Dermal Fillers

Sculptra® Aesthetic, RADIESSE®, JUVÉDERM®, Voluma XC, and Restylane Lyft®    

Dermal fillers provide soft tissue augmentation to bring back lift and re-contour the aging face, a Liquid Lift since it offers many of the benefits of a surgical facelift without the downtime. Although they cannot help with excess sagging skin, dermal fillers can add more volume and provide immediate results at a lower cost than surgery. These treatments are not permanent and must be repeated and maintained. Dermal fillers are often used in combination with injectable neurotoxins such as Botox Cosmetic and Dysport to extend the benefit duration. In addition, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and ResurFx can be used to support the rejuvenation of skin texture and tone.

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE USED:

Dermal injectable options include volumizers like Sculptra, Radiesse, Restylane Lyft and Voluma XC; and hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. Injectable neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport are often used in conjunction with volumizers and hyaluronic acid fillers to relax dynamic wrinkles and the downward pull of the muscles. Kybella can also be used to reduce fat under the chin. A combination of treatments will result in the best effect. An individual's unique facial characteristics, skin conditions and correction needs will determine which products and procedures are used for superior outcomes.    

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

Dermal injectable options are used to correct the nasolabial folds, called smile lines, the marionette lines that develop below the corners of the mouth; and the downward turn of the lip corners, called mouth frowns. In addition, dermal fillers can increase lip fullness, fill vertical lip lines and add definition around the lips. Fill added to the temples addresses the hollows that come with aging and lifts the jowl area. Flattened or sunken cheekbones can be filled, which helps lift the jaw line. Fillers can fill in the deep line between the chin and lips, called the mental crease, which develops over time. Finally, fillers can be used to fill depressed skin in scars.    

TREATMENT PROTOCOL:

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs for two weeks prior to treatment. You should also stop taking fish oil supplements and herbal products such as St. John's Wart or vitamin E since these products increase the chance of bruising. Tylenol, however, should not affect the procedure.    All cosmetic treatments follow your personal goals for rejuvenation consistent with your Self Assessment and medical review. You will be asked to wash your face if you are wearing make up. You will be given ice packs and/or an anesthetic cream is applied to the target area 10 minutes or so prior to injection to numb the skin and minimize discomfort. Before injections in the lip area, a dental or lip block may be used, where a small amount of lidocaine (an anesthetic like the ones used by dentists) is injected into the lip area for numbing prior to treatment. The target area is marked out, the dermal filler injected into the skin and cold packs applied immediately afterwards. The type of filler used will dictate the size of the needle; generally needles used with hyaluronic acid products are smaller than those used for volumizers, and volumizers require deeper and more injections overall. The procedure will take about 30 minutes, depending on the product used and the size of the treated area.    Most people go back to work after treatment and light make up may be applied the following day. We recommend that you avoid strenuous activities and alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours. Extended exposure to the sun or UV light may cause temporary redness, swelling and/or itching at the injection sites for two weeks after treatment. Ice packs, oral Arnica and/or topical vitamin K may be helpful if you experience bruising.    

WILL IT HURT? 

We use topical anesthetic cream and ice packing to minimize discomfort. In addition, most of our filler products include lidocaine that makes for a more comfortable treatment experience. When not the case, SKIN Specialists includes lidocaine as part of its injection protocol. Everyone has a different pain threshold but typically, injections around the temples hurt the least and those around the lip hurt the most. On average, treatment with hyaluronic acid pfillers cause less discomfort and volumizers are often associated with more pain and inflammation.   

FOLLOW UP:  

After treatment you may see slight redness, swelling, itching, bruising, pain and tenderness. The reactions are generally mild to moderate and typically resolve spontaneously within 1-2 days, but may last longer. Iced water soaks or ice packs will help to reduce swelling. Oral Arnica or topical vitamin K may also be used and Tylenol taken for pain. You should contact the office if you continue to experience very painful swelling and bruising, or if any blistering occurs. Similarly, if you experience any delayed reactions such as lumpy redness occurring any time after treatment, you should contact the office immediately.    Massage will be required for volumizers such as Sculptra and Radiesse to disperse the product and prevent papules. Use a lotion or Aquaphor during the massage to minimize bruising. Massage is NOT recommended for hyaluronic acid products such as Juvederm and Restylane as it tends to aggravate bruising.    After the first treatment, we ask that you schedule a 2-week follow-up appointment, which allows us to assess your response and perform additional treatment if necessary. Our philosophy is that it is better to use less product, especially on the first visit, to avoid overcorrection; it is always possible to utilize additional product if necessary.   

BENEFIT DURATION: 

Results will vary depending on the product(s) used and the degree of correction needed in the first instance, and can be extended with touch up procedures. Benefit from hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane should be expected to last from 8-12 months. For volumizers, benefit from Radiesse, Restylane Lyft and Voluma XC should be expected to last 12-18 months; and Sculptra 18-24 months. Benefit from fillers last longer when injected in static areas such as the cheekbones and temples; less in areas of dynamic movement, such as the nasolabial folds, marionette lines and vertical lip lines; and are extended when combined with neurotoxins. Benefits from Botox or Dysport usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. Kybella benefits are permanent.       

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Come in for a Cosmetic Assessment - we will assess your needs and recommend one or a combination of treatments to achieve your desired results.