What are cosmetic fillers used to treat?

Fillers are used to correct facial wrinkles and folds, augment lips, shape facial contours and improve depressed scars.

What types of fillers are there and what are they made of?

There are many different types of cosmetic fillers. The traditional and oldest form on the market is derived from bovine (cow) collagen. There is also a form derived from human collagen. Given their short duration and greater chance of skin reactions, these fillers are rarely used anymore.

The newest generation of fillers is made from a substance, hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally throughout the body and is found predominantly in the skin. This substance is what keeps our skin plump and young looking and is what we lose over time as we age.

Two of the most popular of these products are Restylane and Juvederm. They are made from NASHA -- non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid -- and last at least twice as long as traditional bovine and collagen fillers.

Another new filler, RADIESSE® is made of unique calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural gel. These microspheres form a scafford which serves to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen. Over time, the microspheres gradually break down and are safely and naturally absorbed by your body.

For deeper lines or folds, we recommend Perlane (similar to Restylane, but a larger particle size), Juvederm Ultra Plus, or RADIESSE.

How safe are cosmetic fillers?

When used correctly and injected by a dermatologist, cosmetic fillers are very safe. Because hyaluronic acid is a natural substance already found in skin, there is very low risk that a patient will have an allergic reaction to a treatment. No allergy skin testing is required.

All of these products are FDA approved.

What are the risks and potential side effects of cosmetic fillers?

With all of these fillers, most patients have very few, if any, adverse side effects and little downtime after treatments. The most common side effects are redness and/or swelling at the injection site which typically lasts for about two to three days. As with any injection, bruising is also a possibility. In addition, a very small percentage of patients may develop a hypersensitivity reaction resulting in prolonged red, tender or swollen areas. Other injection-related reactions such as mild irritation, itching and rarely infection may occur.

How do they work?

A dermatologist will inject the filler substance under the wrinkle or fold. The cosmetic filler helps to restore volume to the skin, thereby softening wrinkles and reducing the visual effects of damaged skin. They also can be used to fill in scars and to provide fullness to the lips. The results are immediate and readily visible after the treatment.

Hyaluronic acid fillers work by binding about 1,000 times their weight in water, and this helps to plump the skin. All of these fillers can help to stimulate your own body's production of collagen over time.

In addition, many patients achieve quick, dramatic results by combining cosmetic filler treatments with Botox® Cosmetic injections.

Photos courtesy of Q-med

How long do the results from cosmetic fillers last?

The results from Restylane and Juvederm typically last six to twelve months. RADIESSE lasts an average of 12-18 months.

I am only forty-five. Why should I consider cosmetic fillers?

As we age, the ability of the skin to produce hyaluronic acid decreases. Because hyaluronic acid helps to bind water, the ability of the skin to retain water declines with age. As a result, the skin becomes drier, thinner and looser.

With Restylane or Juvederm, you can have a natural beauty lift with the body's own natural material. The results are instantaneous, and it produces a natural enhancement that is gentle, safe and effective.

How can I get more information?

Please give us a call and a member of our staff will be happy to answer your questions. You can find more information about these products at the websites listed below:

www.restylane.com
www.juvederm.com
www.radiesse.com