Dermal Fillers

Fillers are effective for improving ‘static’ wrinkles which are visible at rest (in contrast to ‘active’ wrinkles which are visible only with muscle action). Wrinkle fillers may be used interchangeably in some cases. Characteristics of the filler material may make certain fillers more favorable for use in certain areas of the face. Although similar, fillers differ from each other based upon the component material, particle size, viscosity, and expected duration of effect. There is no allergy test required with the injectable options that Dr. Webster uses. During your consultation with Dr. Webster, you will discuss the filler that may be best suited to address your particular concerns and needs.

Candidates

Dermal fillers are an excellent option for combatting the appearance of volume or fat loss in the face. Volume loss is an aspect of facial aging that involves the natural loss of fat in the face as we get older, which leaves us looking thinner, more tired, and with deeper fine lines and wrinkles. Good candidates for dermal fillers will have moderate to severe folds or wrinkles, or other problem areas that they do not want to correct with surgery.

There is no one-size-fits-all filler. The best way to determine which filler or fillers are right for you is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Webster. His specialized training allows him to best match the injectable to your specific aesthetic needs.

Procedure

Juvederm®
Juvederm is FDA approved for the treatment of mild to moderate facial creases. It is commonly used to aid in smoothing facial creases of the forehead and brow, plumping the eyebrows, smoothing under eye hollows, enhancing the lips, enhancing volume and defining contours of the cheeks, chin and jaw line, softening the appearance of scars and other depressed defects, and softening the appearance of bony hands.

Juvederm is composed of hyaluronic acid. One benefit of this material is that its effects may be reversed using an antidote called hyaluronidase. The duration of Juvederm’s effect is up to 12 months. Juvederm has lidocaine in it, which helps alleviate any discomfort.

Radiesse®
Radiesse is FDA approved for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. It is commonly used to aid in restoring volume and fullness to facial features and contours.

Radiesse is composed of calcium-based microspheres. It consists of tiny particles of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) which naturally occurs in the body, making it safe and non-allergenic.

The distinctive feature of Radiesse is that it provides both immediate correction along with longer lasting duration. Whereas other fillers, like Restylane and Hylaform may last up to 6 months, Radiesse may last 12 months to 2 years. The aqueous gel delivers the immediate correction while the calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) creates a matrix for collagen production allowing for longer lasting results.

Belotero ®
Belotero has unique properties that allow it to adapt within the skin for soft and even correction. The versatility of the product makes it strong enough to handle deep treatment areas such as smile lines around the mouth, yet soft enough to treat more delicate areas such as vertical lip lines.

Belotero is also made of hyaluronic acid. By binding to water, it fills in wrinkles and folds, allowing immediate and smooth correction.

Some other hyaluronic acid fillers can cause a bluish hue if they are injected too superficially, as light reflected through the skin may bounce off the clear filler. This is not the case with Belotero Balance. It is a long-lasting filler for superficial wrinkles that can be administered close to the surface of the skin without causing a blue hue.

Complementary Procedures
In conjunction with injectable fillers, wrinkle reducers (such as BOTOX® or Xeomin®) may be used for those wrinkles which are present with muscle movement. Facial resurfacing procedures may also be considered to improve skin surface irregularities.

Recovery

You should avoid the following for at least 24 hours after treatment:

• Strenuous exercise
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Extended exposure to sun or heat
• You may experience pain, tenderness, temporary redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, and bumps at the injection sites.
• Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less.