AESTHETIC SERVICES

Facial Fillers: for fuller lips and treatment of facial wrinkles

1. RESTYLANE

A recently FDA approved dermal filler for facial wrinkles and lip enhancement, called Restylane, has broadened the aesthetic marketplace in the United States. Restylane, a product of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., is a hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring complex sugar found in all living cells, including the human body. Restylane is a new longer lasting alternative to collagen for the treatment of facial lines and for adding volume to lips.

Restylane and other similar hyaluronic based dermal fillers such as Perlane, Captique, and Hylaform have been used abroad since 1996. Unlike collagen, hyaluronidase is nonallergenic and does not require a skin test prior to use. Studies have shown that 1 in 5000 Restylane patients demonstrated a sensitivity reaction versus 1 in 300 collagen patients. Some forms of collagen fillers, such as Zyderm or Zyplast are animal based, while Restylane is not of animal origin.

Restylane comes in a clear gel form that is injected into the skin. Once injected, the product works with the body’s own hyaluronic acid to increase volume. Collagen contains lidocaine within the injection, and provides better anesthesia during treatment. Restylane does not contain local anesthetic and patients usually require a topical or local anesthesic before treatment. Patients can come in for an initial consultation and receive treatment on the same day in the office. A small amount of filler is injected with a thin needle. After treatment, patients may experience swelling, redness, mild tenderness and bruising, which may last a few days. Ice is recommended immediately following treatment.

Hyaluronic acids as dermal fillers are not permanent, but when compared to collagen, are longer lasting. Restylane, like other dermal fillers can vary in effect and duration from person to person. Gradually, dermal fillers are resorbed. The effects of collagen last a few months, while Restylane has been shown to last at least 6 months. Touch-ups can be performed any time after initial treatment. Patients who have never tried a dermal filler should consider the option of trying collagen first, due to the shorter acting effects, to ensure that patients are comfortable with their new look. Other facial fillers now on the market include Hylaform, Captique, Perlane, Sculptra, and Artecol. Not all of them are FDA approved.

So who gets a dermal filler versus Botox to eliminate facial wrinkles? Botox is a neurotoxin, which when injected under the skin, relaxes the muscles that contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles, such as those on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth. Within the first week after treatment, Botox produces a generalized smoothing effect of the entire area that dermal fillers don’t always achieve. However, sometimes facial lines are too deep for a maximal effect of Botox, and a dermal filler such as Restylane or collagen will achieve a better result. Botox is also not indicated for lip volume enhancement. Restylane, hylaform or collagen, or other fillers can be used safely in conjunction with Botox, which often provides an optimal result.

Restylane may be more expensive per treatment area than collagen or other fillers; however, over time, patients will require less volume and less frequent treatments. Restylane is now available for aesthetic consumers who are seeking a safe, effective, and convenient facial enhancement treatments.

2. COLLAGEN

Collagen is a facial filler that has been around for many years. Collagen can be used for the treatment of deeper wrinkles and folds as well as fine lines. There are both animal and human derived types of collagen, some requiring a skin test. Collagen injections also contain anesthetic, which provides a more comfortable treatment. The effects of Collagen usually last a few months.

Typically, facial fillers are performed in the office and treatment can occur at the initial consultation visit. Washing the face free of makeup is recommended before the visit for a more thorough assessment of the treatment areas and to receive treatment. Before the visit, it is recommended to avoid blood thinners the week prior to the procedure to avoid excess bruising. If you tend to break out in cold sores around the lips, it is strongly recommended to take prophylactic antiviral medication starting a few days prior to the procedure. This is discussed at the initial consultation. Most patients choose to use topical anesthesia which is applied at the office. For lips, a dental block or anesthesia injection is also available. Patients may experience immediate swelling, some redness and slight bruising for the first few days after treatment which is alleviated with ice. For mild pain, Tylenol is recommended. Fillers can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery and injections performed in the operating room.

Make your appointment today for your free consultation and treatment by calling (510) 675-4454.