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Santa Monica, CA | New York, NY

What Are Dermal Fillers and Fat Injections?

Dermal fillers and fat injections are non-surgical treatments designed to restore volume, smooth lines, and refine facial and body contours.

At Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, these treatments are tailored to:

  • Soften facial lines and folds around the nose, mouth, and chin
  • Rebuild lost structural volume in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas
  • Contour features such as the cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, and nose
  • Rejuvenate non-facial areas, including the hands, neck, chest, and body
  • Improve skin quality through collagen-stimulating techniques

The Core Difference

  • Dermal Fillers: Injectable gels (classified by the FDA as medical device implants) that deliver immediate or progressive volume using biocompatible materials.
  • Fat Injections (Lipotransfer): A two-in-one procedure that harvests fat from one area of your own body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and strategically transfers it where volume is needed.

Explore Our Filler & Fat Injection Services

Whether you are looking to address subtle lines, restore volume to specific areas, or achieve a complete facial refresh, Dr. Grossman offers targeted solutions tailored to your unique anatomy.

Advanced Volumization & Transfer

  • Liquid Facelift: A comprehensive, non-surgical approach using strategic layering of dermal fillers across multiple zones to restore youthful facial proportions.
  • Lipotransfer: Uses your own body fat as a natural filler to replace lost facial volume with long-lasting results.
  • Fat Transfer, Micro Fat & Nano Fat Injections: Advanced autologous fat techniques tailored to structural volume restoration or skin texture enhancement using stem-cell-rich nano fat.

Targeted Facial Enhancement

  • Eyes: Refresh dark hollows and tired-looking eyes with precise under-eye (tear trough) filler treatments.
  • Lips: Enhance lip volume, definition, and symmetry while smoothing surrounding fine lines.
  • Nose: Correct minor humps, asymmetry, or shape irregularities without surgery using a "liquid nose job."
  • Fillers for Crack Filling: Target fine surface lines and delicate facial "cracks" for a smooth, airbrushed finish.

Skin Quality & Specialized Techniques

  • Hyperdilute Fillers: Diluted biostimulatory fillers are injected superficially to stimulate natural collagen production, improving skin firmness, elasticity, and glow.
  • Neck & Chest: Smooth lines and restore lost volume to delicate skin on the neck and décolletage.
  • Hands: Rejuvenate aging hands by restoring volume to conceal visible veins, bones, and tendons.
  • Fillers for Body: Extend the benefits of dermal fillers beyond the face to address volume deficits and skin laxity on various body areas.
Plants

Types of Dermal Fillers Offered in Santa Monica

Grossman Dermatology offers dermal fillers in Santa Monica from every major material group. Dr. Grossman believes that different fillers have distinct qualities and that using the best product for each area is key to achieving a natural result.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers attract and bind water, which leaves skin looking hydrated and plump. The practice offers:

  • Juvéderm (Ultra XC, Ultra Plus, Vollure, Voluma, and Volbella
  • Restylane (Restylane, Restylane-L, Lyft, Silk, Kysse, Refyne, Defyne, and Contour)
  • RHA 2, 3, and 4
  • Belotero

Juvéderm Voluma has the thickest gel in its line and is used for cheeks and chin. Ultra Plus suits deeper wrinkles. Low-density Belotero is especially effective for very fine lines.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite Fillers

Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral found naturally in bone. Radiesse, the CaHA filler available at Grossman Dermatology, has a thicker consistency than hyaluronic acid fillers and stimulates new collagen production. Dr. Grossman uses it to build cheekbones, fill sunken cheeks, and restore a fuller chin.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

Sculptra is a biodegradable collagen stimulator. Instead of an instant change, it produces gradual results over a few months.

Dr. Grossman uses it to subtly enhance hollow cheeks, soften a prominent chin, and soften deep nasolabial folds. It is not used for lip enhancement.

Polymethyl Methacrylate Fillers

Bellafill combines PMMA microspheres with collagen gel to give lasting support under smile lines. The FDA approves non-absorbable fillers like this only for nasolabial folds and cheek acne scars, and notes that permanent fillers can be difficult or impossible to remove. Dr. Grossman discusses this tradeoff in detail before recommending it. Grossman Dermatology also offers Renuva.

Dermal Fillers vs. Fat Injections:
Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between manufactured dermal fillers and fat grafting depends on your aesthetic goals, required treatment volume, and personal preference.

Feature

Dermal Fillers

Fat Injections (Lipotransfer)
Source Ready-to-use, biocompatible manufactured gels Your own natural body fat
Preparation No donor site or fat harvesting required Requires a mild liposuction harvesting step
Best Used For Targeted tweaks, fine lines, lips, and precise contouring Pan-facial volumization and large-volume restoration
Longevity Temporary (ranges from 6 to 24 months based on product) Long-lasting; a portion of transferred fat becomes permanent
Downtime Minimal to none Mild downtime associated with harvesting and transfer

What Dermal Fillers Can and Cannot Do

Part of Dr. Grossman’s commitment to patient care is providing honest guidance on when fillers are the right solution and when alternative treatments are superior.

What Fillers Can Do

  • Restore Volume & Contour: Lift flat or hollow cheeks, strengthen a weak chin, and define a softening jawline.
  • Smooth Lines & Folds: Fill deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and delicate surface creases.
  • Refine Delicate Features: Plump thin lips, refresh hollow under-eyes, and correct subtle nose contours.
  • Improve Skin Quality: Stimulate natural collagen production for firmer, healthier skin.

What Fillers Cannot Do

  • Correct Severe Skin Laxity: Fillers add volume but do not tighten significantly sagging skin. For skin lifting, energy-based options under our Facial Tightening & Lifting section are better suited.
  • Relax Dynamic Expression Lines: Wrinkles caused by muscle movement (like frown lines or crow's feet) respond best to neuromodulators like BOTOX®, rather than fillers.
  • Provide Permanent Results: Most manufactured fillers are gradually absorbed by the body over time, requiring periodic maintenance treatments.
  • Large-Scale Body Augmentation: The FDA advises against using injectable fillers for significant breast or buttock enlargement.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

You may be an ideal candidate for fillers or fat injections if you are an adult over 21 looking to restore volume, smooth lines, or improve facial symmetry with realistic expectations.

Precautions & Considerations:

Per FDA guidelines, notify Dr. Grossman during your consultation if you have:

  • Active skin infections, cysts, pimples, rashes, or hives near the treatment site
  • Bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners
  • Severe allergies, a history of anaphylaxis, or known allergies to lidocaine or collagen
  • A history of keloid formation or excessive scarring

Note: The safety of dermal fillers has not been established during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Dermal filler treatment at Grossman Dermatology begins with a consultation and is typically quick, with little downtime. Here is what the process looks like from start to finish.

Consultation

  • Dr. Grossman starts with a thorough consultation
  • She evaluates your face, listens to your goals, and builds a plan together with you, sometimes combining several fillers or treatments
  • Cost depends on the filler type, the amount used, and the areas treated, so pricing is confirmed after your plan is set

Treatment

  • Fillers are injected with a fine needle or cannula, placed at the depth and in the locations Dr. Grossman has planned for each product
  • Many fillers contain lidocaine, a numbing agent that improves comfort
  • Placement matters as much as product choice, so she focuses on balance across the whole face

Recovery and Results

  • Mild swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness are the most common effects, and the FDA reports that many resolve within days to weeks
  • Hyaluronic acid fillers show results right away, while collagen stimulators such as Sculptra develop over a few months
  • Final results settle as swelling fades

Alternatives and Related Treatments

Dermal fillers work best for volume loss and lines, and some patients need a different or complementary treatment. Grossman Dermatology offers several, and Dr. Grossman often combines them with fillers:

The right mix depends on what is changing in your face. A consultation is the best way to find it.

Background

Why Choose Dr. Grossman for Fillers and Fat Injections in Santa Monica?

Dr. Grossman is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who completed her dermatology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Since founding Grossman Dermatology in 1995, the practice has treated more than 138,000 patients, and she has authored textbook chapters on fat injection techniques.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Patients also value her long consultations, where she explains each option, and her focus on results that look improved yet natural.

Liquid Facelift

Dr. Grossman believes in restoring the face to what it was in your youth. With this artistic and thoughtful filling approach, she creates a natural, refreshed appearance.

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Lipotransfer

A two-in-one procedure, lipotransfer removes fat from one area of the body and uses it as a facial filler where volume is needed.

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Fillers for Crack Filling

Fine lines and cracks in the face are a tell-tale sign of aging. Dr. Grossman utilizes fillers such as Belotero®, Restylane® Silk, and Juvéderm® Volbella to treat these.

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Eyes

Dr. Grossman uses fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Silk, and Belotero to help the eyes look open and fresh, rejuvenated and revitalized. 

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Nose

For those whose aesthetic concerns about their nose are just small tweaks, dermal fillers can be used to perform a “liquid nose job”.

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Lips

To deliver fuller, more attractive lips, Dr. Grossman uses fillers such as Juvéderm Volbella, Juvéderm, and Refyne. This is one of our most popular services.

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Hands

If you dislike looking down at your hands and seeing visible bones, veins, and tendons, Dr. Grossman offers hand fillers to achieve a more youthful appearance.

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Neck & Chest

The neck and chest are both highly susceptible to environmental factors, making them often the first to show signs of aging. Fillers can greatly help these areas. 

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Hyperdilute Fillers

When CaHA dermal fillers are diluted with saline and lidocaine and injected at superficial depths, they stimulate collagen growth, helping with firmness, hydration, elasticity, and overall glow.

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Fillers for Body

Did you know that dermal fillers are for more than just the face? They can actually address many areas of concern from head to toe—literally. 

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Fat Transfer, Micro Fat & Nano Fat Injections

Fat transfer uses your own fat to restore volume and refine contours. Dr. Grossman offers fat transfer, micro fat, and nano fat injections, tailoring the approach to each area and goal.

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Fillers and Fat Injections FAQs

Are Fat Injections Permanent?

Where Can Dermal Fillers Be Used?

Is There a Minimum Age for Dermal Fillers?

Are Fat Injections Permanent?

Some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed over time. In a survey reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgeons reported that most of the grafted fat remained present up to a year after facelift surgery. Individual results vary, and Dr. Grossman explains what to expect for your treatment area.

Where Can Dermal Fillers Be Used?

The FDA has approved dermal fillers for nasolabial folds, perioral lines, and volume in the lips, cheeks, chin, and back of the hands. Approvals vary by product and area, so Dr. Grossman reviews each filler's labeling with you before treatment.

Is There a Minimum Age for Dermal Fillers?

Yes. The FDA has approved dermal fillers for adults over 21. Dr. Grossman sees patients from their early 20s and up, and tailors each plan to the stage of aging being treated.

Compliance Notice and Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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