Facial fillers are mostly liquid implants used to replace tissue lost from beneath the skin. As we age our tissues lose fat, bone, moisture, and elastic fibers that help us look youthful and attractive. Prior to the discovery of compatible facial implants, surgery was the only option.
There are now several injectable fillers available to replace lost facial volume without aggressive surgery. Hyaluronic Acid products such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero are the most versatile as they can be injected in most tissues with predictable results. Depending on the treatment area and each person’s metabolism, the treatment effect can last from 4 to more than 12 months. Hyaluronic acid attracts water and helps hydrate the tissue while replacing lost volume. This makes lip augmentation especially attractive in cold, dry climates where chapped lips are commonplace. They also have a unique property that allows the product to be dissolved with an enzyme (hyaluronidase) in the very rare instance of an undesired outcome. Serious side effects from these fillers are rare, but common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising and pain. You may also not be a good filler candidate if you form keloids (hypertrophied scars) or are prone to infections. To minimize injection discomfort, we have fillers with lidocaine available, use a very small injection needle, and apply cold packs during the procedure.
Sculptra or PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) is another product designed to increase volume but by a completely different mechanism. It works by stimulating the body’s own skin collagen to grow in order to restore volume and soften fine lines. It requires an initial series of 3 treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart, and patience before one sees noticeable improvement. The effect of Sculptra builds gradually after the last treatment and continues to improve over several months before the complete outcome is apparent. But while the final results of this filler are not immediate, and you require more than one treatment session, advantages of Sculptra include a longer duration of product effect (18-24 months), and the ability to treat multiple problem areas of the face at the same time. It is also the best solution for volume repletion in the soft (buccal) part of the cheek, or for patients with very thin facial features
More details about filler options and the best filler for you will be discussed at facial fillers your appointment. Common areas of treatment include nasolabial folds (lines next to the nose), marionette lines (lines next to the chin), Cheekbone augmentation, lip augmentation, and even ear lobe lines. As every person has different concerns, the treatment goal of one person may be completely different than someone else. Therefore Dr Silver discusses the filler options in great detail before you decide what treatment is best for you.
As risk of bruising is a potential with fillers and implants, we ask that patients refrain from alcoholic beverages or ibuprofen-like medications for a couple days before the procedure. Current blood thinner use or other medication may also be a potential contraindication to having fillers.
| In addition to Hyaluronic acid products and Sculptra, Radiesse (a calcium gel) is also available. |