Facial Procedures
Dermal Fillers in New Jersey & New York City
Natural Facial Rejuvenation by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joseph Racanelli
Subtle
Never overdone
Precise
Surgeon performed
Balanced
Natural refinement



Aging affects every layer of the face. Over time, natural volume loss, changes in skin elasticity, and shifting facial fat can contribute to hollow cheeks, deep folds, thinning lips, and a tired appearance.
Dermal fillers are non-surgical injectable treatments designed to restore volume, enhance facial contours, and create a refreshed, natural-looking appearance.
Dermal filler treatments are performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Racanelli. His approach focuses on facial harmony, balance, and subtle enhancement rather than overfilling or creating an artificial appearance.
Patients visit our offices from throughout New Jersey and New York, including Morristown, Summit, Short Hills, Chatham, Madison, Livingston, Montclair, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Manhattan.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gel products designed to restore lost volume, improve facial contours, and soften certain facial folds and wrinkles.
Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found within the body that helps maintain hydration and volume within the skin.
When strategically placed, fillers can help restore youthful facial proportions while maintaining a natural appearance.
Before & After Photos


Real patient before and after photos, 100% uneditted results.
A Different Level of Care
Dr. Racanelli's Philosophy on Facial Fillers
One of the most common concerns patients express is looking overfilled or unnatural.
Dr. Racanelli takes a conservative approach to facial rejuvenation. Rather than chasing volume, he focuses on restoring balance and proportion.
The goal is not for others to notice filler.
The goal is for patients to look refreshed, rested, and naturally rejuvenated.
Every filler treatment at our practice is performed personally by Dr. Racanelli. We do not have nurse injectors on staff. When you book a filler appointment, Dr. Racanelli is the one in the room with the syringe, not a delegated provider you haven't met. For a procedure where precision and anatomical judgment matter this much, that distinction is worth knowing before you book.

Which Fillers Does Dr. Racanelli Use?
The Products We Use and Why It Matters
Not all fillers are the same, and part of getting a natural result is selecting the right product for each specific area of the face. We carry the full range of leading filler products, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, and Radiesse, and I choose between them based on what each patient's anatomy and goals require, not because of a brand preference or contract.
Here's how I think about it:
Juvederm Voluma has a firm, lifting consistency that works well for deep cheek structure and midface volume restoration. It integrates with tissue in a way that provides support, not just fill.
Restylane Kysse is my go-to options for lips, softer, more flexible formulations that move with the lip rather than creating stiffness. The lip is dynamic tissue. The filler has to behave the same way.
Belotero is a lighter product I use in areas where a heavier filler would look unnatural, fine lines and certain delicate areas where you need precision without bulk.
Radiesse is a calcium-based filler with a different mechanism than hyaluronic acid. It also stimulates your own collagen production over time, which makes it a good choice for patients who want both immediate correction and longer-term skin quality improvement in areas like the jawline and hands.
During your consultation, I'll explain exactly which product I recommend for your goals and why, so you're not walking in blind to what's being placed in your face.
Cannula vs. Needle, Why Technique Matters
How We Inject: The Role of Cannulas
Most patients don't realize there are two fundamentally different ways to deliver filler, with a sharp needle or with a blunt-tipped cannula, and that the choice affects both safety and outcome.
A needle is precise but punctures tissue repeatedly, which increases the risk of bruising and, more importantly, accidental injection into a blood vessel. A cannula is a flexible, blunt instrument that pushes tissue aside rather than cutting through it, which significantly reduces the risk of vascular injury and minimizes trauma to surrounding structures.
For certain areas, particularly the cheeks, jawline, and tear trough, I prefer to use a cannula for exactly these reasons. It allows me to distribute product more evenly through a single entry point, with less bruising and a lower risk of complications.
Some areas require the precision of a needle. I use whichever approach is safest and most appropriate for each specific area, not out of habit.
This level of technique-awareness is part of what you get when your injector is a trained plastic surgeon.
Common Areas Treated With Dermal Fillers
Lip Fillers
Lip fillers can enhance volume, improve symmetry, and define the lip border while maintaining natural movement and proportion.
Common Goals
- Restore age-related volume loss
- Improve lip definition
- Enhance balance between upper and lower lips
- Correct minor asymmetries
Cheek Fillers
The cheeks provide structural support to the midface. Volume loss in this area can contribute to flattening and sagging.
Cheek fillers can:
- Restore youthful contours
- Improve facial balance
- Support surrounding facial structures
- Enhance cheekbone definition
Jawline Fillers
Jawline filler can improve lower facial definition and create a more structured appearance.
Treatment may be appropriate for patients seeking:
- Improved jawline contour
- Better facial balance
- Mild enhancement of lower facial structure
Chin Fillers
The chin plays an important role in overall facial proportions.
Strategic filler placement can improve profile balance and enhance chin projection without surgery.
Nasolabial Folds
Often referred to as smile lines, these folds extend from the nose toward the corners of the mouth.
Fillers may help soften these folds and create a smoother transition between facial structures.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Strategic filler placement can improve the appearance of the nose without surgery, softening a dorsal bump, improving tip projection, or correcting mild asymmetry. Results are immediate, require no downtime, and are reversible.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is appropriate for patients with specific, limited cosmetic concerns. It is not a substitute for surgical rhinoplasty when structural changes are needed.
During consultation, I'll give you an honest assessment of whether a non-surgical approach can realistically achieve what you're looking for, or whether surgery would serve you better.

Who Is a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
You may be a candidate if you:
A consultation with Dr. Racanelli is the best way to determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Botox vs Dermal Fillers
Many patients are unsure which treatment is appropriate.
Botox
- Relaxes muscles
- Forehead lines
- Crow's feet
- Frown lines
- Lasts 3-4 months
Dermal Fillers
- Restores volume
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Lasts 6-24 months

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Longevity varies based on the product used, treatment area, metabolism, and lifestyle factors.
Results vary from patient to patient.
1
Lips
6–12 months
2
Cheeks
12-24 months
3
Jawline
12–24 months
4
Chin
12–24 months
What To Expect After Filler Treatment
Immediately following treatment, mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur.
Most patients return to work and social activities the same day.
Swelling typically improves over the first several days, with final results becoming more apparent as the filler settles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fillers cost in New Jersey?
Filler is priced per syringe. The number of syringes needed depends on the treatment area and the degree of correction. During your consultation, Dr. Racanelli will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and give you an exact quote before anything is scheduled. There are no surprises.
Will I look overfilled?
Dr. Racanelli takes a conservative approach focused on natural-looking enhancement and facial balance.
Are fillers reversible?
Many hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase if necessary.
Do filler injections hurt?
Most fillers contain lidocaine, and topical numbing is used to maximize comfort.
How long does swelling last?
Most swelling improves within several days.
Can fillers replace a facelift?
No and if someone is telling you otherwise, be cautious. Fillers restore volume and improve contour. They cannot tighten loose skin, reposition descended facial tissue, or address structural laxity. As a plastic surgeon who performs both non-surgical and surgical facial rejuvenation, I can assess which approach, or which combination, will actually achieve your goals. Some patients who come in asking for filler are better served by a surgical option. Some surgical candidates are genuinely well-served by fillers for years before they're ready for surgery. I'll tell you honestly which category you're in.
What is the best filler for lips?
The best filler depends on anatomy, goals, and desired outcome. Dr. Racanelli will recommend the most appropriate option during consultation.
Who performs the filler injections?
All dermal filler treatments at our practice are performed by Dr. Joseph Racanelli himself, not by a nurse injector, aesthetician, or medical assistant. Dr. Racanelli's surgical training in facial anatomy informs his approach to filler placement.
Why Choose Dr. Joseph Racanelli for Dermal Fillers?
Unlike many practices, including some that market themselves as surgical centers, Dr. Racanelli performs every injection himself. No nurse injectors, no physician assistants, no exceptions.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule Your Consultation
Whether you are interested in lip enhancement, cheek restoration, jawline definition, or comprehensive facial rejuvenation, dermal fillers can provide natural-looking improvements with minimal downtime.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Racanelli to learn whether injectable fillers may be right for you.