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Dermal Fillers

in Santa Monica, CA

Restore Volume. Refine Shape. Refresh Expression.

There’s a subtle power in the right filler, placed with intention. At Self Care LA, dermal fillers aren’t about transformation. They’re about calibration. Our board-certified physician, Dr. Bharat Kothakota (Doctor K), and the team at Self Care LA, specialize in facial rejuvenation with a distinctly natural aesthetic. Deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and volume loss in the cheeks or lips are common concerns we treat every day. Our team uses science-backed filler treatments to enhance your features in a way that feels natural and familiar—not overdone.

Based in Santa Monica, CA, we blend advanced cosmetic techniques with a personalized, physician-led approach. You’ll leave looking refreshed and feeling more aligned with the face you recognize in the mirror.

Volume Without the Drama

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to replenish volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial contours. Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid: a molecule naturally found in the body that binds to water to hydrate and plump the skin. Other types, such as calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid, stimulate collagen production over time to gradually restore facial volume.

At Self Care LA, we use FDA-approved dermal fillers to treat a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Volume loss in the cheeks and under eyes
  • Thin lips or loss of lip definition
  • Nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth)
  • Marionette lines (lines extending downward from the mouth)
  • Frown lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement

The result is a more youthful appearance that’s soft, subtle, and personalized. Our approach focuses on achieving natural-looking results, rather than overfilled features.

Santa Monica dermal fillers model with brown hair

What’s In the Syringe?

Types of Dermal Fillers We Offer

Restylane

This denser filler is often used for deeper facial wrinkles and structural support. It works well in the lower face and can stimulate new collagen growth. Results tend to last up to two years.

Sculptra

Unlike traditional fillers that provide instant volume, Sculptra stimulates the body to produce new collagen over time. It’s a gradual approach to facial rejuvenation, ideal for diffuse volume loss or contouring larger areas like the cheeks or temples.

Juvéderm Fillers

The Juvéderm collection is a mainstay in modern aesthetics. Each product in the line is made with cross-linked hyaluronic acid, which helps bind moisture within the skin and maintain volume over time. Because of the way the HA is structured, these fillers absorb more slowly—allowing for longer-lasting, natural-looking results.

Juvéderm fillers can be used to treat everything from deep nasolabial folds to lip definition, midface structure, and under-eye hollows. Your treatment is fully customized based on your anatomy and the specific concerns you want to address.

  • Juvéderm XC smooths smile lines and folds around the mouth with results that can last up to a year.
  • Ultra XC enhances lip volume and shape for a fuller look that still feels soft and natural.
  • Voluma XC lifts and contours the cheeks and chin area, providing structure and volume that lasts up to two years.
  • Volbella XC is perfect for fine-tuning the lips and smoothing vertical lip lines. It’s also FDA-approved for under-eye hollows and tear troughs.
  • Vollure XC softens moderate to severe facial wrinkles, particularly around the nose and mouth, with effects that can last up to 18 months.
  • Ultra Plus XC delivers deeper correction for pronounced lines and volume loss, offering durable results around the nose and mouth for a year or more.
Santa Monica dermal fillers model with brown hair

Where We Place It Matters

Facial Areas We Treat

  • Cheeks & Midface: Restore youthful curves and support facial structure.
  • Lips: Add volume, correct asymmetry, or redefine shape while maintaining natural softness.
  • Smile Lines: Minimize deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines for smoother contours.
  • Jawline & Chin: Enhance definition, address sagging, and balance facial proportions.
  • Under Eyes: Treat hollows and tired-looking tear troughs with precision placement.

Each injectable treatment is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and preferences. Your consultation is where we map out the best approach to ensure optimal results.

Not Just Pretty—Here’s What They Do

Dermal Filler Benefits

Dermal fillers do more than smooth lines. They restore confidence. When carefully placed, hyaluronic acid fillers rehydrate skin and plump thinning areas, bringing back youthful fullness. Poly‑L‑lactic acid spurs collagen growth, giving your face long‑term structure and bounce. The result is a softer, fresher expression that reflects inner vitality. At Self Care LA, our patients often say they “look rested, not different,” valuing outcomes that feel authentic over exaggerated.

Are You Filler-Ready?

Are Dermal Fillers Right for You?

Dermal fillers are best suited for individuals in good health who are starting to notice visible signs of aging, volume loss, or changes in facial contour. If you’re looking to soften lines and wrinkles, restore balance to facial features, or subtly enhance natural fullness in areas like the lips or cheeks, fillers may be an excellent fit. They’re often used to address age-related hollowing, deep folds, or asymmetry without the downtime of surgery. However, not everyone is a candidate. If you have active acne near the injection sites, certain autoimmune conditions, or known allergies to filler ingredients, alternatives may be recommended. At your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin condition, medical history, and cosmetic goals to determine the safest and most effective approach for you.

Filler, But Make It Personal

Your Dermal Filler Consultation

During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your goals, and assess your facial anatomy. We’ll talk openly about what fillers can (and can’t) do, and build a treatment plan that supports your timeline, comfort level, and aesthetic preferences.

New to fillers or fine-tuning past results, you’ll receive straightforward advice, expert care, and a plan designed to grow with your goals.

Before You Book, Here’s the Breakdown

What to Expect from Your Filler Treatment

Most dermal filler treatments take 30 to 45 minutes and require little to no downtime. The area is cleansed, numbed if needed, and injected with small amounts of filler using a fine needle or cannula. Results are visible immediately, though mild swelling or bruising may occur for a few days.

Some fillers, like Sculptra, require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Others offer instant volume in a single visit. Your provider will help set expectations based on your treatment plan.

Santa Monica dermal fillers model with red hair

Healing Looks Different on Everyone

Dermal Filler Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery from dermal fillers is typically minimal. Some patients experience redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which resolves within a few days. You can return to most normal activities right away, though we recommend avoiding intense exercise, alcohol, and facial massages for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment.

To maintain your results, we’ll guide you on follow-up treatments and skincare. Many patients return every 6 to 12 months depending on the type of filler used and their body’s metabolism.

Filler Lifespans, From Lips to Cheeks

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Filler longevity varies based on the type of product, the area treated, and your body’s natural breakdown process. Here’s a general guideline:

  • Juvederm and Restylane: 6 to 18 months
  • Sculptra: Results build over time and can last up to two years

Regular maintenance can extend your results and reduce the need for more frequent touch-ups.

This Isn’t Paint-by-Numbers Aesthetics

Why Patients Choose Fillers at Self Care LA

At Self Care LA, dermal filler treatments are never one-size-fits-all. Every injection is performed by a medically trained professional who understands both the science of facial anatomy and the nuance of aesthetic artistry. Patients come to us because we prioritize subtle, natural-looking results. Enhancements that refresh without erasing your identity. Safety is foundational; all treatments are performed in a clinical environment by licensed providers who know how to deliver consistently excellent care. Each plan is personalized, taking into account your individual anatomy, skin quality, and lifestyle. Under the direction of Dr. Kothakota—whose dual background in emergency and aesthetic medicine ensures a high standard of precision—patients can feel confident they’re in skilled, attentive hands.

Ready to Refresh Your Look?

Schedule your consultation for dermal fillers in Santa Monica, CA today. Our team at Self Care LA is ready to help you feel like yourself again, just a little more rested, a little more refined. Call (323) 337-3445 or book online to get started.

Dermal Filler Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, improving skin smoothness and elasticity alongside volume restoration.

HA and CaHA give immediate volume, while poly‑L‑lactic acid (PLLA) gradually builds new collagen for long-term contouring.

Absolutely. Fillers can be used alongside Botox, laser, or microneedling to refine your look. Timing between treatments ensures optimal healing.

Pricing starts around $650 per syringe at Self Care LA. We offer Allē Rewards for Juvéderm products and flexible payment options.

Avoid blood thinners, exercise, sauna, and alcohol 24 hours before and after. We also recommend Arnica tablets to minimize bruising.

Yes. Restylane and Juvederm can be dissolved if needed, additionally providing peace of mind.

Take The Time To Invest In Yourself

Schedule your appointment at Self Care LA today!

Ready to offer your skin a second chance? Our aesthetic specialists have years of experience delivering stunning outcomes. Schedule your consultation in Santa Monica today. We can’t wait to treat you to the self-care you deserve.

1426 Montana Avenue, Suite 2, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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