Juverderm®, Restylane®, Sculptra®

There are numerous fillers on the market that are available for use. We have access to all of them, and we frequently use a combination of products to reach your desired goal. Different people have different desires and needs, different budgets, and different faces. The advantage to having so many great products available today is that we can use exactly what we need in the place that it is needed. This is like having a tool box full of tools to repair a variety of problems, instead of just having one wrench to fix it all.

Hyaluronic Acids

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints. The hyaluronic acid that we inject is not derived from animal source and there is minimal to no risk of adverse side effects.

When this gel is injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging. It also brings water to the surface of skin to keep it looking fresh and supple. When water is drawn into the HA matrix, it has been shown to create a swelling pressure or turgor that enables the HA complex to withstand compressive forces. Thus, it has been found useful as a filler in treating some of the signs of aging. HA fillers can last from 6-18 months depending on the type used. They can also be safely reversed if you are not please with them.

Hydroxyapetite (Radiesse)

Hydroxyapetite fillers are dermal fillers that are used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth). These fillers are also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands. Immediately, this filler works to add volume under the skin and over time, the benefits continue by naturally stimulating your body’s own natural collagen. The natural results have been shown to last a year or more in many patients, making the treatment results both immediate and long lasting.

L-Poly Lactic Acid (Sculptra)

L-Poly Lactic Acid is different from topical treatments and other facial fillers because it works with your body to help revitalize the production of collagen, the natural substance that gives your skin resiliency, elasticity and shape. The result? A more youthful-looking appearance that can last more than two years. Sculptra works subtly and gradually over time for a more youthful-looking appearance. Sculptra is made with biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid, which is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body and helps to rebuild lost collagen through a series of treatments administered by Dr. Smith, who began injecting Sculptra upon its release in the United States in 2004.

Reversing the Aging Process with Facial Volume

Sun exposure, genetics and other environmental factors all contribute to aging of the skin. Within the face, the brow and eyebrows tend to descend, and wrinkles form near the sides of the eyes, on the forehead and between the eyes. The mid-face loses volume and descends, increasing the folds above and beside the mouth, deepening the lines around the eyes, and causing jowling near the jaw line. The skin can also become thin, dry and wrinkled, losing elasticity and firmness.

The eyes and surrounding face are the first thing people look at when they meet someone. The focus of maintaining a youthful appearance has become increasingly important in today’s society. Men and women are living longer, more productive lives, many continuing to work in competitive, youthful environments. Others seek to maintain their youthful appearance in order to match their inner feelings of health and prosperity.

Fortunately, within the last few years, a number of natural products have become available that can be placed under the skin during an office visit. These products can reverse age-related changes to allow for a more vibrant and youthful appearance. Many times, these products are used in concert with one another, and with Botox to harmoniously transfigure the face and restore volume to areas in need.

Superficial fillers include, but are not limited to, hyaluronic acid derivatives: Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Juvéderm Volbella, and newly added Juvéderm Vollure XC. These injections are placed below the surface of the skin and restore volume and fullness to the upper skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. These products are injected in the office with topical or local anesthesia and can be done within 15 to 20 minutes.

Deeper fillers can be used to restore greater amounts of volume loss in the face and hands. These products are slowly converted into the body’s own collagen over time and tend to last longer than superficial fillers. These products can fill sagging cheeks, deep folds near the mouth, hollows near the eyes, as well as many other areas. Sculptra and Radiesse are injected into the deep dermis, providing considerable volume to the areas of interest.

As with all facial cosmetic procedures, a thorough consultation is the best way to ensure that your questions are answered prior to therapy. Explaining your options and bringing the process together is an integral part of your initial consultation with Dr. Smith. He can further explain the benefits of each product and its desired effect. Dr. Smith personally administers each product in a meticulous manner to ensure outstanding results.

Call today to schedule a free consultation with Heidi Medcalf, PA-C. You may discuss these procedures as well as other non-surgical options to achieve a more youthful appearance.