Facial Fillers

Facial fillers are a safe solution for someone wanting to “freshen” their look, the outcome greatly depends on the experience and skill of the injector. Results are also greatly determined by the technique and product that is used. It is important to make sure the person providing your treatment has been properly trained and has experience treating the desired area. In addition to training, an artistic eye familiar with facial symmetry and ideal proportions is necessary to achieve a natural result. Someone who has a “bumpy” or overdone look was likely treated by a novice injector or someone who wasn’t properly trained on advanced techniques.

While many people think of aging as merely getting wrinkles it is also marked by the loss of volume, collagen & elasticity. Facial features once accentuated by fullness can become marked by telltale signs of aging. For many individuals adding youthful volume to the face using fillers is an ideal way of achieving the desired result. CFI physicians perform this procedure with minimal to no downtime and without the expense associated with surgery.

Fillers are commonly used to plump up smile lines, the deep grooves that extend from the corner of the mouth down to the jaw line and the lip borders. Fillers such as Radiesse®, Restylane® and Juvederm® can be expected to last from 6 months to 2 years.
Everyone is different and how long a filler will last for you is hard to predict for certain.

It is essential that you are treated until the fold or wrinkle is completely corrected. Patients who express disappointment with previous filler treatments were most likely not being treated sufficiently. If too little filler is used the results will not be apparent and the treatment is worthless. Although it may be slightly more expensive to attain complete correction (because you may need more than one vial of the filler), in our experience treatments last longer and patients are much happier with the results.

The filler procedure is performed quickly and usually some sort of numbing agent is used to anesthetize the area. Most people feel completely comfortable immediately returning to their daily routine but do report that they feel a bit sore or swollen for 12 to 24 hours after the procedure. To reduce bruising or swelling we recommend abstaining from the use of aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E before undergoing the treatment.

Fillers aren’t just the go-to treatment for getting rid of those irritating smile lines around the mouth. Doctors recently have begun using filler products not only to fill in those lines but to provide a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the mid-face as well. As we age, gravity and time begin to take their toll; our skin loses elasticity creating a slightly droopy appearance, our jaw line begins to fall and those bags under our eyes achieve “suitcase status.” Facial fillers can be strategically placed to enhance the mid-face through facial contouring that restores youthful lines and also reduces the appearance of dark, unsightly under-eye circles. Patients leave looking years younger and can head back to work or running errands with a new spring in their step.

There are several different fillers available and many new brands on the horizon. The main fillers that CFI physicians use are Restylane®, Juvederm® and Radiesse®. Restylane® and Juvederm® are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a soft particle that is naturally produced in the body. As we age, our skin loses collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. These are the components that allow us to have smooth skin with youthful facial contours. With time, our production of these elements slows down, and we start to see volume loss, skin laxity, folds and wrinkles. When Restylane® or Juvederm® is placed in the skin, the depleted areas are gently plumped back to a more youthful state. The product attracts water within our body to the treated areas which creates a smooth, natural appearance. Results generally last 6-12 months and many patients experience correction beyond a year.

Radiesse® is used for individuals with deep folds or those who need significant volume correction. Made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a material that is already found in our bodies, Radiesse® works by filling in folds that can make us appear tired, angry and older than we are.

COMBINING FILLERS AND OTHER TREATMENTS Facial fillers can be used in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments such as Botox® and laser treatments with little to no additional recovery time. Your physician will discuss the best combination of treatments to help you achieved your desired result.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do facial fillers work?

Injectable fillers replace lost volume. When this is done artfully, the appearance of lines is minimized, and a much more natural, youthful appearance is created.

What results can be expected?

The results are very gratifying for the majority of people. Filling in lost volume and wrinkles can often transform one's appearance in a very profound but natural way. Most of the time one's family and friends know something has changed but they are not sure what it is.

Are there any negatives?

The most common potential adverse events are swelling, redness and bruising. Most of the time redness and swelling is gone in 1-2 days. Bruising can be prevented to a large degree by avoiding aspirin, vitamin E and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) prior to the procedure. Bruises can last from 1-2 weeks, if they occur. Request a consultation today to determine if a facial filler is the right treatment for you.650.462.3161

Facial Fillers Brochure

 

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