It may seem like everyone is talking about dermal fillers these days as a fast, non-invasive way to achieve a more youthful look. If you’re considering dermal fillers, naturally you want to know everything about them that you can. Don’t worry, after reading this blog, you’re going to be a fillers expert! Here’s everything you need to know about dermal fillers.
No. Although both are injected into the skin, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a formulation of botulinum toxin that is designed to block the nerves leading to your facial muscles, relaxing those muscles so that your skin loses tension and smooths out. Dermal fillers are literally substances you fill the skin with to take the place of lost collagen. They serve to rehydrate the skin and restore facial volume, giving the skin a plumper, smoother, younger look.
Most dermal fillers are solutions of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that occurs in the body, and so is quite safe. This substance is great at mimicking the effects of collagen and stays in your body anywhere from three months to two years, after which it leaves the body naturally.
At Illuminate, we primarily recommend and offer the JUVÉDERM® line of dermal fillers. These are compositions of hyaluronic acid that vary according to your goals and where you wish to add volume. We have JUVÉDERM® fillers for the cheeks, lips, and other areas of the face to soften fine lines and wrinkles and plump up skin. There are dermal filler options for skin elsewhere on the body as well. At your consultation, we can help you determine which specific filler is right for you.
Now that you know the basics about Dermal Fillers, let Illuminate fill in the blanks. Visit our dermal filler page now to learn more about the different types of dermal fillers we have available at Illuminate and to schedule your own dermal filler consultation with our San Jose plastic surgeon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Setoguchi, PA-C
Kelly Setoguchi, PA-C is a certified physician associate and aesthetic medicine specialist with more than eight years of experience in medical aesthetics. As Director of MedSpa Operations at Illuminate Plastic Surgery, Kelly oversees clinician training, clinical operations, treatment protocols, and patient safety standards across the practice’s locations in San Jose, Palo Alto, and Morgan Hill.
Known for her refined aesthetic eye and commitment to natural-looking results, Kelly specializes in advanced injectable and laser treatments designed to help patients age gracefully while maintaining their unique features. Her expertise includes neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport, biostimulatory treatments including Sculptra, dermal filler, lip filler, and comprehensive full-face balancing. She also performs advanced laser and energy-based treatments including BBL, Moxi, Halo Tribrid, and nonsurgical procedures such as Avéli for cellulite reduction.
Kelly is especially recognized for creating subtle, balanced enhancements that prioritize facial harmony and long-term skin health. Her aesthetic philosophy centers on thoughtful, personalized treatment plans that enhance confidence while preserving natural beauty through every stage of aging.
Education and clinical excellence are central to Kelly’s approach. As a Sciton trainer, she remains at the forefront of laser technology and advanced aesthetic techniques while personally training and mentoring Illuminate’s clinical team. She is responsible for maintaining and updating all clinical policies, protocols, and safety standards to ensure patients receive the highest level of care across every Illuminate location.
Patients throughout Silicon Valley trust Kelly for her honest recommendations, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to combine artistry with evidence-based medicine. By integrating advanced injectables, laser treatments, and preventative aesthetic care, she helps patients achieve refreshed, natural-looking results that never appear overdone.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.