Board-Certified Dermatologists in NYC

Dermal Fillers in NYC

Restore youthful volume and smooth away wrinkles with natural hyaluronic acid fillers—achieve a refreshed, symmetrical appearance that lasts for months.

Lady looking sideways with fresh face.

About Dermal Fillers

Lady getting filler injection.

Restylane and Juvéderm are FDA-approved dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin. These injectable treatments restore lost facial volume and smooth wrinkles, lines, and scars caused by aging, sun damage, and other factors.

What They Treat:

  • Nasolabial folds (laugh lines) and marionette lines
  • Fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes
  • Acne scars and facial hollows
  • Thin lips (volume enhancement and shaping)
  • Loss of volume in cheeks, chin, jawline, and temples

The Difference:While both are hyaluronic acid-based fillers, Restylane is a traditional option ideal for treating fine lines and lip enhancement, while Juvéderm uses more advanced technology for longer-lasting results. Both can be combined for optimal outcomes tailored to your specific needs.

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that works differently from traditional fillers. Rather than simply filling wrinkles and lines, Sculptra stimulates your body's own collagen production to gradually restore facial volume and smooth away signs of aging.

How Sculptra Works

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible, biodegradable substance that works deep within the skin to revitalize collagen production. As your body absorbs the Sculptra microparticles, it stimulates natural collagen growth, resulting in a gradual, natural-looking transformation.

What Sculptra Treats

  • Deep facial wrinkles and folds
  • Volume loss in the cheeks and temples
  • Hollow areas around the chin and jawline
  • Overall facial rejuvenation

Treatment and Results

Restylane logo

Preparation: Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) for two weeks before your appointment. Also avoid facial waxing, laser hair removal, or chemical peels for at least two weeks prior to treatment.

During Your Appointment: Treatments take 15 minutes to an hour depending on the areas being treated. Dr. Alvarez uses very fine needles for precise injections, and most fillers contain a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A topical numbing cream or ice pack can be applied for additional comfort. Most patients experience only a slight pinch or burning sensation during injections.

Results: Effects typically last 6-12 months, depending on the product used and individual factors. You'll see immediate improvement with natural-looking facial symmetry and contours. Maintenance treatments help sustain your refreshed appearance.

Key Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Immediate, Natural-Looking Results

See visible improvement right after treatment with enhanced facial symmetry and restored volume that looks and feels completely natural—never overdone or artificial.

Minimal Downtime & Quick Treatment

Get your treatment done in as little as 15 minutes with no recovery time needed. Resume normal activities immediately, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Restylane and Juvéderm?
Yes. Restylane is a traditional filler ideal for fine lines and lip enhancement. Juvéderm uses more advanced technology and tends to be longer-lasting. Both can be combined in a personalized treatment plan for optimal results.

Are Restylane and Juvéderm safe?
Yes. Both are FDA-approved and have undergone extensive testing. They've been used safely in thousands of procedures. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Alvarez, these treatments are extremely safe and effective.

What areas can be treated?
Primarily the face, including:

  • Cheeks, chin, jawline, and temples
  • Forehead and around the eyes
  • Nasolabial folds (laugh lines) and marionette lines
  • Lips (for volume and shaping)
  • Areas with wrinkles, scars, or hollows

How long do results last?
Typically 6-12 months, depending on the product used and individual factors. Maintenance treatments help sustain your desired results.

Do the treatments hurt?
Most patients feel only a slight pinch or burning sensation. Fillers contain local anesthetic, and we can apply topical numbing cream or ice packs for additional comfort. The treatment is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.

What should I expect after treatment?
You may experience mild tenderness, slight redness, swelling, or bruising that subsides within hours to days. Results are immediate with natural-looking volume and smoothness.

Can I combine Restylane and Juvéderm?
Yes. Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Karp can create a personalized treatment plan combining both products to address your specific needs and achieve maximum results.

Who is a good candidate for these treatments?
Anyone looking to restore a youthful appearance by reducing lines, wrinkles, hollows, or scars, or those seeking lip augmentation. Ideal candidates are in good general health without bleeding disorders or active skin infections.

Who should avoid these treatments?
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of severe allergies, autoimmune diseases, active skin infections, or bleeding disorders should avoid dermal fillers. Dr. Alvarez will evaluate your medical history to determine if you're a good candidate.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?
No. Restylane and Juvéderm are considered elective cosmetic procedures and typically require out-of-pocket payment or use of a flex spending account.

What is the aftercare?

  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
  • Keep head elevated and limit alcohol for 48 hours
  • Avoid sun exposure as directed
  • Follow any specific product restrictions
  • Resume normal activities immediately with minimal restrictions

What to Expect

Comprehensive exam

We will review your medical history, discuss your skin goals, followed by a skin exam.

Personalized treatment

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Instead, we’ll create a personalized plan for your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Ongoing support

We’ll monitor your progress, adjust filler treatments as needed, and guide you for long-term skin health.

Hear from our Happy Patients

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"Dr. Alvarez is a conscientious and compassionate physician. My family and I have been seeing him for 8+ years and I’ve referred him to family and friends alike.

Everyone is always pleased with the referral and the care they receive."

- V.R.

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"Dr. Alvarez is incredible - by far my favorite doctor. He has helped me with a multitude of issues - advocating to my insurance for necessary care and offering me options for everything.

He and his team are dedicated to giving excellent, welcoming, quality care - and they have great views from their office."

- B.G

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"Dr. Karp is truly amazing! When I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. She's knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident in her care.

I actually came to see her when my regular dermatologist couldn't get me in, but honestly, I won't be going back. Her exceptional care and welcoming demeanor have won me over completely. "

- K.P

Our Certifications & Awards

American academy of dermatology association logo
American society for dermatolgic surgery logo.
ABD logo. American board of dermatology.
NYU Grossman school of medicine logo.
Contact Our Downtown Manhattan Office
DOWNTOWN DERMATOLOGY