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Call Injectable & Fillers Overview in Houston TX
Visible signs of aging plague the best of us. Over time, vibrant and youthful skin will slowly age and change. Skin eventually thins and loses its natural production of collagen — a vital ingredient for plump and healthy-appearing skin. Thin skin leads to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, nose and mouth. For many, injectables are the answer to this problem — they help older skin look and feel elastic and youthful. Each option is tailored to your unique aesthetic goals, from neuromodulators that relax dynamic wrinkles to dermal fillers that restore lost volume.
At Leo Lapuerta, MD, Plastic Surgery, every injectable treatment is performed by Dr. Leo Lapuerta, a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Lapuerta personally administers all injectables and fillers, ensuring precision, safety, and a beautifully balanced outcome. His expertise in HA, PLLA, PMMA, and CaHA fillers, as well as fat and collagen injections, allows him to customize treatments for rejuvenation and enhancement while maintaining your natural look. Schedule a consultation today to explore the best options for your aesthetic goals.
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“Best Botox and fillers from Dr Lapuerta! I have been to a few Drs. in the Houston/Webster area and Dr Lapuerta has provided me the best results! The office staff is also so friendly! Great office tucked away in Pearland. I really don't write many reviews but wanted anyone who has had a " bad batch" of Botox or fears of inexperienced injectors to know that you will not encounter these issues at Dr. Lapuerta's office.”
Review from HH | Source: Yelp | April 12, 2019 Plastic Surgery Patient
Injectables and fillers are non-surgical treatments designed to rejuvenate the face by smoothing wrinkles, restoring lost volume, and enhancing facial features. Each type of injectable serves a different purpose and comes with its own unique benefits. Dr. Lapuerta works with each patient to carefully select the right products based on their facial structure, skin condition, and aesthetic goals.
Advancements in technology have led to the development of a wide range of dermal fillers designed to rejuvenate aging skin. Some fillers are made from naturally occurring substances like collagen, while others are synthetically formulated for long-lasting results. The ideal filler depends on the patient’s skin condition and aesthetic goals, ensuring a customized approach to facial rejuvenation.
Neuromodulators such as Botox are formulated with botulinum toxin type a. When injected into key facial muscles, the product pauses the muscle contractions that cause dynamic wrinkles to form in places like the forehead, brow, and eye areas. As a result, the skin smooths out, resulting in a visible reduction in signs of aging. The results of neuromodulators typically last for 3-4 months.
Fat transfer uses the patient’s own fat to sculpt and rejuvenate hollow areas like the cheeks, temples, or under eyes. The fat transfer procedure begins with liposuction, where excess fat is carefully harvested from a donor area on the patient’s body. Once extracted, the fat is purified and meticulously reinjected into the targeted areas using a precise layering technique. The results are long-lasting, providing a natural approach to facial rejuvenation.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the skin, bones, cartilage, and teeth of both humans and animals. When used as a dermal filler, it is extracted, purified, and converted into a sterile liquid for cosmetic enhancement. This filler is especially popular for lip augmentation, providing natural-looking volume and definition. Some collagen fillers are derived from animal sources, requiring allergy testing before treatment to ensure a safe and complication-free procedure. Results last for 3-6 months between touch-ups.
Calcium hydroxyapatite, a substance naturally present in human bones and teeth, is processed into a liquid form for use as a dermal filler. Commonly known as Radiesse®, this filler is denser than many others, making it an excellent choice for restoring volume and smoothing deep creases. It is also known for its longer-lasting effects compared to other filler options available on the market, with benefits that last for 12-18 months.
Hyaluronic acid is another substance that is naturally found in the human body. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvederm work by drawing moisture to the treatment area, rebuilding youthful volume and smoothness. Results typically last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism.
Polylactic acid is a synthetic filler that restores lost volume and stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production, promoting long-term rejuvenation. While the initial contouring effects are visible immediately after injection, improvements in skin quality continue to develop over the following months. This type of filler can last as long as 2 years between touch-ups. One of the most well-known brands offering polylactic acid fillers is Sculptra®.
PMMA injections, widely recognized under the brand name BellaFill®, are long-lasting dermal fillers known for their durability. Unlike fillers made solely from natural substances, PMMA combines microspheres with a collagen-based solution, creating a denser, more structured filler. This makes it an excellent choice for deep creases and reconstructive treatments, particularly in areas with significant tissue loss. Because of its unique formulation, PMMA fillers can provide results that last several years or more.
Most injectable treatments are performed in the doctor’s office with the use of local anesthetic creams if necessary..
For filler treatments, the substance will be injected gradually in even layers to make sure a natural-looking result and contour are achieved. Sometimes, it may take more than one full syringe depending on how much volume is needed.
During a neuromodulator treatment, Dr. Lapuerta carefully injects small amounts of the neuromodulator into specific areas, such as the forehead, crow’s feet, or frown lines, using a fine needle. The treatment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, with little to no discomfort and no downtime.
The fat injection procedure is a bit more involved than other types of injectables. The process begins with liposuction, where excess fat is gently harvested from a donor area, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. The extracted fat is then carefully purified. Once prepared, Dr. Lapuerta strategically injects the fat into the targeted area using a precise layering technique to ensure smooth, natural-looking results. Because the body absorbs some of the transferred fat over time, a slight overcorrection may be performed to achieve the desired volume.
With so many different types of fillers to choose from, filler injections have a variety of different uses and address a variety of different facial concerns. Some of the most frequently requested sites for filler injections are:
Lip fillers can address a number of issues both on and surrounding the lips. For those who wish to give themselves plump and beautiful lips, lip fillers can add volume to enhance the appearance of your lips. Lip fillers can also reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines that appear with aging.
Do you feel like you always look tired? Under eye bags may be the culprit — and fillers could be your answer! Under eye fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and bags under the eyes, leaving your face looking more youthful and refreshed.
Face fillers are generally used to address wrinkles and fine lines on the face, particularly around the mouth and nose. Since face fillers smooth out the skin around the injection site, it can also help improve facial symmetry.
Lost facial volume can result in sunken cheeks that can detract from your appearance. Cheek fillers restore lost volume to the cheeks, giving you vibrancy and youthful bounce.
The most popular treatment areas for neuromodulators like Botox include the forehead to reduce horizontal lines, the glabellar lines (frown lines) between the brows, and the crow’s feet around the eyes. Other areas include the bunny lines on the nose, the chin to soften dimpling, and the jawline for facial slimming. Neuromodulators can also be used to lift the brows, reduce a gummy smile, and smooth neck bands, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance.
Fat injections, also known as fat transfer or autologous fat grafting, are commonly used to restore volume and enhance contours in several areas of the face and body. Popular treatment areas include the cheeks, to add youthful fullness, the under-eye hollows, to reduce a tired appearance, and the lips, for subtle, natural enhancement. Fat injections can also smooth nasolabial folds and marionette lines, improving facial harmony. Beyond the face, this technique is often used for hand rejuvenation, breast enhancement, and buttock augmentation.
Patients love both the efficacy and ease of injectable treatments, which provide a refreshed, youthful look without the need for surgery. Most injectables come with minimal downtime, allowing a return to daily activities immediately after treatment. Patients can see the results of their treatment quickly. Fillers show immediate improvements, while neuromodulators take a few days to take effect. The highly customizable nature of these treatments allows you to enhance your natural beauty while maintaining your face's unique balance and proportions. In addition to their short-term benefits, fillers that boost natural collagen production can also improve your skin's tone and radiance.
Injectable treatments have the advantage of a quick and easy recovery, with most treatments allowing an immediate return to regular activities. Here’s what to expect:
Following a filler treatment, you can expect to see almost immediate results. There may be light swelling, redness, or bruising on the treated area, but these side effects generally subside after a few days. Patients are free to return to a normal routine a few hours after treatment, but your surgeon may ask you to take a few days off from any strenuous exercise.
Recovery from a cosmetic neuromodulator treatment is quick and requires little to no downtime. Most patients resume normal activities immediately, though mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint bruising at the injection sites may occur and typically fade within a few hours to a day. Dr. Lapuerta advises avoiding rubbing the treated areas, strenuous exercise, and excessive heat exposure for the first 24 hours to ensure optimal results. Full effects develop gradually over 3 to 7 days, leaving the skin looking smoother, refreshed, and naturally youthful for 3 to 4 months.
Recovery varies depending on the treatment area and the amount of fat transferred. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness at both the donor and injection sites, which typically subside within one to two weeks. Dr. Lapuerta recommends avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the transferred fat to establish a blood supply, ensuring the best results.
Most injectables provide near-immediate improvements in facial creases, hollows, or facial contours. However, the onset and longevity of results will depend on your injectable treatment type.
Regular maintenance treatments can help sustain your results over time. Dr. Lapuerta works alongside each patient to design a long-term treatment plan personalized to their needs.
Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with 30 years of experience helping patients reduce visible signs of aging. To turn back the hands of time and recapture your youthful appearance, Dr. Lapuerta suggests facial filler injections. These treatments can help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and shadows on the face. Dr. Lapuerta has been serving patients in Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas, for over two decades, and is an expert when it comes to filler injections.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule a filler injections consultation, contact us today!
Average Procedure time
Post-op Follow-up
Procedure Recovery Location
30 minutes
2 Weeks
Outpatient
Filler injections provide facial enhancement without the time, expense, or risk involved with surgery. They usually consist of a gel-like substance that is injected directly into the target area on the face. These procedures are considered outpatient.
Results may vary depending on what kind of filler is used and the location of the target area. In general, filler injections will last somewhere between 6 and 18 months. For more details, talk to Dr. Lapuerta about the specific type of filler used for your procedure.
The cost of dermal filler injections depends on the number of syringes used and the treatment area. Some areas may require multiple syringes for optimal results, and patients treating several areas in one session may see a range in pricing. On average, costs range from $350 to $1,500 per session. During your consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will evaluate your needs and provide a personalized treatment plan along with an accurate cost estimate.
All dermal fillers used by Dr. Lapuerta are FDA-approved, ensuring they meet strict safety and efficacy standards. Most fillers are made from biocompatible substances, such as hyaluronic acid, which naturally occur in the body. Because the results are temporary, any unwanted effects will fade over time, making fillers a safe and reversible cosmetic option.
Yes, most patients require maintenance treatments to preserve their results. Naturally derived fillers are gradually absorbed by the body over 6 to 12 months, causing a gradual loss of volume. Regular reinjections help sustain a refreshed and youthful look. While some patients may find upkeep frequent, many feel the natural feel and look of fillers make them well worth the maintenance.
Botox and dermal fillers serve different purposes. Botox relaxes facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles, leading to smoother skin. However, if volume loss or hollow contours are also concerns, fillers provide the necessary plumpness and definition that Botox alone cannot achieve. Many patients choose to combine Botox with fillers for a more comprehensive non-surgical facial rejuvenation, often called a "liquid facelift." Complementary treatments like chemical peels or laser procedures, can further enhance results.
