Dermal Fillers

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL

Dermal Fillers Chicago, IL

A dermal filler is an injectable solution that can reduce visible signs of aging around the face. These treatments address concerns across varying regions of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, jawline, lips, and more, allowing you to restore a more youthful appearance that aligns with your inner vitality.

At Northwestern Medicine, our dermatologists specialize in nonsurgical rejuvenation and are known for providing refreshed results that flatter the natural facial structures of each individual they work with.

If you are ready to begin working with our team, please give us a call to set up a consultation at either our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest office.

About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gel-like solutions that can address signs of aging and augment certain features to refresh your natural appearance. Fillers are measured in syringes or cubic centimeters (cc) and are typically offered in 0.5 cc or 1 cc syringes. Different fillers are graded based on their consistency, which may be referred to as “G” or “G-prime.” The higher G products are more rigid and thick, and they are ideal for correcting deeper-lying concerns. Conversely, lower G products are softer and can augment more delicate features of the face. (1)

Available Fillers

At Northwestern Medicine, we offer two different collections of fillers: Juvéderm (JUVÉDERM®) and Restylane (Restylane®). Both of these fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) based, which is a naturally occurring substance that strongly attracts and retains moisture. (2) HA fillers are formulated with different viscosities, particle sizes, and biotechnologies to provide varying effects and results that can be enjoyed for lengthy periods of time. During your consultation, your dermatologist can help you determine which filler, or combination of fillers, will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Juvéderm Voluma

Juvéderm Voluma (JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA®) is a long-lasting filler that can effectively improve the mid-face, cheekbones, and cheeks. It can provide natural-looking volume and lift, allowing you to accentuate the natural contours of this region.

Juvéderm Ultra

Juvéderm Ultra (JUVÉDERM® ULTRA) is a filler that can delicately address the lips and general perioral region. It can augment the shape and plumpness of the lips to provide you with your perfect pout.

Juvéderm Ultra Plus

Juvéderm Ultra Plus is a thicker, viscous filler that can eliminate more significant concerns across the face. It is primarily used to correct nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other significant creases, and includes lidocaine for added comfort.

Restylane-L

Restylane-L can correct the appearance of wrinkles and creases found around the face. This formulation features lidocaine to reduce any potential discomfort during the injection process.

Restylane Kysse

Restylane Kysse is a flexible filler that can elevate the appearance of the lips. It is formulated with XpresHAn™ Technology, a biotechnology that allows the filler to integrate with your lips and naturally move with your expressions. (3)

Restylane Defyne

Restylane Defyne is a filler that can augment the shape of the chin, as well as soften deepening marionette lines and nasolabial folds. This filler also features XpresHAn™ technology, providing you with flexible support across the lower portion of your face.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for dermal fillers if you are interested in softening and reducing visible signs of aging or augmenting certain features. These include:

  • Wrinkles
  • Creases
  • Nasolabial Folds
  • Marionette Lines
  • Glabellar Lines
  • Thinning Lips
  • Facial Volume Loss
  • Under-eye Hollowing
  • Vertical Lip Lines
  • Malar Hollows

In order to receive fillers, you should be in good general health with realistic expectations regarding achievable outcomes. Our team will determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, your dermatologist will meet with you individually to learn more about your motivations and establish a more meaningful relationship with you. They will explain what dermal fillers are and how we inject them, review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic concerns, and assess your facial anatomy. Your dermatologist will then finalize your candidacy and create a treatment plan that suits your aesthetic goals. They will also answer any questions you may have about our array of fillers.

To schedule this consultation at either our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest office, please give us a call!

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your appointment, you will receive a set of preparation instructions. While they are fairly simple, it is important that you follow them carefully. They include:

  • Adjusting Your Routine: In the days leading up to your appointment, refrain from using any harsh skincare products that may affect your skin’s natural barrier function.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and protect your skin with plenty of moisturizer.
  • Avoid Consumption: Stop consuming alcohol or nicotine in the days before your injections.
  • Stop Taking Blood-Thinners: Discontinue using any blood-thinning medications or supplements, as they can increase the risk of unnecessary bleeding.
  • Arrive Prepared: Arrive at your appointment with skin that you have cleansed free of any makeup, skincare products, or fragrances. You should also remove any facial jewelry that lies in your desired treatment areas.

Procedure

When you arrive at our office, a member of the Northwestern Medicine team will lead you into a private treatment room where your dermatologist will meet with you. They will answer any remaining questions, cleanse your skin, and use a skin-safe marker to carefully mark out the areas to inject. Many of the fillers we offer contain lidocaine in their formula, eliminating the need for a topical anesthetic. They will then use a fine needle to administer the product to these areas. The injection pattern they use will vary depending on the areas being addressed and your goals, but it may include:

Linear Threading

Linear threading is an injection technique that introduces the needle to the length of a fold, crease, or line. As the needle is withdrawn, the filler is gradually deposited. This approach is typically used to soften wrinkles or folds, such as the nasolabial folds. (4)

Serial Punctures

Serial puncture is an injection technique that places small portions of filler through a series of close injections. The area is then massaged to ensure the product has been distributed evenly throughout the treatment area. This approach can be used to fill in fine lines and wrinkles around the face. (4)

Radial Fanning

Radial fanning is an injection technique where threads of filler are deposited similarly to that of the linear threading technique. However, before the needle is fully withdrawn, it is reinserted in a radial pattern, and another thread of filler is deposited. This technique is ideal when augmenting the appearance of the cheeks and cheekbone region. (4)

Crosshatching

Crosshatching is an injection technique that is based around the linear threading technique. When performed, several lines of filler will be created across the treatment area. This is followed by several more lines of filler that are made perpendicular to the first set. This creates a grid pattern that can be used to correct concerns such as marionette lines or hollowing along the lower jawline. (4)

Recovery

After you receive your injections, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, or redness around the treated areas. These effects will dissipate on their own over the following few days, but you may also manage them using over-the-counter medications. During this time, you can return to your routine, but you will need to refrain from touching, massaging, or placing any pressure on the treated areas. You will also need to avoid engaging in physical activities for approximately 24 hours. Your dermatologist will provide you with any additional instructions in-person.

Results

You will be able to see an immediate improvement in your appearance after your appointment. Your exact results will vary, but you can expect smoother-looking skin, more accentuated facial contours, elevated facial volume, and a more youthful-looking appearance overall.

The results of dermal fillers are long-lasting, with their duration of effects varying on the type of filler you received and the area in which it was administered. Most of our patients experience their results lasting between 6 months and 2 years, with many returning for retreatment after this point to preserve their renewed appearance.

Cost of Dermal Fillers in Chicago

The cost of your dermal fillers will vary depending on several factors including the type of fillers you receive, the amount of filler needed for your corrections, and more. Once your dermatologist has met with you to establish each of these details, they will converse with you about your financial obligations.

FAQ

What are dermal fillers made of?

The dermal fillers we offer at our practice are composed of hyaluronic acid. However, they may also be made of other materials such as poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite.

What regions of the face can dermal fillers correct?

Dermal fillers can soften and reduce concerns across the upper, middle, and lower portions of the face. These include, but are not limited to, the cheeks, cheekbones, glabellar lines, lips, chin, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, temples, under-eyes, and more.

Are dermal fillers reversible?

Most dermal fillers are not reversible once administered. However, HA-based fillers may be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

How will I know which dermal filler is right for me?

Attending a personal consultation is the best way to determine what filler, or combination of fillers, is right for you.

Can my dermatologist combine my dermal fillers with another facial rejuvenation treatment or procedure?

Yes, your dermatologist can combine your fillers with another facial rejuvenation treatment for more comprehensive and cohesive results. We recommend scheduling a consultation for personalized recommendations and suggestions based on your goals.

References

  1. Khalifa Al‐Ghanim, Richards R, Cohen S. A practical guide to selecting facial fillers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(12):3232-3236. doi:10.1111/jocd.15867
  2. Walker K, Basehore BM, Goyal A, Zito PM. Hyaluronic Acid. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/#article-32779.s2
  3. Restylane® Science & Technology.; 2023. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://www.restylaneusa.com/restylane-science
  4. Sánchez-Carpintero I, Candelas D, Ruiz-Rodríguez R. Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2010;101(5):381-393. doi:10.1016/S1578-2190(10)70660-0