Enhance, Correct & Create Shape With Fillers – How Fillers Are Used and For What, Winter/Spring 2016 Newsletter

The field of injectable fillers continues to expand with new products having been launched, existing products receiving additional FDA approval for new cosmetic indications, and others in the pipeline. Dermatologists are highly trained in using these cosmetic injectables for a myriad of problems which patients may wish to address. Patients may achieve successful enhancement of scars and other anatomical variants – from aging and other prior skin problems – and to create a youthful appearance by altering the shape of an aging face.

At Advanced Dermatology, we have been excited to serve as a training center for Bellafill® – the only dermal filler on the market approved for the correction of moderate to severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars. Because it is made partially from bovine collagen, a skin allergy test is required prior to receiving a Bellafill® treatment to make sure no allergies exist to the product or anesthetic lidocaine. This filler has been on the market since 2007 for correction of nasolabial folds, and it recently received approval for acne scars on cheeks for patients over the age of 21 years. We have had outstanding results thus far and they are immediate. PMMA (the other ingredient in Bellafill®) creates a lattice structure encouraging more collagen to grow into it over time. If you want to learn more about our experience, check our website for a patient testimonial video: bit.ly/1lunRHm

One of my favorite injectables, because it stimulates your own body to naturally produce collagen, is Sculptra® Aesthetic. Sculptra® helps you correct shallow to deep contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles. I like to think of Sculptra® as a biostimulator, not a filler, because the results take four to six weeks as your body is growing its own collagen. Sculptra® is typically injected over a series of sessions, and the results are extremely natural-appearing. We may be able to combine Sculptra® with other hyaluronic acid fillers, and it is excellent for patients who require panfacial (complete) volume restoration.

Restylane® Lyft was recently introduced as an excellent option to correct moderate to severe volume loss and wrinkles – particularly those noted around mid-face, and other traditional areas such as the smile lines. This filler is placed deep, and reproduces the opulence associated with a youthful face.

Lastly, Juvederm® Ultra XC recently received approval for injection into the lips and around the mouth, in adults over the age of 21. This hyaluronic acid instantly adds fullness to the lips and is the only dermal filler that has proven results lasting up to one year for lip augmentation. Many patients may opt to address age related volume loss, contour, moisture and softness of their lips with the addition of this smooth injectable. The procedure is easily tolerable as Juvéderm® Ultra XC has lidocaine, which anesthetizes the area being treated.

I hope that the above information may help you decide to come in for a cosmetic consultation, and allow one of our providers to help guide you toward the best injectable treatment to address your concerns.