Injectables:
Our Approach
Fillers are recommended only after
a complete facial evaluation by one of our surgeons. These
treatments are then applied when appropriate.
 |
- Treatments are carried out by our physicians,
as we believe there is risk related to any procedure
and we strive to minimize this risk. Further we believe
the results are technique dependent, and, therefore,
the procedure isn't delegated to an assistant.
- Our selection of fillers is based on two
factors: safety and effectiveness.
|
SYNTHETIC FILLERS
Fillers can be an effective temporizing measure to reduce
wrinkles and fill depressions related to aging. All
fillers we use in our office are FDA approved and have
been shown to be safe.
- HYALURONIC FILLERS:
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccaride (a type of sugar)
that occurs naturally in the human body. Its most important
function is to carry and bind water. Non-animal hyaluronic
acid does not contain animal protein and does not require
a skin test prior to use. It can be used to reduce fine
wrinkles, deep folds and augmenting lip fullness. Treatments
can result in temporary swelling, redness and tenderness.
It depends on the individual agent and location of
the injection. For example, fillers injected
into the lips may be absorbed as early as 3 months.
Examples of Hyaluronic fillers
are Restylane,
Juvederm, and others.
Our experience with Restylane has been extremely positive.
It is a very effective filler for fine wrinkling around
the mouth, as well as, the naso-labial folds and lips.
Early patient satisfaction has been impressive - instant
gratification is the major benefit! The major
disadvantage of this product is the short duration of
time.
RADIESSE® (More
Info ») is a long-lasting
synthetic filler material that is approved by the FDA
as a soft tissue augmentation in two specific areas:
the vocal cords and the bladder. Specific use for face
wrinkles is pending, but its use "off label" is
permitted. We are using this synthetic material to fill
skin depressions and deep folds.
Radiesse® has immediately observable results, lasts 1-1.5
years and has very little risk of allergic reaction.
It is calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance found in bone
that is made into an injectable paste. When used in the
lips, some lumpiness has been observed, therefore we
are not using this material for lip augmentation. We
are very impressed with the ease of administration and
results with Radiesse. It is the best choice for
the naso-labial folds.
- FAT TRANSFER (grafting) AS
A PERMANENT FILLER
 |
Fat
Transfer to the face adds volume where time has reduced
the facial fat - a sign of aging. New technology
has made fat grafts more effective - A potentially
permanent filler. |
Fillers add volume to areas of the
face to enhance appearance. Aging
changes in the face involve one of several aspects of
the face. Loss of elasticity of the skin,
downward migration of fat pads under the skin, and loss
of volume of the face thru loss of fat.
Fillers can be used as a temporary
fix for this loss of volume. However,
a disadvantage of a synthetic filler is that it is temporary,
requiring repeated expensive treatments.
Adding the patient’s own fat to augment
deficient areas, can enhance beauty and reverse some
of the signs of aging. The
fat can be aspirated (suctioned) from one area, for example
the abdomen, and injected into an another area, such
as the face. Survival of fat grafts is technique
dependent - but skillfully done fat transfers can be
potentially permanent. Fat transfers can be done as a
stand-alone procedure, and are often used in conjunction
with facelifts and other cosmetic facial procedures.
Fat transfer to the top of the hand is easy and is the
only effective method of hand rejuventation.
Although the use of fat transfer from
one area to another is not a new procedure, recent innovated
techniques have significantly improved our results with
fat grafting. We are employing Water Assisted
Liposuction » to harvest fat for transfer. This is a gentle technique
that protects and preserves the fat cells, in fact
90% of the fat cells are viable (living). Published
studies have documented 70% graft take using this method
of fat harvest and the results we are seeing are consistent
with these studies.
As with any cosmetic procedure, the best way to determine
the appropriateness of fat grafting is in a personal
consultation with a Surgeon certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery.
 Filler Treatments for Anti Aging Skin Care: Youth in
a Syringe?
Cosmetic Surgery: Promises and Pitfalls™
PROMISES
 |
Injection
of various materials into wrinkles can eliminate
those wrinkles without plastic surgery. These treatments
are offered in doctors' offices, beauty salons, day
spas, and even house parties. Local and national
marketing provide a huge demand for filler treatments.
Because of their effectiveness and ease of administration,
these fillers
are fast becoming one of the most popular
cosmetic procedures. |
PITFALLS
Many different materials have been
tried through the years, with varying degrees
of success. However, none has proven to be permanent.
Some last only a few weeks or months and others have
even had disastrous results.
- Used appropriately fillers can improve signs
of aging and delay the need for cosmetic surgery. If
not used selectively and judiciously, results can be
disappointing.
- Though often marketed as an inexpensive
alternative to cosmetic surgery the accumulative
cost of repeated injections can be expensive.
Second opinions: As with
any procedure, when considering fillers, a second opinion
is often helpful. Since, this is a non-surgical procedure
and can be done by any physician. A surgeon certified by
the American Board of Plastic Surgery may advise this treatment,
but can also provide surgical care when indicated.
Other Injectables: BOTOX, DYSPORT, ETC. Page
»
Facial Rejuvenation Page »
Botox
Promises and Pitfalls Information »
More
Promises and Pitfalls Information »
Back to
Top » |
