FILLERS
The procedure will be fully explained to you during your consultation. The injection procedure is commonly performed using a local anesthetic injection (similar to that used by a dentist) to numb the treatment area. The injection is painless.
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
Diminish vertical lip lines
Plump & enhance the lips
Smooth out a chin crease
Improve symmetry among facial features
There are a variety of FDA approved filler products that cosmetic surgeons use. In general, fillers are categorized by the substance they are made from.
Dermal filler injections are non-surgical and typically completed during an office visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with your cosmetic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals.
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history.
HYALURONIC ACID (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
FDA approved HA fillers include:
Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Contour
Belotero Balance
Revanesse Versa
The RHA collection: RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4
CALCIUM HYDROXYLAPATITE (CAHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles.
Radiesse® is not just a facial filler. Radiesse® stimulates the generation of new collage, restoring elasticity and youthfulness to the skin, rebuilding the skin's foundation. Radiesse is made of smooth cacium hydroxylapatite. Radiesse® initially performs as a filler, then, after several months, collagen begins to surround CaHA particles, building a "scaffolding", a strong structure that allows for longer term enhancement. After about 2 years, CaHA particles safely degrade and are metabolized by the body.
Radiesse® is effective for the treatment of moderate to severe lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth, including:
nasolabial folds
marionette lines
smile lines
facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting)
Radiesse® Advantages
Treatments take only 30 minutes
Results last for up to one year
Results are immediate
Minor side effects
Virtually painless
Little or no recuperation time
No allergy pre-testing required
POLY-L-LACTIC ACID
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches.
Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically classified as “collagen stimulators,” as their main mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment.
Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than 2 years.
FDA approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include: Sculptra® Aesthetic.
POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE (PMMA)
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic, biocompatible substance that has been used in medicine for much of the last century. In dermal fillers, PMMA takes the form of a “microsphere” or tiny ball, that remains beneath the skin indefinitely to provide continued support.
PMMA fillers will also contain collagen, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that provides structure and firmness.
FDA approved PMMA fillers include: Bellafill® (formerly known as Artefill).
AUTOLOGOUS FAT INJECTIONS (FACIAL FAT GRAFTING)
Autologous fat injections are the only injectable filler treatment that requires surgery, but results can last for many years. Your own fat is harvested from another area (autologous means “from the same person”), typically using liposuction.
The fat is then purified and injected into the face to help restore volume to the cheeks, temples, lower eyelids, or other areas.
Fat injections require specialized training to perform safely and achieve great results, and should only be performed by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
