Fillers

[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Fillers”][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184030536{padding-right: 20px !important;}”]Also known as dermal fillers and soft tissue fillers, or simply“fillers” are used to fill up defects in the soft tissues, typically wrinkles, folds and dents in the face. Some fillers are intended to add volume, for example to the cheekbone or the chin and are often used for lip enhancement.. Common areas to inject fillers are in the face, neck, and hands, resulting in a fuller, smoother and more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are among the most popular aesthetic procedures because they carry immediate results, very few risks and little recovery time.There are many products on the market. The most important distinction is between non-permanent fillers, which disappear spontaneously after a while, and the permanent fillers, which stay embedded in the tissues forever. Most non-permanent fillers are quite safe to use, but it is advisable to demand fillers that are generally accepted, or FDA approved, such the ones based on hyaluronic acid, collagen and calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres. Always demand to know which product your physician is going to use.Fillers are injected directly into the area to be treated, often after application of a topical anesthetic cream. The effect is immediate, and lasts between two to 18 months, depending on the type of product and the treated area.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184030536{padding-right: 20px !important;}”]What dermal fillers can do[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Plump thin lips
Enhance shallow contours
Soften facial creases and wrinkles
Improve the appearance of recessed scars
Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids

Dermal fillers can be very helpful in those with early signs of aging, or as a value-added part of facial rejuvenation surgery.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]What dermal fillers can’t doFor some patients, surgery such as a facelift, brow lift or eye lift may be the best approach. Nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments, such as soft tissue fillers, cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate. It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments will be needed for long-term results.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Who is a good candidate for dermal fillers?”]You may be a good candidate for dermal fillers if you:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Are physically healthy
Don’t smoke
Have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance
Are committed to maintaining good skin health

For some patients, surgery such as a facelift, brow lift or eye lift may be the best approach.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What is the cost of dermal fillers?”]The average cost of dermal fillers vary.Cost is always a consideration in elective procedure or treatment. The cost of dermal filler injections may vary based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment, the type of procedure used, time and effort the procedure or treatment requires, as well as the geographic location of the office. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.Your satisfaction involves more than a fee.When choosing a plastic surgeon for dermal filler injections, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the procedure.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”consultation” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]During your dermal fillers consultation be prepared to discuss:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Your goals
Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
Any past treatment with soft tissue fillers, botulinum toxin therapy, laser or other non-surgical facial procedures, as well as any prior facial surgery

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]Your surgeon may also:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Discuss your available options
Examine and measure your face
Take photographs
Recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of using soft tissue fillers and any risks or potential complications

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]Your plastic surgeon will carefully explain:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Your course of treatment
The type of filler recommended in your case and why
Expected results
The longevity of the result

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Are you a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?
Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
What will be expected of me to get the best results?
Where and how will you perform my procedure?
How long of a recovery period can I expect and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
What are the risks and complications associated with dermal fillers?
How are complications handled?
How can I expect my skin to look overtime?
What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my procedure?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for each procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What types of dermal fillers are available? “]There are three types of fillers commonly used: temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are temporary, while other types of fillers offer longer-lasting results.Temporary Fillers[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Collagen-Based Fillers: Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that adds strength and structure to the skin. Collagen was the first filler on the market, but the arrival of hyaluronic acid-based fillers has decreased its popularity.
Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers Like collagen, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance and primarily used to promote fullness and volume.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite: Heavier and denser than hyaluronic acid, this filler is injected deeper, underneath the skin, and does not usually cause immune or allergic responses because the material is usually found in bones.

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]Semi-Permanent Fillers
Longer-lasting dermal fillers typically contain thicker substances, such as the biodegradable synthetic filler known as poly-L-lactic acid. These types of soft tissue fillers are used to treat deeper facial lines, and though they offer semi-permanent results, it’s possible that you’ll need an occasional “touch up” several weeks after your initial injections.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]Permanent Fillers
Permanent fillers are made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which are microspheres that are not absorbed by the body. The filler also contains collagen and is only recommended for thick-skin areas such as the nasolabial folds. It is not recommended for any areas around the eyes or for the lips.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]Silicone Injections – Patient Safety Warning
Silicone injections are an unsafe and unacceptable option to use as a filler. These injections are not FDA approved and often offered by unlicensed individuals and should be avoided. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably an ASAPS member, if you have questions about a particular type or brand.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”]What are the brand names for fillers?There are a number of soft tissue filler brand names, but some of the most common are:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers: Restylane®, Restylane® Lyft, Restylane® Silk, Juvederm, PREVELLE Silk, Hydrelle, Belotero
Collagen-Based Fillers: Cosmoplast, Cosmoderm, Evolence
Semi-Permanent Fillers: Sculptra, Radiesse
Permanent Fillers: Bellafill

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”How can fat injections be used as dermal fillers?”]Some patients may want to consider fat injections, which use fat harvested from the patient’s own body which can then be re-injected to enhance facial fullness, fill creases or build up shallow contours.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”How fat injections are administered” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Fat injection requires a more extensive procedure than “off-the-shelf” soft tissue fillers.A “donor area” must be determined (such as the abdomen or buttocks) and liposuction is used to extract the fat. The suctioned fat can then be transferred to the face, as a graft.The grafted fat then has to redevelop a blood supply in order to survive. About 50% of the fat injected will survive, and the surviving fat will last forever.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Fat injection results” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]In the face, most of the transferred fat usually survives, but the results can be a bit less predictable. Typically, multiple fat transfer procedures will be needed to achieve desired results.The use of fat transfer involves additional discomfort in the donor area. This is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in the surgeon’s treatment room or in an operating room.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What are the risks of dermal fillers? “]The decision to use fillers is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of dermal fillers are acceptable.Severe complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used and the relative permanence of the filler substance and include:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]

Acne-like skin eruptions
Asymmetry
Bruising, bleeding from the injection site, swelling
Damage to the skin that results in a wound and possible scarring
Infection at the injection site
Lumps
Palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin
Skin rash with itching
Skin redness
Under- or over-correction of wrinkles
Blindness
Skin necrosis (ulceration or loss of skin from disruption of blood flow)

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What are the steps of a dermal fillers procedure? “]A dermal fillers procedure includes the following steps:[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502187067500{padding-right: 20px !important;}”][vc_tta_accordion style=”modern” shape=”square” spacing=”10″ gap=”5″ c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Step 1 – Facial assessment & mapping” tab_id=”1502186770928-bd96c64b-6c31″]If you choose to utilize packaged soft tissue fillers, the plastic surgeon, or his specially-trained nurse, will evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone and examine the areas of your face to be augmented.

Strategic points on your face may be marked as the appropriate injection sites for the filler. Photographs may be taken of the areas to be treated.[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Step 2 – Cleansing & anesthetizing” tab_id=”1502186765715-04258653-ec2c”]The injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent.

Pain at the injection site may be ameliorated by use of a very cold instrument to chill the skin, anesthetic ointment to numb the skin or injection of local anesthesia.

While not painless, the injections are usually easily tolerated.[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Step 3 – The injection” tab_id=”1502186765773-304e34ac-bef5″]Injection usually takes only a few moments per site. The process of injecting, massaging, and evaluating the result is performed, and additional filler added as needed.

Depending on the number of areas to be treated, the whole process may be as short as 15 minutes, or as long as an hour.[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Step 4 – Clean up & recovery” tab_id=”1502186912675-268c326d-0407″]Once the results are deemed satisfactory, any markings will be cleansed off.

You may be offered an ice pack to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Although the area may feel a bit tender for a day or two, it is usually not painful enough to require any medication.[/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What should I expect during my dermal fillers recovery? “]Immediately after injection
You will likely see the results of your injections immediately following the procedure, though it’s not uncommon for patients to experience swelling or minimal bruising in the area of the injection site. Your physician may give you an ice pack or cold compress to help stem swelling. The period of swelling will depend largely on the type of soft tissue filler you received, though most swelling, bruising, and redness should dissipate within one week to ten days.Recovery time frame
One of the most enticing features of soft tissue fillers is their minimal recovery time. In the approximate week it takes for swelling and bruising to disappear, your doctor may advise you to avoid wearing hats or other headgear and only use small amounts of makeup.[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1502184132426{padding-right: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Results” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Partial or complete correction of wrinkles and folds. Enhancement of facial features.The results of soft tissue augmentation using dermal fillers are apparent immediately and will last from several months to several years depending on the filler used and the patient injected. Maintaining good overall health and maintaining healthy and strong skin with appropriate products and skin treatments will improve the results and longevity.