What Are Dermal Fillers?

Knowing which product is right for you can be difficult if you’re new to the world of dermal fillers. At our Los Gatos, CA, practice, you’ll learn about the different types of fillers and why there are so many options. We offer only FDA-approved fillers. Our team of injectors provides unbiased information and will never recommend a treatment you don’t need or that won’t address your concerns.

Fillers can minimize wrinkles, restore volume, enhance facial contours, or create plumper lips. Some fillers last a few months, allowing you to get a sense of whether a particular look is right for you. Others can last 2 years or more and stimulate collagen production.  

I have been to several locations for fillers and Botox. I have switched doctors in the past because either they try to oversell, are heavy-handed or terrible front desk. A few months ago, I was prepping to go on a cruise to Hawaii and noticed that my forehead needed a little pick me up. I found RefinedMD online. I must say, that was one of the best decisions I’ve made in regards to cosmetic services. 

Sue T., 5-Star Google review

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Dr. Steven Swengel
Dr. Steven Swengel
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.

Meet Dr. Steven Swengel
Dermatologist
Board-Certified Dermatologist

What Can Fillers Treat?

Dermal fillers are commonly used to address the following concerns:

  • Lips: Achieve fuller, more defined lips
  • Cheeks: Create enhanced contours
  • Nasolabial folds: Smooth lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  • Under-eye hollows (tear trough filler): Reduce dark circles and a tired appearance
  • Jawline and chin: Enhance the definition for a sculpted look

We can also perform a “liquid facelift” by combining fillers with BOTOX® injections for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Your Dermal Filler Options

Filler is an umbrella term for certain cosmetic injectables that increase volume in a specific area. The active ingredient in most fillers is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that helps the skin retain moisture. During your consultation, we’ll work together to determine your goals and match you with the best product and possible outcome.

Volumizer Fillers

Typically composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), volumizer fillers add volume beneath the skin to restore lost fullness or enhance targeted areas, such as lips, cheeks, or under-eye hollows. These fillers deliver instant results, making them perfect if you want quick outcomes. Depending on the specific product and treated area, the effects usually last from 6 to 18 months. Volumizer fillers do not promote collagen production or create long-term changes in the skin; instead, they provide immediate plumping and smoothing effects that can be reversed if needed. HA fillers include JUVÉDERM, Restylane®, and Belotero Balance®.

Biostimulator Fillers

Also called collagen stimulators, fillers such as Sculptra® and RADIESSE® take a different approach by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. These injectables contain compounds like poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite that gradually improve skin texture, firmness, and volume over time. Unlike volumizer fillers, biostimulators do not provide instant results; noticeable changes can take weeks or months to appear as collagen rebuilds. However, their effects are longer-lasting—often up to 2 years—and they deliver more natural-looking enhancements that improve skin quality over time. Unlike HA fillers, however, collagen stimulators cannot be reversed once administered.

Clinician preparing to inject patient's cheek

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SKINVIVE by JUVÉDERM®

SKINVIVE by JUVÉDERM is the initial microdroplet injectable sanctioned by the FDA to enhance the smoothness of the skin on the cheeks. This innovative solution boosts hydration levels, imparting a radiant glow that endures for up to 6 months. While fillers add volume and contour specific areas, like cheeks or lips, SKINVIVE focuses on improving overall skin quality and hydration through deep hydration. Its more water-like consistency allows it to spread throughout the skin, boosting hydration and smoothing fine lines. 

Come in To Learn More

Women and men considering dermal fillers in Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, and surrounding areas choose RefinedMD for their treatments. Request a consultation using the online form or call us at (408) 688-2082 to schedule an appointment.

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Santa, But Make It Refined: A Holiday Night Out

This isn’t your standard holiday party. Join RefinedMD on December 4 for a festive evening filled with a little glamour, a little mischief, and plenty of holiday cheer. Stop by the office, grab a cocktail, explore offerings from local vendors, and strike a pose for a photo with our very special sexy Santa. Bring a friend, make it a date night, or simply stop in to celebrate with the RefinedMD team. Expect an evening designed for mingling, shopping, sipping, and kicking off the holiday season in style, all with a distinctly Refined twist. Additional details are coming soon, so save the date and start deciding what you’re going to wear for that Santa photo.

Define Your Target: CoolSculpting Focused on Results

Choose the area you want to transform, and let’s focus on it. RefinedMD’s CoolSculpting special offers a set package price for a defined body area, including the lower abdomen, full abdomen, flanks, back, neck and chin, or inner or outer thighs. Complete your personalized package within 120 days as our team focuses on helping you achieve visible results in your selected area. It’s a straightforward approach to body contouring: one target area, one package price, and a treatment strategy centered on your goals. Plus, medically eligible patients who purchase a qualifying CoolSculpting package receive 12 weeks of microdosed tirezepatide at no additional cost. Schedule a consultation to determine eligibility and create your transformation plan.

Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.

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