Facial Fillers
Introduction to Facial Fillers
here is an increasing
trend towards consumers desire for non-surgical alternatives. They
are non-invasive, affordable and provide immediate improvement. They
can be performed before or after surgical procedures, and they may
give patients a small “psychological” boost, delaying the need for
more invasive procedures. Patients that have fillers performed may
also have interest in taking care of their skin through professional
skin care. The following facial
fillers are currently utilized in our practice:
Juvederm® injectable gel is a smooth, colorless,
hyaluronic acid gel that is injected into facial tissue to smooth
wrinkles and folds, especially around the nose and mouth, lines
extending from the corners of the mouth, upper and lower lips and
some depressed acne scars. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring
sugar found in the human body. The role of hyaluronic acid in the
skin is to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin by holding in water,
and to act as a cushioning agent. The filler material contains no
anesthetic, so we administer a topical anesthetic for your comfort.
Juvederm injectable gel temporarily adds volume to facial tissue and
restores a smoother appearance to the face. Results are immediate
and may last up to 12 months. Expect mild swelling and mild
tenderness. Juvederm is our most used filler agent. (
www.juvederm.com)
Restylane® is another type of dermal filler
made from hyaluronic acid, similar to Juvederm. This clear gel is
used to provide volume and fullness when injected under the skin,
with your body’s own moisture helping maintain its long-lasting
shape. It contains no anesthetic, so we administer a topical
anesthetic for your comfort. Results are immediate and typically last
6 - 9 months or more. Common treatment areas are the lines between the
nose and mouth, lines extending from the corners of the mouth, as well
as the upper and lower lips. Acne scars also respond well to treatment.
Expect mild swelling and mild to no tenderness. (
www.restylaneusa.com)
Radiesse® is a safe, FDA-approved dermal filler
that gives you both immediate and long-lasting results of up to 1
year or longer. Radiesse filler stimulates the body to produce new
collagen and restores a healthy, natural look. This beneficial treatment
is a volumizer, and can be placed around traditional areas like the nose
and mouth, in the cheekbone and mid-face areas, and can fill sunken cheeks
and other indentations. This material should not be used in the lips, as an
adverse condition may occur. Radiesse filler is made of calcium-based
microspheres which are suspended in a water-based gel. For your comfort, a
dental block or lidocaine will be administered prior to treatment. Radiesse
is injected into the skin through a minimally invasive procedure and
provides immediate correction. Expect mild to moderate swelling for up
to 3 days. (www.radiesse.com)
Botox® is one of the most popular injectable
treatments in the U.S., but it is NOT considered a facial filler. Botox
works by being injected into the muscles of the face which are responsible
for excess expressions and lines, and blocking the nerve impulses so that
expression lines are greatly reduced or eliminated. For your comfort, we
administer a topical anesthetic prior to injection. The effects can be
fully seen within 3 to 10 days, and last about 4 months. Botox is often
combined with facial fillers in about 45% of patients who need filling
and softening at the same time. See other section for more information
on Botox. (www.botoxcosmetic.com)
Dysport® is the newest denervation agent on
the market, but is NOT considered a facial filler. FDA approved in early
2009, it is similar to Botox. As with Botox, the material uses botulinum
toxin A to block nerve impulses and lessen the effect of muscle movement.
Dysport is also reported to last about 4 months like Botox. Dysport may
spread more during injection, meaning the patient may require fewer injections,
with less potential discomfort, bruising and swelling. However, it will take a
more experienced injector with a good understanding of the musculature of the
face, since Dysport could spread into unwanted areas causing side effects of
blurry vision or droopy eyebrows. Dysport is also diluted in a different
manner than Botox, also calling for an experienced injector. Dysport is now
being used in our practice. (
www.dysport.com)
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At your consultation, Dr. James Matas will help you develop a treatment
plan that’s right for you. He’ll explain the type of injectable product to
bring about the best results and the suggested quantity. In some cases, your
treatment can be administered immediately following consultation!
He will advise you to avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen or Vitamin E before your treatment, as this may increase bleeding and bruising at the injection sites. He may also recommend you take Arnica Montana after injection, to minimize bruising and swelling, and a small dosage is available for purchase in our office at your request.
How the Treatment is Performed
Before treatment is performed, a topical anesthetic will be administered for your comfort. A series of small injections place the filler material beneath the skin and into the areas that require improvement. Since you are awake during treatment, you can provide Dr. Matas with immediate feedback on the correction he makes in each area. Treatment takes just a few minutes and you may drive yourself back to work or home. Depending upon the type of treatment, mild redness, bruising and tenderness may be experienced, but can usually be covered with makeup after treatment.
Your New Look
Bothersome lines and wrinkles will be gone…lips will be fuller… without the risk and expense of a surgical procedure. While the treatment effects are temporary, periodic touch-up injections can help you maintain the desired degree of correction all year long.
