How to Get Rid of Jowls
Although jowls are a common part of the aging process, many consider them to be an unwanted aesthetic facial development. Jowls form when excess, inelastic skin droops onto or...
The injectable dermal fillers available at our practice can reduce signs of wrinkles and fine lines, add volume and enhanced contours to specific facial features, and provide effective facial rejuvenation with long-lasting results. Dermal filler treatments do not require surgery, and most patients do not need any recovery period after these procedures. Our board-certified plastic surgeon offers a comprehensive selection of dermal fillers that can address an array of common concerns.
As our skin ages, it gradually loses some of the collagen that it once produced in abundance. Collagen, a connecting protein whose long fibers form the mesh of tissue that holds skin cells together, is a crucial factor determining the texture and appearance of the skin. Thus, as collagen levels decline, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag and crease. Dermal filler injections with Restylane® products or other advanced options are very popular facial treatments from Dr. Mark Richards at Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute. These solutions can temporarily mitigate the wrinkling and deflation of aging by filling in depressions and restoring youthful contours. The injected solution of elastic hyaluronic gel plumps up the skin, smoothing out lines and giving it a more supple appearance. The double benefit is that hyaluronic acid gel forms the matrix upon which your collagen can grow. This technique is effective whether used to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth or to redefine lip anatomy, or to just fill in skin wrinkles. Restylane® and many other dermal filler options available from Dr. Richards, including the innovative Revanesse® Versa™ solution and the Revance® RHA® Collection of Dermal Fillers, can be very effective for signs of age and facial volume loss.
To learn more about the dermal fillers we offer, please follow the links below. If you would like more personalized guidance, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Both Restylane® and our other popular dermal filler choice, JUVÉDERM®, are composed of hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that is naturally produced by the body. They have been refined and used by plastic surgeons for decades and are carefully formulated so as to avoid causing allergic reactions. Both have also been shown to stimulate collagen formation and thereby create long-lasting improvement with each treatment. To learn more about Restylane® options and the hyaluronic acid treatments we offer, please contact our friendly and professional staff today.
Formerly known as Perlane®, Restylane® Lyft can be used to augment the cheeks to restore volume and natural, youthful-looking contour in the midfacial area. Additionally, Restylane® Lyft can soften deeper lines and creases that form around the smile, called nasolabial folds, as well as other wrinkles. This treatment is FDA-approved for patients 21 years of age and older and provides instant results that can last up to a year. Regular treatment can extend the benefits, if desired.
Thin or thinning lips and ill-defined lip contour can be a problem for patients of virtually any age. Restylane® Silk can help by subtly restoring volume and plumping the lips with sumptuous and natural-looking results. Furthermore, Restylane® Silk’s very fine nature can be used to diminish vertical lines of the upper and lower lips without adding excess volume. Restylane® Silk is FDA-approved, and patients 21 years or older seeking long-lasting (up to six months or more) lip rejuvenation can benefit from this quick non-surgical treatment.
FDA-approved to smooth fine lines around the mouth, Restylane® Refyne is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler. This innovative rejuvenation method uses XpresHAn™ technology to achieve the most natural-looking results possible. Refyne is a thinner and more elastic filler than Restylane® and is most commonly used for lip augmentation and to soften the creases that run from the corner of the mouth to the chin (commonly called marionette lines). The state-of-the-art gel formula makes it easier than ever to achieve a more youthful look while maintaining the ability to express yourself naturally. Refyne includes a local anesthetic to make your treatment as comfortable as possible, and results are virtually instantaneous. Most patients experience minimal side effects, such as bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area, which should subside quickly. Refyne is for patients 21 years of age or older. The benefits typically last about a year, although your experience may vary slightly.
Similar to Restylane® Refyne, Restylane® Defyne is an elastic HA-based filler that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth. What makes Defyne distinctive is its thicker formula. Just as flexible as Refyne, Defyne offers deeper, more dramatic rejuvenation of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, mouth corners that have become downturned, and a more defined restoration of the upper and lower lip anatomy. While Refyne is used to treat fine lines and mild to moderate creases, Defyne goes deeper to provide noticeable yet natural-looking improvement for more severe deflation and wrinkles. Defyne is FDA-approved for patients 21 years of age and above and can last up to a year. Occasional maintenance injections can extend the benefits, if desired. Downtime is typically minimal, with swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness the most commonly reported effects. These symptoms should subside within a couple of days. Results can be seen immediately after treatment, and most individuals can return to their normal routine following the procedure.
Restylane® Kysse offers both women and men a new option for lip enhancement that can alleviate apprehensions about how natural the results will look—and feel. Its firmness is in between Restylane® Refyne and Defyne (described above). This dermal filler can give the lips a fuller and more contoured appearance, and can also be effective in minimizing signs of frowning at rest that surround the aging mouth. Restylane® Kysse stands apart from other lip fillers due to an advanced ingredient that’s included in the solution. This ingredient is called XpresHAn Technology™, and it can ultimately work to bind hyaluronic acid particles together in the lips. This is an important ability because it essentially allows the particles to stretch and resume their previous position when you talk, smile, or kiss. Restylane® Kysse is specifically designed for lips to look and feel as close to natural lip tissue as possible. This treatment can also create long-lasting outcomes—up to a full year for many patients. Research by Restylane® development company Galderma found that not only were 98% of patients satisfied with the “kissability” of their lips after treatment with Restylane® Kysse, but a large majority of their partners were, as well!
Revanesse® Versa™ is an exciting new, FDA-approved dermal filler that can be ideal for many patients who would like to enhance facial volume and diminish prominent signs of wrinkles and folds. This filler’s primary ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is natural to the human body, and its unique manufacturing process allows for treatment outcomes to appear very smooth and uniform. For many individuals, Revanesse® Versa™ has also shown to produce less swelling following the treatment.
Available for use in both women and men who are at least 22 years of age, Revanesse® Versa™ may be an ideal treatment for patients who would like to:
In addition to the many benefits offered by Revanesse® Versa™, this particular option is known for its immediate and long-lasting results. In fact, patients may continue experiencing the rejuvenating effects of Revanesse® Versa™ for at least six months and potentially as long as 12 months. Before they fade completely, many patients can maintain the results of Revanesse® Versa™ for even longer periods by undergoing occasional follow-up injections.
Revanesse® Versa™ offers a way to achieve effective, smooth, and natural-looking rejuvenation with no downtime required. Dr. Richards can evaluate your skin during an initial consultation to determine whether this advanced treatment is the best option for your needs and goals.
The Revance® RHA® Collection of Dermal Fillers is an exciting new option for patients looking to rejuvenate their facial appearance. This group of injectables is the first hyaluronic acid filler approved by the FDA for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles and folds that often result from repetitive facial movements. RHA® fillers are developed and manufactured in a way that makes them capable of filling these facial lines and wrinkles without creating a “frozen” or “artificial” appearance by compromising one’s ability to make natural facial expressions. The RHA® solution is designed to allow hyaluronic acid molecules to preserve more of their natural structure, which can help create noticeable smoothing of dynamic wrinkles while still producing a natural appearance.
There are three RHA® filler options in the collection, each slightly different from the other. Here are the options and the types of concerns they can address:
RHA® filler treatment can be performed here at our practice and is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. For most patients, there is no downtime necessary following treatment. Temporary side effects such as swelling and bruising around the injection sites should fade within the next few days.
The results of RHA® fillers have been known to last up to 15 months for many individuals, making this option one of the longest-lasting injectable solutions available.
RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler can be very beneficial for patients looking to correct or enhance facial contour issues. In fact, the non-surgical rhinoplasty is often accomplished using RADIESSE®. Enhancement of the jaw line is also frequently done with RADIESSE®. And by far, the most common use of this filler in our practice is to restore cheek volume and get rid of the tired, haggard appearance of the lower eyelid/upper cheek areas! This filler often lasts for well over a year, and the collagen it created remains even after the filler is gone. One of the biggest advantages of RADIESSE® is that it is designed to stimulate your own natural collagen. By allowing your skin to continue replenishing itself, the results of RADIESSE® can be extraordinarily long-lasting – up to one year and even more in some cases.
RADIESSE® is FDA-approved to mix with lidocaine, which can make for a more comfortable treatment process. It is composed of many of the same minerals that are natural to the human body. The RADIESSE® injections are administered with an ultra-fine needle in the areas targeted for treatment. Total treatment time is usually only about 15 to 30 minutes. While there may be some redness and swelling in the target areas after the procedure, these effects should fade within a few days. There is typically no recovery time necessary after RADIESSE® treatment, and most patients are able to resume normal daily activities immediately. While the results of RADIESSE® are not permanent, they can be maintained with occasional follow-up treatments.
BELOTERO BALANCE® is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler. Like many other HA fillers, BELOTERO BALANCE® can be used to smooth superficial facial wrinkles and fine lines with exceptional results. A unique advantage offered by this product is its soft and smooth consistency. Due to the formulation of BELOTERO BALANCE®, it is able to treat delicate areas such as crow’s feet and vertical lip lines more successfully than most other cosmetic injectables. This filler is still strong enough to address more stubborn areas, such as deep nasolabial folds, and can create beautiful, lasting results for lip augmentation. Patients can expect results to last for approximately six to nine months. To maintain results for even longer periods, Dr. Richards recommends for patients to return for occasional “touch-up” appointments.
Sculptra® Aesthetic can help you regain a more youthful, refreshed appearance with very long-lasting results. Although the effects of Sculptra® Aesthetic are not immediately evident, the treatment is designed to improve facial areas targeted for rejuvenation over time. This gradual enhancement is due to the stimulation of collagen growth in the treatment areas. As the collagen is rebuilt, wrinkles and hollow areas of the face can become fuller for a healthier, more youthful appearance. In some cases, patients have been able to enjoy the benefits of Sculptra® Aesthetic for up to 2-5 years!
Dr. Richards is a Sculptra® Aesthetic–trained plastic surgeon and is utilizing this dynamic, FDA-approved treatment option for those patients looking to replace and restore their own collagen and deep soft tissue that was lost as a result of the natural aging process. Sculptra® Aesthetic is advantageous in the correction of facial folds, hollows in the cheeks, loss of jaw and cheek volume, and other contour deficiencies of the face. It’s known for its ability to gradually create attractive natural-looking results that can last well over 2 years. For most patients, a treatment regimen of 3 sessions dispersed over a period of 5 months is suggested to garner optimum results. Sculptra® Aesthetic is comprised of poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, which is naturally absorbed by the body and has been used safely in medicine for well over 30 years in absorbable sutures and implants.
To help you find the best resources on dermal fillers, Dr. Richards has provided answers to some commonly asked questions about these innovative products. If you don’t see your question below, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richards.
Each type of dermal filler, whether you’re interested in JUVÉDERM®, Sculptra® Aesthetic, or another option, offers unique benefits, so your treatment can be tailored to your individual needs and goals. Generally speaking, dermal fillers offer temporary rejuvenation in the treated area. Most offer immediate or quick results, and many are made with substances the body makes naturally, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. Since dermal fillers are non-surgical, there is less concern about scarring, as there are no incisions. Furthermore, downtime is usually quite brief, as is the treatment time.
Many women and men can benefit from dermal fillers, but not all dermal fillers are right for all people. You should be in good general health, have reasonable expectations for what can be achieved, and be interested in rejuvenating mild to moderate signs of aging on your face and/or hands. The best results typically are obtained by individuals who don’t smoke and who are committed to maintaining good skin health. Dr. Richards will evaluate you prior to treatment, and if you have any questions about dermal fillers, we will be happy to discuss them at your appointment.
It’s difficult to guess which dermal fillers will be ideal without a thorough evaluation and conversation about what cosmetic concerns you would like to address. Some fillers soften wrinkles, others add volume to the cheeks and lips, still others offer gradual overall rejuvenation. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and develop a customized treatment plan to achieve the optimal outcome.
All injectables fall under the umbrella category of cosmetic injectables, which includes dermal fillers. That said, not all cosmetic injectables are dermal fillers. BOTOX® Cosmetic, for instance, is not a filler. It does not add, or “fill,” the skin to obtain the desired outcome, as fillers do. It’s a subtle distinction but an important one. Our medical team can go over other differences if you’re interested in learning more.
We make every effort to provide a comfortable experience to our patients. Most individuals find the treatment to be quick and relatively painless. Dermal fillers often include a local anesthetic in the formula to help reduce discomfort. We can also utilize ice packs and other analgesics as needed to help make the process the best it can be.
Many of the dermal fillers we offer have the added benefit of providing virtually instant results, so you should be able to see the effects by the time you return to your normal schedule. Some dermal fillers do have a longer gestation period, and some provide additional enhancement as time goes on. We will go over what to expect during your initial visit.
Unfortunately, the benefits of filler injections do not last forever. The body metabolizes the injected material over time, so additional injections may routinely be needed to sustain the results. The duration of the effects varies from person to person and from filler to filler. Some may find the wrinkles returning within a few months, while most others continue to enjoy their smoother facial skin for a year or longer. While the precise mechanics of this phenomenon have not been fully worked out, it is generally accepted that a number of factors, including age, genetics, the condition of the skin, and the area treated, determine how long the benefits of filler injection treatment last.
At our practice dermal filler injections are performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon or by an experienced, extensively trained nurse injector. While you research your options for aesthetic enhancement providers, it is very important to look carefully at the provider’s background and experience. The provider should have the appropriate licensure to perform these procedures and should also have the necessary training to maximize safety and precision. Experienced and well-trained providers should also have a comprehensive understanding of facial tissues and muscles, and how to achieve an ideal aesthetic balance among facial features to create results that look natural while satisfying expectations. Dr. Richards and the experienced injectors on our team are fully qualified to perform these procedures, and all treatments are customized for each individual’s unique needs. We are a full-service, board-certified plastic surgeon’s office.
For help deciding whether a dermal injectable filler will meet your needs, please take a moment to contact Dr. Richards. He and his staff will also be happy to speak with you about other procedures that interest you but are not discussed on this site.