JUVÉDERM™
JUVÉDERM™ is a ‘next generation’ family of smooth, long-lasting gel dermal fillers, and the latest advance in hyaluronic acid cosmetic filler technology. Over recent years, hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar already found naturally in the body, has become a favored compound for replenishing the areas of the face where the skin’s volume and fullness has been lost.
In the body, hyaluronic acid fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. It is present in all living cells; attracting and binding water, hydrating and giving the skin smoothness and volume. However, as the body ages, the ability of the body’s cells to manufacture its own hyaluronic acid is diminished, resulting in the loss of skin volume, producing folds and wrinkles.
JUVÉDERM™ is biosynthetic and of non-animal origin. Since it is not created from an animal source, there is little chance of allergic reaction. The formula is highly biocompatible, and no testing is required prior to administration. It has been proven to be safe and effective for skin of all types and colors.
The main difference between JUVÉDERM™ and other popular hyaluronic acid fillers is that JUVÉDERM™ has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, and is produced with a special formulation process that makes it smoother than that of other popular gels. These gels utilize a suspension process, with particles that can be visibly seen. JUVÉDERM™ is completely transparent.
The combination of the higher concentration of hyaluronic acid and the smoother formulation make JUVÉDERM™ long-lasting, easier to fill with, and should produce more natural, even filling effects, with patient discomfort minimized at the injection site. As with other hyaluronic acid fillers, JUVÉDERM™ is gradually absorbed naturally into the body.
Restylane
Restylane is a synthetic form of the natural filler material “hyaluronic acid” which resembles collagen and is found in skin tissue. Because Restylane is a pure synthetic product it does not require allergy skin testing as with collagen. Restylane lasts twice as long as collagen and gives the same results as with collagen. Restylane has been used for many years on millions of people and it is FDA approved for the treatment of wrinkles. For patients who are committed to long term maintenance, Restylane is a more cost effective treatment as it lasts longer than collagen but costs only slightly more
What Types Of Wrinkles Can Be Treated?
Restylane can correct virtually any type of wrinkle. Most commonly treated areas are the nasolabial lines, the lines around the lips, and the oral commissure lines. Depending on the deepness and location of the wrinkles, the doctor will decide what type of collagen or Restylane would be best for you. Restylane can also be used on the lips to give them a fuller more attractive appearance
Acne scars, and a variety of other skin conditions, can also benefit from Restylane treatment. Acne scars are also generally treated with a variety of other treatments such as laser, and microdermabrasion in order to get the very best results
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is a safe, next generation cosmetic dermal filler that lasts longer than the former leading filler. It is setting a new standard for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles, restoring a natural, youthful look in an easy, convenient treatment.
The tiny microspheres provide a scaffolding into which the body’s own tissue can grow and maintain the implant in place. Radiesse has proven to be a very versatile facial contouring product and has demonstrated durable augmentation in areas such as chin and cheek where a larger volume is required. It maintains a soft, natural feel and takes on the characteristics of the surrounding skin tissue.
Radiesse® consists of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Because calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response. Additionally, Radiesse® does not require allergy testing. Radiesse® is a safe, effective and non-surgical treatment, which provides immediate smoothing out of wrinkles and most scars.
The microspheres of CaHA have been shown to last up to seven years clinically. Radiesse® should provide a long lasting correction, however individual results may vary, affected by age, skin type, lifestyle and muscle activity.
What areas respond best to Radiesse treatments?
- Glabella (Wrinkles between eyebrows )
- Nasolabial Folds ( Laugh lines )
- Marionette Lines
- Vermillion Border of the Lip
- Radial Lip Lines (Often referred to as smoker’s lines-even for those who do not smoke)
- Chin & Cheek Augmentation
- Depressed scars
- Restore bulk to aging tissues
What are Radiesse® treatments like?
A simple out-patient procedure, it is performed under local anesthesia in the physician’s office and takes about 15 minutes.
Injection pain is minimized or eliminated by use of a topical cream . Following the procedure, patients may immediately return back to daily activities, however, treatment sights may be swollen for 1-2 days. There is also potential for bruising at the injection sight, which may be covered with makeup.
How long will the results last?
Depending on the areas treated, most of the correction may last for many months, or even years. Patients usually see results that last between 1 to 2 years. Touch up treatments may be necessary to maintain desired correction.
Can other filler products be used along with Radiesse?
Restylane, Juvederm or other dermal fillers may be used as layers to fill the more superficial lines and wrinkles. There is no restriction to using additonal fillers. Radiesse is not used in our office for lip augmentation to prevent the possibility of nodules which could form in the lip.
Sculptra
Sculptra Information
Sculptra is a dermal filler that is utilized to improve lines and facial wrinkles and give a fuller appearance to one’s skin. Sculptra is the brand name for a formulation of poly -L- lactic acid. The compound used in Sculptra is non-toxic to the body. The poly -L- lactic used in Sculptra is not derived from either human or animal sources. This factor makes Sculptra different from other products and is a key factor in its minimal allergy risk in patients. Because of this skin testing is not a requirement of Sculptra filler use.
Sculptra Injection Technique Details
The duration of a Sculptra injection procedure will run from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the number of facial wrinkles that have been targeted. To minimize the pain in Sculptra lip augmentation some doctors opt to use topical numbing creams on individuals receiving Sculptra injections in their lips. For the majority of patients local anesthetic or numbing creams are not required for the procedure. Most patients undergo Sculptra injection treatments are performed in an outpatient capacity.
Sculptra Injections – Side Effects and Risks
The majority of Sculptra side effects are redness, swelling, tenderness and sometimes bruising. For the most part side effects temporary in nature and will decrease in visibility in between 4 days and 2 weeks. An ice pack can be used to minimize swelling and redness after a Sculptra injection. The list of additional side effects include a possibility of small bumps between the skin of treated areas which can appear over time. Rarely are these bumps visible to the eye and are often only found by rubbing on the skin.
After receiving a Sculptra injection patients should massaged treated areas 2-3 times a day for 3-4 days following the Sculptra procedure. Patients are also recommend to avoid excessive sun exposure until redness and swelling have subsided. If you have further questions about you individual needs it is important to discuss these with your doctor performing the Sculptra procedure. Sculptra has been safely used by over 175,000 patients since 1999.
Sculptra – Long-Term Outcome
The visible results of the Sculptra injection procedure are often immediate. Sculptra has the advantage of a lasting more than twice as long as collagen. Some individuals receiving Sculptra injections have reported results lasting up to 2 years from the initial Sculptra treatment session. Patients undergoing Sculptra injections will encounter gradual increases in the thickness of their skin. Besides the long lasting properties of Sculptra there are other advantages for choosing Sculptra over its competition. Sculptra has a composition that is more natural due to its use of non animal sources.
