Is A Filler Lift An Alternative To A Surgical Face Lift?

Many plastic surgeons believe that when the correct individual dermal filler, or in some cases, the correct combination of fillers to treat wrinkles, the results are very similar to those achieved from much more invasive procedures.

Dermal fillers widely accepted and used in modern cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery procedures as an instant aesthetic treatment. A dermal filler treatment is one of a small number of cosmetic procedures that typically provide immediate results and a noticeable improvement and does not require down time like procedures such as a face lift.

These days there is a mind boggling number of choices when electing to have a dermal filler treatment. It is not an uncommon practice for a cosmetic surgeon to utilize a single type of filler to treat more than one area of concern.

New York Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman states "Each individual dermal filler has qualities that differ from other fillers, and therefore provide different results. By utilizing multiple filler types to treat different areas of a patients face, and using the best filler for each treatment area, one can achieve the most beautiful and natural looking results possible."

What Can I Expect From a Dermal Filler Treatment?

In most cases, Dermal filler appointments will take about an hour. Most of this time will be with a numbing agent gradually numbing the skin. Sometimes when extensive lip treatments are being performed, we will opt to give a small, nearly painless, numbing injection to deaden the sensitive lip tissue prior to administering the dermal filler. In this case, your lip will remain numb for up to an hour following the session.

During the actual treatment you should be very comfortable, feeling only some mild pin pricks or stinging. Most patients are impressed at the ease of these treatments. If you are experiencing significant discomfort during the session please advise the plastic surgeon as there are often other remedies to ease any pain you might be feeling.

After the session a small amount of swelling and redness in the treated area is normal and to be expected. Typically the majority of this reactivity will be gone within several hours but on occasion can persist for several days. Bruising can occur. If you are susceptible to bruising or on blood thinners, please let your provider know prior to the treatment so extra precautions or recommendations can be made. Bruising will not affect the end result but can take up to 10 days to resolve when significant.

So What Are Dermal fillers?

Filler agent treatments for facial aging are one of the most rapidly growing areas of cosmetic medicine. When a plastic surgeon evaluates patients who desire facial rejuvenation, they consider a three prong approach. Surgery and skin care can be vital to obtaining the best result, but the third prong includes fillers. They are a wonderful adjunct in many patients. They can improve the result of surgery in most, but in some, fillers can provide enough improvement that surgery can be delayed.

So what are Dermal fillers? They are products designed to be injected into the skin to correct and soften lines or furrows. They can also be used to increase lip volume. There is a dizzying array of products available that are made from different substances. Some products are derived from animals, and other from cadavers. Still others are bio-engineered. I currently prefer Juvederm. It is made from a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of human skin. There is no risk of allergy, so skin testing is not required in advance of treatment. It is a gel formulation, unlike some earlier generation products that are particulate in character. The gel injects smoothly and does not result in lumps or bumps under the skin.

In the past, the lack of longevity of result was a concern for many patients considering filler treatments. Juvederm generally lasts between nine and twelve months in the vast majority of patients. While it is not permanent, most things in life do require maintenance.

The Difference Between types Of Dermal Fillers

JUVÉDERM™ is the latest dermal filler advance from Allergan, Inc. for temporarily correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. JUVÉDERM™ is a “next generation“ smooth gel, non-animal dermal filler offering a natural look/feel and long lasting results for up to six months or longer. JUVÉDERM™ dermal filler lasts long because it’s the only dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid and a special formulation process. This process creates a smooth gel that flows easily into the skin, creating smooth, natural looks.

Radiesse ® is a non-surgical facial contouring filler that delivers an immediate and long-lasting result. Used to restore and reshape obvious signs of facial aging, Radiesse ® remains soft and pliable and takes on characteristics of surrounding tissue.
Radiesse ® is made of very tiny, smooth, calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. The microspheres (particles) form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows.

This unique composition provides immediate visual improvement common with other fillers, along with the benefit of long-lasting results. For the first three months after injection, Radiesse ® initially performs as a filler substance by plumping up the skin. Then due to its collagen-generating properties, Radiesse ® actually stimulates new tissue development for extended correction for up to 12 to 24 months.

Restylane ® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, providing a smoother, more youthful appearance. It has also become the preferred treatment for lip enhancement. Restylane ® is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. Restylane ® maintains its shape using the body’s own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane ® is hydrophilic or “water loving.” As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide lasting results.

For anyone considering Dermal Filler procedures to restore that youthful look, please be sure and consult with a qualified Skin care specialist prior to having any cosmetic procedure. It is also recommended that you do some research to make sure you understand your chosen procedure prior to scheduling the procedure. There are many websites on the internet that provide information about dermal fillers- the best and most accurate website I have found is lookingyourbest.com- a free website offering a wealth of in depth plastic surgery information.

Plastic Surgery Q&A – Facial Rejuvenation

My sister is always telling me about how she hates her face. She doesn't like the way her skin is red and blotchy, and she has a lot of fine lines and wrinkles. Is there anything that can be done to help her?

There are several procedures available to help your wife see a difference in her skin condition, and procedures that can help treat fine lines and wrinkles. These two issues and related, but can be treated differently. Red skin and “blotchy” skin problems are usually treated with laser skin resurfacing and IPL (Intense Pulse Light Waves). There are several different types of laser treatments, and we will examine a few here:

Photoderm Laser/Photofacial/IPL- This light source laser effectively treats many concerns on various parts of the body including red blotchiness or blood vessels, irregular pigmentation, fine lines or general sun damage of the skin! There is relatively no downtime with this procedure.

Active FX Laser – This laser treatment can be utilized for everything from fine lines to the not-so-fine lines! Sun spots to sagging skin! This non-ablative laser produces similar results to ablative lasers, such as the CO2, without the downtime associated with them. Below is a before and after photo that illustrates the results of this laser treatment.

Fraxel Laser – This laser is a new approach to "resurfacing" the skin with many of the benefits of an ablative laser but virtually no downtime. This laser treatment eliminates old epidermal cells (brown spots or age spots) while penetrating deep into the dermis to improve fine lines, wrinkles and general skin discoloration. Your skin will be softer, smoother, fresher, with improved quality, tone and texture. Stretch marks and scars can also be successfully treated with this laser. Below is photo depicting the before and after results of a Fraxel Laser Treatment.

These are just a few of the many laser treatments available for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. New York Dermatologist Dr Karyn Grossman recommends learning more about Laser Skin rejuvenation before electing to have a laser treatment.

Fine lines and wrinkles can be treated solely with laser skin rejuvenation, however there are other alternatives and depending on your skin condition, and other factors, one of these procedures may be right for you.

Lipotransfer - By removing fat from one area of the body where it is not wanted and injecting it into other areas where it is needed, you can achieve a soft filling effect unlike any other filler substances. By storing some of the fat and injecting it periodically, your enhanced appearance will be consistent. Fat can be used to plump up lips, fill in the nasal labial folds or the hollows of the cheeks, to "create” cheekbones and plump up hands.

Filler Lift - Dermal fillers such as restylane, Juvederm, Botox and Sculptra are commonly used in cosmetic dermatology as an instant esthetic treatment. A dermal filler injection is one of the few procedures to provide immediate improvement or enhancement of appearance with little or no down-time. There are many different fillers available today. However, it is not uncommon for physicians to suggest the use of one product for the treatment of multiple areas of concern.

As always, before choosing to have any procedure it is recommended you research your desired procedure(s) and locate a skilled, experienced and qualified specialist such as a cosmetic dermatologist. Be sure to schedule a consultation and have all your questions answered.

There are several websites out there, and alot of them have accurate , in depth information. One excellent site I have discovered for researching both surgical and non-surgical plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures is Lookingyourbest.com. Here you can not only find procedural and safety information, but they also offer a free service to help you locate the right plastic surgeon for your procedure. Remember, Taking the proper steps and understanding all this is involved with any procedure can mean the difference between a positive experience and a nightmare.

Facial Rejuvenation Never Looked So good!

My friend whom I will call Tammy Had been talking to my wife about ways to keep that youthful look. As I sat at my computer researching Plastic Surgery Information, I over heard Tammy describe her dissatisfaction with the way her face looked and more over, the areas of her face where she had experienced some fat loss. Tammy mentioned Botox didn't help much and chemical peels and laser resurfacing were not the solution.

I invited Tammy into my office and showed her a Cosmetic Dermatologist website I had found that described a fix for what Tammy did not like about her face. The facial rejuvenation procedure called Sculptra is done by injecting this compound called Sculptra below the skin's surface in the ares of fat loss and thus providing the areas a gradual filling.

Long Story Short Tammy decided to see her doctor about Sculptra. I am happy to say that She did have the procedure, and after just a few treatments, I can definitely see a difference. I think Tammy can too. She seems more vibrant, happy and she now has more confidence.

Plastic Surgery Q&A - Consultations and Dermal Fillers

What exactly takes place in a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon?

The initial consultation is an opportunity to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon so that you can get to know one another and discuss the areas of your appearance which you would like improved. When you call to schedule your consultation, you will usually be sent an information packet telling you about the surgeon, the surgeon's office and the plastic surgery procedure you are interested in. It is suggested that you read these materials first so that you will be aware of the available options prior to your consultation. This packet also includes a questionnaire about your medical history, which you should fill out completely and honestly as you can. These forms are not meant to embarrass you or meant to be negative in any way. It is important that you fill this form out fully providing the most accurate information about your medical history possible. Remember that anything left out of the medical history could possibly have an adverse effect on your surgery.

Your consultation will also include an examination after which your surgeon will share with you which procedure he recommends, why he recommends it and what your other options are. He/she will thoroughly review the planned procedure, what to expect as you recover and will discuss your anticipated results. After meeting with the Doctor, you will meet with someone called the Patient Care Coordinator.

At this time, you will be given an opportunity to view pre-and-post-operative photographs of patients who have undergone similar procedures, and who have given us their permission to show their pictures. This meeting is also your chance to ask any additional questions you may have. The Plastic surgeon's Patient Care Coordinator will discuss the timing of your surgery, finances, and assist you in making any necessary arrangements before or after surgery that you may require, including hotel and nursing arrangements for our patients living elsewhere in the U.S. or abroad. You should expect the consultation to last 1-1 1/2 hours. Of course, if you require more time, it will gladly be made available.

I want to make my face look younger and do not know which dermal filler would be best for me- can you help??

My First suggestion would be to consult with a board certified cosmetic surgeon who is skilled and experienced with dermal fillers. The consultation is always the best "first step" for having any kind of plastic or cosmetic procedure. Dermal Fillers are no exception to this rule- it is easy for an inexperienced surgeon to make a mistake, and thus the main reason why it is highly important you do your research and find a qualified surgeon. Online Resources are helpful as they usually have a large library of plastic surgery information for you to use. The best site I have seen is lookingyourbest.com. The website has an extensive library of information about plastic surgery, articles written by doctors and surgeons, and they also offer a free service to help you locate a surgeon in your area. All of that being said, let's take a quick look at a few of the Dermal fillers and facial rejuvenation treatments available:

Restylane®/Perlane®:
Restylane® and Perlane® are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our skin, and treatments will fill out lips and cheeks and improve facial wrinkles and facial folds. The improvement you will achieve will last usually from 6-12 months. There will be gradual fading of the results at which point you can return for another treatment.

BOTOX® Cosmetic:
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an dynamic treatment for facial wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes and in the “crows feet” areas (upper third of the face). BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time. Botox® Cosmetic works by weakening the muscles of facial expression that create those unwanted lines and wrinkles. As the muscles relax, the skin flattens and wrinkles fade away naturally.

Juvéderm™:
Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases Juvéderm™ injectable gel under the skin to provide a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™ compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.* And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm™ injectable gel and another dermal filler* preferred Juvéderm™! In addition, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

Lip Augmentation:
Injection of fillers such as Collagen, Hylaform, Juvederm, and fat into the lips is an easy way of enlarging or shaping the lips. Collagen is commercially available through plastic surgeons, but before having this procedure, you must first pass a collagen allergy test. Its advantages are, it does not require surgery and it is relatively inexpensive. Its disadvantage is that it is not permanent and usually lasts 3-5 months. Other newer injectable fillers such as those mentioned above usually last much longer than collagen and don’t need to be allergy tested. Fat, tendon, or dermal grafting is another method used for lip augmentation. They require harvesting of the fat, dermis, or tendon from another area of the body. Its biggest disadvantage is that the lips remain swollen and inflamed for a much longer period than when synthetic fillers are used.

Chemical Peels:
If you're considering chemical peel... Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.