Restoring volume and softening lines with the steady hand of a dentist who knows the anatomy
Restoring Volume and Confidence
What fillers actually do
Dermal fillers replace volume that the face loses with age in the cheeks, around the mouth, along the jawline. Botox addresses muscle activity that creates wrinkles; fillers address the underlying loss of fat and structure that makes the face look hollowed or tired. Most patients benefit from a combination of the two, planned together.
Where we typically place filler
The most common areas for filler are the cheeks, the smile lines (nasolabial folds), the marionette lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the jaw, and the jawline itself. We can also use filler under the eyes for the right candidate, and in the temples when significant volume loss has occurred. We are conservative and we layer treatment over time when needed.
The dentist’s perspective on facial structure
Dentists understand the relationship between teeth, bite, and facial support better than almost anyone. Loss of bone in the jaw or worn teeth can change how the lower face looks. Filler can address some of that, but sometimes the right answer is restorative dental work or a combination. We will look at the whole picture before recommending treatment.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels most often made of hyaluronic acid used to restore lost volume in the face, soften wrinkles, and improve facial contour. At Tatum Dentistry, Dr. Tatum places dermal fillers using premium products like Juvederm. Her training in head and neck anatomy as a dentist directly informs precise, conservative placement.
Do fillers hurt?
The injections are quick. Most fillers contain a built-in numbing agent, and we can apply topical numbing cream before treatment if you would like. You may feel a little pressure or pinching during placement. After the appointment, mild swelling and occasional bruising are normal and resolve quickly.
How fast will I see results?
Filler results are visible immediately. Some swelling in the first few days can make the results look more pronounced than the final outcome we recommend waiting two weeks before judging the final result or scheduling a touch-up.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox relaxes muscle activity that creates dynamic wrinkles, like the lines between your brows when you frown. Filler replaces volume that has been lost in the face. They do different things and many patients use both. We will explain which one (or combination) makes sense for your goals.
Will my face look “done”?
Not when it is placed conservatively. The goal is to restore what has been lost, not to add more than what was there. We tend to under-treat at first and add over time if needed — that is the difference between a face that looks rested and one that looks worked on.
Can fillers be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid–based fillers (like Juvederm) can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. We rarely have to reverse fillers we have placed, but it is reassuring to know the option exists. Other types of filler are not reversible, so we choose products carefully.
What about the “11 lines” and smoker lines around my mouth?
Those areas can be tricky. The vertical lines between the brows are usually treated with Botox. The fine vertical lines around the mouth — sometimes called smoker lines — are often best treated with specialty thread fillers, which we also offer.
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