Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are usually naturally derived products utilized to alter facial volume and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  As we understand more about the elements in facial aging, we are finding broader indications for fillers.  As an example, fillers can be used to reshape the nose, hide the dark circles under the eyes, perform small brow lifts, face lifts, and even be used to fill in deep scars.  Fillers can also be used on the hands to give them a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Graham is an experienced plastic surgeon, Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).  He has had specific training in botulinum toxin and other injectables as required by his licensing board (ABPS).  Regularly performing injections and surgery on the face, he has an intimate understanding of the anatomy involved with filler injection and the specific indications for its use.

Dr. Graham and his staff offer Juvederm, Radiesse ,Restylane, Bellafill  and even your own fat.  Dr. Graham is most excited about fat injection as this can be a permanent filler.

Fillers begin to work immediately.  Depending on the filler and where it is injected they can last 4 months to 5 years.

Book a Filler appointment online here!

Revanesse Versa and Revanesse Lips

Revanesse Lips is our new favorite lip filler!!! Revanesse by Canadian manufacturer Prollenium  is a soft hyaluronic acid filler that is perfect for lips. It is the perfect blend of softness, moldability, and longevity. We love Revanesse for its effectiveness, longevity, and its value to our patients.

Firstly, we’ve found Revanesse Lips to be the perfect combination of softness, pliability, comfort, and beauty. This product gives our patients natural results with less pain and swelling than other brands.  Secondly, this is the longest acting filler for the lips giving good results for up to 6 months(compared to 3-4 months with other manufacturers). Lastly, Revanesse vials come in 1.2 ml denominations, versus 1.0 ml denominations for Juvederm and Restylane. This means patients get 20% more filler. This also often allows enough extra to treat a second area.

Hyaluronic Acid: Like collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA) is comprised of all living cells and occurs naturally in the body,thus eliminating the need for skin allergy tests prior to injection. It is a sugar molecule that attracts and binds water, hydrating the skin where it is injected and increasing volume. Hyaluronic acid is a filler that provides immediate volume enhancement results, whether it is used to fill wrinkles and folds or to plump up lips. HA dermal fillers are indicated for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Many people prefer a hyaluronic acid product over collagen because it is softer and tends to be longer lasting.

Revanesse, Restylane, and Juvederm are different products that are classified as hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. The injection process takes 15-30 minutes and results are immediate, with little or no recovery and downtime. If you have an important event, it is recommended that you schedule treatment one week or so prior to ensure that there is no remaining redness or swelling.

Restylane and Restylane Lyft

Restylane was first created in Sweden, and then brought into the United States. It is the first long lasting hyaluronic acid filler and can last about 6 months. Because a molecule of Restylane closely resembles natural hyaluronic acid and because the hyaluronic acid in it is not derived from animals, Restylane procedures have a reduced risk of inflammatory or allergic reactions. The duration of this treatment depends on many factors, including skin type, lifestyle, age, the degree of perfection demanded by the patient, and the injection of the practitioner. Restylane is best for treating under the eyes for dark hollows, fine lines on the upper lip, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.

Hyaluronic Acid: Like collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA) is comprised of all living cells and occurs naturally in the body, thus eliminating the need for skin allergy tests prior to injection. It is a sugar molecule that attracts and binds water, hydrating the skin where it is injected and increasing volume. Hyaluronic acid is a filler that provides immediate volume enhancement results, whether it is used to fill wrinkles and folds or to plump up lips. HA dermal fillers are indicated for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Many people prefer a hyaluronic acid product over collagen because it is softer and tends to be longer lasting.

Restylane and Juvederm are different products that are classified as hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. The injection process takes 15-30 minutes and results are immediate, with little or no recovery and downtime. If you have an important event, it is recommended that you schedule treatment one week or so prior to ensure that there is no remaining redness or swelling.

Juvederm

Juvèderm is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that the DFA confirms to last up to one year. It has a lighter concentration of cross-linked molecules for longer lasting results. Many doctors feel Juvèderm has smoother consistency than other hyaluronic acid fillers, which some doctors feel has a granular consistency. It is also the first FDA approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler to be proven safe and effective for persons of color. Juvederm is best for volumizing the lips and treating nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Radiesse

Radiesse dermal filler is made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel, and is injected into the skin through a simple and minimally invasive procedure. Radiesse can restore a healthy, youthful appearance; enhance one’s existing features, and assists in the fight against aging and gravity.

Radiesse’s patented microsphere technology starts a process called collagenesis, which stimulates the body to produce new collagen and encourages collagen growth around the injection site. Radiesse dermal filler has been clinically tested extensively for years, with excellent safety and efficacy results. It has received CE mark certification, two FDA approvals, and a number of FDA clearances. Radiesse dermal filler is made from a biocompatible substance that is identical to what is naturally found in the body. As a result, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction, and have had very few side effects occur in clinical trials and actual use.

Radiesse treatment can be performed within the lunch hour, and its results can last up to one year.

BEST TARGETS FOR RADIESSE TREATMENT: Cheek augmentation, Nasolabial Folds, Jaw line augmenation, Temporal hollows, Hands, Liquid Rhinoplasty

 

Why you should see a plastic surgeon for your fillers

Safe usage of fillers is best trusted to a Plastic Surgeon.  In addition to yielding poor appearance, improper usage of fillers can result in infection, facial tissue death, and even blindness. Dr. Graham’s knowledge of anatomy and proper technique significantly lessen the chance of such complications.  It is important that you see someone who performs surgery on the face when you get injectables.  Knowing the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles of the face is important to avoid complications and get the best results.  Many nonsurgical practitioners learn anatomy from a book, but this is unsafe as it is 2D knowledge of a 3D structure (ie. like knowing how to climb a mountain because you saw it on a map).  Also, by seeing a plastic surgeon for your injections, should complications occur you will already be in the hands of the specialist who can fix them for free.  Otherwise, you may ultimately need to see a plastic surgeon, which will be an additional expense.

Due to Dr. Graham’s plastic surgical training he is  well versed in the sensory anatomy of the face. He is able to perform several pain blocking anesthesia blocks of which the non-surgeon is either unfamiliar, or unable to perform.

What are the risks associated with dermal fillers?

How much do dermal fillers cost?