Injectable Fillers  Click or Scroll down for information on Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Artefill, Sculptra, and Collagen

Restylane® and Juvederm®

Restylane® is a cosmetic filler that is made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occuring substance that provides fullness and volume to our skin. Hyaluronic Acid was the first great leap forward from Collagen, becuase it is incredibly soft and natural, yet lasts approximately 9 months! Restylane, however, is made synthetically in the laboratory and therefore has little or no risk of transmitting animal-based disease or allergy. What is especially appealing about this substance is that it has been reported to last six to nine months. Restylane may be used to correct facial wrinkles, creases, and to add fullness to the lips. Injection is performed with topical anesthetic and local anesthetic with minimal discomfort. Some swelling may occur over 24 hours however most patients are thrilled with their immediate result!

Perlane is a more concentrated form of Restylane (by the same manufacturer), and is slightly more expensive. Perlane can be a better choice for deeper lines or thicker skin, and this may l be discussed at your consultation.

Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus are two similar hyaluronic acid-based fillers used in our office. They are prodcued by Allergan, the company that makes Botox. Similar to Perlane, Juvederm Ultra Plus adds extra volume in areas such as the lips and smile lines, and is also useful for the hollowness below the lower eyelids.

So which is better for you, Restylane or Juvederm?

We have found that for correcting the lower eyelid "hollow" (that dark crease just below the "bags"), Restylane works better than Juvederm (less swelling). Other than that, Dr. David feels they are both great products.

Our recommendation: try both, then take advantage of the competition and look for deals!

Sculptra®

Sculptra is an exciting new product for correcting larger areas of volume loss in the face. Sculptra® is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

Sculptra is used for correcting signs of fat loss beneath the skin. Fat loss, as well as loss of bone density and skin elasticity as we age, can lead to sunken cheeks, hollows beneath the eyes, and other depressions. Dr. David has used Sculptra for years to create a "Liquid Facelift" for his patients, who have been incredibly pleased with this product. Sculptra is generally sold in bottles, with each bottle producing 6 syringes of product. Between one and four bottles are typically used in a treatment. We don't recommend purchasing this product by the syringe because it may not be freshly reconstituted and your results may be minimal and hard to notice.

Sculptra injection produces an immediate fullness, which then disappears over several days. However, the body reacts to its presence by gradually depositing new collagen, leading to thicker, healthier-looking skin. These "final results" take about 3-4 weeks and can be very dramatic. At that point, the patient is reassessed and a second treatment may be given. This "liquid facelift" is performed in the office with minimal discomfort, as the product is mixed with local anesthetic prior to use. Results may last 2 years and longer!

Please note: because Sculptra must be reconstituted approximately 2 hours prior to your treatment, appointments should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Our recommendation: Top off your Sculpra Liquid Facelift with a Total FX treatment for an amazing non-surgical makeover!

Radiesse™

Radiesse is an injectable filler that is used for correction of deeper wrinkles and skin defects and may last up to one year. More recently, this filler is being used with great success as a filler in the cheeks, with results similar to a cheek implant! Radiesse is made of very tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. The microspheres (particles) form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows, and this produces the long-term effect.

Radiesse is especially effective for improving the nasolabial folds or "smile lines." Radiesse is mixed with local anesthetic prior to injection for virtually pain-free injection, and produces immediate results. There is no significant patient downtime.

Our recommendation:   Consider Radiesse if you have deep smile lines (nasolabial folds) or marionette lines (from corner of mouth to chin).

Collagen

Collagen is a naturally-occuring protein that is found in the deeper layers of our skin. Over the years, it has been found to be very useful for filling in skin defects and wrinkles, as well as for enhancing the lips. Collagen generally comes in two forms. The bovine form, derived from cow collagen, requires a skin test one month before treatment to test for any allergy. The human form contains human collagen grown in a laboratory, and does not require any skin testing. The effects from collagen injection generally last three to four months.

Artefill®

ArteFill is the first and only FDA-approved non-resorbable (permanent!) wrinkle filler for the correction of smile lines. ArteFill contains PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) microspheres and purified collagen gel with a built in anesthetic for comfortable injection. The microspheres are permanent and have been refined over the years to provide an impressive safety profile comparable to temporary fillers. 

The body reacts to the presence of microspheres by depositing collagen, further enhancing the effect.  All patients must undergo a collagen skin test approximately 4 weeks prior to treatment with artefill. While artefill costs slightly more than other fillers, the savings over several years can be substantial. Artefill is available now. Please call our office for more information!