  
What Are Dermal
Fillers?
Fillers are
materials that are placed into deeper lines and wrinkles. Filler agents
typically are used for those wrinkles that are too deep to be treated with
lasers. Most commonly filler agents are used for smile lines wrinkles, between
the eyebrows, sagging cheekbones or to enhance the appearance of upper and lower
lips. Acne, chicken pox and other depressed scars can also be improved.
What Are
The Available Dermal Fillers?
Over the
years a variety of filler agents have been successfully used. Each filler is a
different material and the duration of filling may vary between the different
substances. Bovine collagen (Zyderm® and Zyplast®) was approved by the FDA 2
decades ago. It was the first filler agent to become very popular in the US.
Typically it was used for smile lines and other wrinkles, lip enhancement and
scar correction. These fillers are no longer very popular in the US. Results
typically last 2-6 months.
Among the
newer filler agents are those containing hyaluronic acid. This sugar like
material, first highly popular in Europe and Canada, has become extraordinarily
popular in our office. There are now a variety of popular hyaluronic acids. The
more popular materials are Restylane® and Juvederm®. Generally skin tests are
not required. The material is soft and is very popular for the treatment of
smile lines. Results typically last 6-9 months.
What is Sculptra
Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is a newly approved facial injectable
filler that helps to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds by
stimulating collagen production in the skin. Sculptra Aesthetic can also
improve the appearance of hollowed cheeks and temples.
Sculptra Aesthetic is made from poly-L-lactic acid, the material used
in absorbable sutures and other biodegradable, biocompatible medical devices.
No allergy testing is required with Sculptra Aesthetic.
A full treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic requires an
average of three injection sessions over a few months. Sculptra Aesthetic
gradually gives a more youthful appearance during the treatment period. The
results of treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic can last up to and beyond two
years. Sculptra Aesthetic adds volume to the face and softens folds. The
results are long lasting and look subtle and natural.
The side effects of treatment with Sculptra
Aesthetic are similar to those of other facial fillers and include discomfort,
redness, bruising, and swelling. Less frequently, small or large lumps may
form under the skin after treatment. These lumps can be felt by applying
pressure to the treated area, but are usually not noticed visually. Most lumps
resolve spontaneously without further treatment.
What Kind Of
Reactions Can Occur After Dermal Filler Injections?
Reactions
to filler agents are rare and generally resolve with time. Some common
injection-related reactions might occur, such as swelling, redness, pain,
itching, discoloration and tenderness at the implant site. They typically
resolve spontaneously within several days after injection into the skin. Other
types of reactions are very rare, but occasional patients do experience
localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature. These have
usually consisted of swelling at the implant site, sometimes affecting the
surrounding tissues. Redness, tenderness and rarely acne-like formations can be
seen.
What Can
I Do To Optimize Dermal Fillers Results?
Filler
agents can be combined with BOTOX® injections that are used for wrinkles
caused by too much muscle tone.
How Do I Find Out
If I Am A Candidate For Dermal Fillers?
Drs. Ford
and Rothman will be happy to discuss dermal fillers for wrinkle treatment with
you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation.
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