will be back! My crows are gone. My lipstick goes on smooth with no bleeds. You are totally amazing Tonya! Thank you again ! Tonya was so professional and went over everything in detail with me! Totally amazing place! Treat yourself! We all deserve to look great and feel great! ❤️

    Paula Winters Avatar Paula Winters

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality Tonya really takes the time to listen to your concerns and is very accommodating. Results were fast and I love them. I highly recommend them.

    Jasmine Vazquez Avatar Jasmine Vazquez

FILLERS PROCEDURE PREP

Before your treatment session, our physician will discuss what to expect during your treatment. However, it is helpful to remember that there are a few things to take into consideration before your session:

  • At least three to four days before your procedure, discontinue anti-inflammatory medications.
  • One to two weeks before your procedure, discontinue any blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins.
  • One to two weeks before your procedure, discontinue systematic steroids
  • At least one month before your procedure, stop steroid injections
  • On the day of your procedure, eat a full, healthy breakfast and be sure to drink plenty of water
  • Please be advised that if you take chronic oral steroids, a discontinuation plan will need to be discussed with your primary care provider as abrupt stoppage may cause side effects. Northeast Knee and Joint Institute do not advise stopping or taking any medication regimens without consulting the doctor who prescribed them to you.

FILLERS AFTERCARE

After your treatment session, we recommend that all patients rest on the day of their procedure. We advise limited use of the treatment area for the next two days, but some movement is encouraged. Limited use helps the joint recover as the treatment is absorbed by the area’s surrounding tissues.

0 – 3 days post-procedure guidelines.

After your treatment, there is a chance you’ll experience some mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the treatment site. Discomfort is normal, and it is a sign that your body is healing as it adjusts to the treatment. It is best to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to help promote healing.

You mustn’t take ANY medications following your procedure unless specifically directed otherwise by a physician. NO medicine is a must because any drug can affect the healing process or other adverse effects.

Therefore, discontinue use of any of these medications post-procedure for best results:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications for at least two weeks post-procedure
  • Blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins for 3-4 days post-procedure
  • Systematic steroids for two weeks post-procedure
  • Other important guidelines to follow after your procedure are:
  • Avoid applying ice or heat to the injection site for the first 72 hours post-procedure
  • Don’t take a hot bath or go to a sauna for the first few days post-procedure
  • Avoid consumption of any alcoholic beverages for the first week post-procedure
  • Avoid showering for the first 24 hours following your procedure
  • Limit caffeine consumption for the first week post-procedure
  • Avoid smoking

3 – 14 days post-procedure guidelines.

At this point in your healing, you should gradually increase your daily activities. 3 to 14 days is also when you can begin exercises. Proper exercise is a vital part of long-term results, and we can help you determine which exercises are best suited for your needs before your procedure.

Ice can be applied 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes as needed for comfort
Anti-inflammatory medications (such as Tylenol) can be taken to help manage any residual pain at this time, take as directed
Continue to avoid alcoholic beverages, smoking, or excessive amounts of caffeine

3 – 4 weeks post-procedure guidelines.

We highly encourage you to begin physical therapy to aid in your long-term healing and continued recovery at this point in your healing. A follow-up appointment will be made for you to meet with our physician to review your healing process. You must keep this follow-up visit even if your recovery is going well. If there are any adjustments to your customized treatment plan, this is when our physician will be able to make those decisions.

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SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Registered Nurse Practitioner Tonya Tuggle is Albuquerque’s choice for those who want to keep their youthful appearance and healthy glow. Tonya is passionate about educating patients on preventative skin care and providing non-surgical maintenance for graceful aging. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Tonya C. Tuggle, FNP-C

Tonya C Tuggle specializes in non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures and is a Nurse Practitioner and Master Level Injector.

Tonya C. Tuggle
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Eric Tuggle, DDS

Dr. Eric Tuggle is a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Eric Tuggle