Injectable Fillers is a broad term used to describe products that add volume to the face or hands. It is a way of creating a more youthful looking face without any surgery or scars. While surgery can remove excess skin, tighten it and lift the face, surgery does not add volume back to the face. We lose volume in the face as we age, and adding it back to the hands or face make it look more youthful.
The most commonly used fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero), or calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse). These give immediate volume and gradually dissolve over time. These are sterile compounds that can be injected to facial areas or hands to add volume. All fillers are not created equal, and choosing the right substance for the anatomical area is also important. This should be done in the hands of a medical professional who knows their facial anatomy. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator, poly-L-lactic acid, that adds volume to the face more gradually and is a series of monthly injections that can last up to 2 years once completed.
Injections of fillers will restore cheeks, soften lines around the mouth, create fuller lips or add general volume to the face, making it look younger but still natural. The injections are performed in the office, and we use some numbing cream beforehand. Bruising is common after this procedure but can be minimized by carefully following instructions to avoid excessive activity for 1-2 days following the injections. Avoiding aspirin and NSAIDS (motrin, aleve) will also help minimize bruising. We also will advise you on herbal medications (Arnica Montana) to help minimize bruising.
Some fillers last longer than others, some give immediate results whereas others show results over time. You will benefit from a consultation ahead of time to identify the areas you would like to improve and then we can guide you as to the best filler for the job!
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