Leanne Cross, MD
Asking which facial filler is right for you is a trick question individual needs or goals differ, and frequently, different areas of the face will respond better to different fillers. Consulting with an experienced injector with an artistic, comprehensive outlook, will give you the best options. That having been said, however, there are inherent differences between fillers that may influence your decision making.
How do they work?
Some facial fillers simply take up space. Once they are gone, it is essentially like they were never there. The hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Belotero, and some others, fall into this category. Other fillers cause some of their effect by stimulating collagen growth. Once the filler is gone, there may be a little more collagen in the area than if the filler was never injected. Fillers that stimulate collagen include Radiesse, Artefill, Sculptra, and silicone. The first two have a temporary background gel that is replaced with collagen later, so the volume remains fairly constant, whereas the last two have little volume of their own initially and the volume appears later as the collagen growth occurs.
What is the consistency?
The thicker the filler, the better it will be at lifting deeper lines and hollows. At the same time, thicker fillers are harder to blend smoothly into surrounding tissues, so they are better for more defined deeper folds, and tend to be used deeper in the tissues. Perlane and Radiesse are good examples of thicker fillers. Sculptra, on the other hand, goes in with the consistency of water so it can be used in areas where soft contour changes are needed without defined edges.
40 year old patient before and after facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers by Leanne Cross, MD
How long does it last?
This can vary to some degree from person to person and on where the product is placed. Typically, Restylane will last approximately 6 months, Juvederm, 12 months, Radiesse, up to 18 months, Sculptra, at least two years, and Artefill is essentially permanent. Each dermal filler has its place, depending on a myriad of factors.
How much filler do I get?
Restylane and Belotero are 1ml per syringe; Juvederm and Artefill are 0.8ml per syringe. Radiesse’s syringes are the largest, containing 1.5ml of product; a 0.8ml size is available for touch-ups. Sculptra differs in that it is manufactured as a vial of powder and it remains up to the injector to reconstitute the product with variable amounts of sterile water for use. Make sure you are purchasing Sculptra by the VIAL, rather than, by the syringe.
How much does it cost?
Prices can vary considerably from one establishment to another, but in general, the more filler you get and the longer it lasts, the more expensive it will be. Frequently, the cost will be higher depending on the injector’s experience. However, exercise caution in bargain hunting where your face is concerned.
What are the side effects?
There are certain expected side effects from the injection process itself; swelling and bruising are always possible and some areas of the face are more prone to bruising than others. Radiesse is known to initially cause more swelling than the other products, but if indicated, is worth the downtime. Just make sure you don’t have a hot date or important speaking engagement later the same night. The same rule applies for injections in or near the lips. Plan for some downtime as this area tends to bruise and swell.
Combining products:
Frequently the best results are achieved by the skillful combination of different products at different layers and for different purposes. The face ages globally, so it must be addressed with a comprehensive approach. The eyes tend to focus on the wrinkles and overlook the more subtle volume and contour changes associated with aging. Addressing only one aspect of the aging face, wrinkles, will lead to an unbalanced result.
Find an injector who is knowledgeable and experienced, understanding, and artistic. You should feel comfortable with your injector and develop a long-standing relationship. You should be able to openly communicate your concerns and feel that your wishes are being heard, but also be open to the advice of the experienced professional who can take a step back and consider the whole picture.
Call 813-874-2332 for an appointment or visit www.lecadatampa.com. Lecada Medical Artistry is conveniently located at 3710 West Azeele St., Tampa, 33606.
People with “smoker’s lines” (even if they aren’t smokers), run a greater risk for “chimp mouth”, because adding volume above the upper lip in an attempt to stretch out these lines, can, distort the mouth if that area begins to project forward beyond the top of the upper lip, or stretches the lips too far to the sides. Sometimes repeated procedures will cause changes to happen gradually enough that the patient may not be aware that they are beginning to look unnatural, or more often, the lip lines are so disturbing that they are so happy for those to be improved that they don’t notice the unnatural side effects.As we age, the mouth area begins to flatten and turn inward as the lips themselves lose volume. Balancing the little structural support around the mouth with some subtle definition of the lip edges, with a small increase in softness and volume to the lips themselves, is the best way to enhance the area since this keeps the mouth proportionate and with a natural shape.
Three years ago, Red Bamboo Medi Spa was the first to introduce SmartLipo to Pinellas County and now, at over 700 procedures, Red Bamboo has become the most successful and respected laser body sculpting program in Central Florida. Founded in 2008 by Licensed Aesthetician Raye Toscano, her husband Dr. Frank Toscano, and their partner Dr. Laszlo Teleszky, Red Bamboo has set the standard for excellence in aesthetic medicine.
The entire procedure is painless. You can listen to music and sip tea while the SmartLipo Laser melts away your fat and tightens your skin. There is no general anesthesia; not even an IV. The abdomen and the waist are the most common areas chosen but many other areas, even the neck, can be artistically sculpted using the SmartLipo Laser. Most people can go back to work the very next day.
