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In your face, round and smooth contours are a sign of health and vitality. Loss of facial volume, sagging tissues, thinning lips, and new lines or folds in the face is characteristic of aging. In studies of identical twins, observers rate the twin with rounder facial appearance as looking younger. The new generation of facial injectible fillers allows us to restore fullness and vitality to your face during a simple office visit.
Safe, effective, and long lasting results can be obtained from any of the three commonly used categories of facial fillers: Hyaluronic Acids (Restylane, Juvederm), Calcium Hydroxylapetite (Radiesse), or Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra). The products each have slightly different indications, injection techniques, duration of action, and cost. Dr. Khosh has had extensive experience with each product, which allows him to discuss the most appropriate product choice based on your particular needs.
Restylane and Juvaderm are the most commonly used products in the market. Injections result in an immediate improvement that lasts from six months to a year. Restylane and Juvaderm are unique amongst the facial fillers in two respects. First, they are the only products that are currently recommended for lip enhancement. Second, they are the only products that can be immediately reversed, if the outcome is not satisfactory.
Amongst the various facial fillers, Radiesse is frequently used for its longevity. Radiesse lasts from 12 to 18 months, and the results are immediately apparent. Radiesse is best used as a deep injection in areas such as the nasolabial folds, or the midface. Injection into the lips is not recommended.
Sculptra differs from Radiesse, Restylane, and Juvaderm in several respects. Sculptra is more cost effective for full face volume augmentation. The product stimulates formation of collagen over a period of four weeks, and the results manifest slowly over that time. In general two sessions of treatment separated by four weeks are necessary to achieve the best results. Sculptra effects last close to two years. Sculptra is not recommended for lip enhancement.
Facial fillers allow patients to address aging changes in the face with no need for recovery and no time away from family or work. These treatments may be combined with other office-based procedures such as Botox treatments or laser skin treatments to allow facial rejuvenation in patients who are not yet candidates for facelift surgery. Minor surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty, neck liposuction, or temporal facelift can be combined with filler injections for more impressive results.
Injectable Fillers Summary
Candidates- Folds, lines or wrinkles, Tear trough, Volume loss in the face, Depressions in the temples
Benefits- Smoothes wrinkles and lines in the face, Restore volume where needed, Office procedure
Options- Restylane and Juvederm (last 6 to 9 month), Radiesse (lasts 1 yr), Sculptra (lasts 2 yrs)
Recovery- Return to work immediately, Immediate results (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse)
