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.