Filler Injections

Restylane®

Restylane® is natural and safe dermal filler that is used for the correction and effacement of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It restores both volume and fullness to the skin, and is the first and only non-animal based hyaluronic acid filler. This hyaluronic acid (a natural substance found in the human body) is a crystal-clear gel that is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. Restylane® does not require pretesting. Certain medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E, should be avoided prior to use because of the increase risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection sites. Facial cold sores can also recur. The most common reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection sites.

Restylane® usually lasts over 3 months on the average. It is injected directly into the skin by an ultrafine needle. The results are usually immediate. Nerve blocks (similar to dental blocks) are usually performed prior to injection to decrease patient discomfort. Down time is minimal. Commonly treated areas include the nasolabial folds as well as for lip enhancement.

Radiesse®

Radiesse® consists of tiny microspheres of a synthetic material called calcium hydroxylapatitite that is combined with a hydrogel. The material has similar characteristics to bone and is naturally compatible with the body. Treatment areas include smile lines or nasolabial folds, wrinkles at the corners of the mouth, lip augmentation, in the hands, and it is even used for Asian nasal augmentation. Duration usually lasts longer, sometimes over a year.

Fat Injections (Liposculpture)

Model

Autologous fat transplantation is a technique by which fat from one part of the body is transferred to various parts of the face for recontouring. It is utilized to diminish frown lines, crow's feet, nasolabial folds and other smile lines. Certain areas can be augmented, such as lips, cheeks and chins. Fat can also be used to fill in depressed areas of the body such as scars.

Donor sites, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, as well as the treatment sites, are first injected with fluid containing local anesthetics. Fat cells are obtained with a needle and a syringe, processed, and then injected. Overcorrection is necessary as some of the transplanted fat cells will be absorbed. Fat can also be harvested during a liposuction procedure. Several treatments may be required to achieve longer lasting effects. The injections may last from several months to permanently. You can expect some swelling and bruising during the first few days after surgery.