Injectable fillers can restore age-related volume loss as well as improve fine lines and wrinkles. Our practice utilizes a wide portfolio of injectable fillers to produce a natural, rejuvenated appearance.
Learn more about:
Types of Injectable Fillers
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that is a normal component of skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers have a gel consistency and are utilized to create a natural, rejuvenated appearance to the entire face. A wide range of hyaluronic acid products is available in the United States; each of these products has unique qualities and characteristics. Additionally, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved by injection of a product that quickly removes the filler.
- Sculptra: Sculptra, a type of dermal filler made of poly-L-lactic acid, exerts its volumizing effect by stimulating our body’s own collagen production. This process takes up to 8 weeks to have its full effect. Sculptra is an excellent product to add structure and volume to hollow, sunken cheeks.
- Radiesse: Radiesse, a filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite, is a synthetic product that may be used for volume enhancement in the face and hands. It adds structural support to the face and is also FDA approved for rejuvenation of aging hands. Hyperdilute Radiesse injections can also improve skin quality and texture by stimulating natural collagen production
- Bellafill: Bellafill is the only FDA approved permanent filler. Dr. Biesman uses Bellafill for the treatment of some depressed scars, including acne scars.
Who Benefits from Injectable Fillers?
As we age, the soft tissue distribution throughout our face changes—and anyone who experiences this could benefit from injectable fillers. Signs of this include:
- Volume loss or “dark circles” beneath the eyes
- Hollowing of the temples
- Sagging of the eyebrows
- Deflation and descent of the the cheeks
- Loss of jawline definition
- Heavy lines between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial folds)
- Loss of fullness in the outer part of the cheeks
- Thinning or wrinkling of skin around the mouth and lips
- Loss of chin projection
- Downward turning of the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty wearing earrings due to earlobe volume loss
- Changes in the shape or symmetry of the nose due to trauma, surgery, natural down-turning of the tip, flatness of the bridge, and others
Careful study of aging faces reveals both “deflation” of tissues that had once been more full and downward shifting or sagging of facial fat pads. Correction of these changes restores a more youthful appearance in a very natural, unaltered way and is a cornerstone treatment in facial rejuvenation.
The Most Important Factor in Facial Rejuvenation
Soft tissue volume correction is arguably the single most important factor in facial rejuvenation. Patients often say, “I don’t want all those injections, I will just have surgery”. Such statements are flawed, as surgery and soft tissue volume correction accomplish entirely different objectives. Surgery is used to remove extra tissue or to re-suspend tissues that have fallen. Low eyebrows, heavy eyelids, large jowls and fullness in the neck all require surgical repair. In contrast, surgery does not restore the age-related volume loss seen in the temples, cheeks, central part of our face or around the mouth. Performing surgery in patients who primarily look older due to volume change can result in an exaggerated, hollow, or “windswept” appearance.
Quick Facts:
- Soft tissue volume loss is one of the most important signs of aging
- Soft tissue fillers are used to enhance or replace volume
- When administered properly, fillers should produce a natural, refreshed look and should not be readily apparent
- Fillers complement laser resurfacing, skin tightening, Botox, and even surgery. They are not mutually exclusive of these other procedures
- Permanent fillers should only be used for the treatment of volume loss associated with depressed scars.