By Leera M. Briceno, MD
If you've ever wished you could erase the lines and restore the youthful contours of your face, then you'll want to consider a dermal filler. These popular "liquid facelifts," offer a safe, non-invasive way to restore lost fullness to the face, hands and chest without surgery and with little or no downtime.
At South Shore Dermatology Physicians (SSDP), fillers are used on parts of the face where there is lost volume and/or wrinkling due to aging. These places may include flattened areas of the cheeks, folds at the sides of the nose, lines beside and below the corners of the mouth, bags beneath the eyes, and sections where wrinkles and folds have created an angry, tired or worn appearance. Fillers also may be used to plump and add fullness to the lips.
I am never going back to looking like that again.
SSDP patient treated with a dermal filler
Fillers such as Belotero, Restylane? and Juv?derm? are made from hyaluronic acid, a type of sugar present in body tissues. When injected into the body, these fillers may be used for fine line correction and volume loss enhancement and replacement around the nose, lips and mouth. Radiesse?, a volume enhancer made from an injectable mineral found in human teeth and bones, is used to restore volume and soften moderate-to-severe wrinkles and deep folds in the cheeks and around the mouth. Sculptra is comprised of a biodegradable collagen stimulator made from Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). When used appropriately, Sculptra can produce long-lasting rejuvenation of deep facial wrinkles and
folds around the cheeks, temples, nose, and mouth. Since the contents and use of different dermal fillers vary, your cosmetic dermatologist will help devise an appropriate treatment program for your needs.
Certain sections of the face are not appropriate for filler treatment due to high concentrations of blood vessels and the increased risk for complications. These areas, such as between the eyebrows and inside the eye sockets, may be more effectively treated with neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport.
Specialized knowledge, training needed
Treatment with dermal fillers requires expert training and understanding of the different products. For this reason, it is important to choose an experienced caregiver who has the knowledge to manage any problem that may arise. The American Academy of Dermatology warns against receiving filler treatment in a non-medical setting such as a spa or salon, and instead recommends seeking treatment from an experienced dermatologist who is trained in filler usage.
When filler treatment is successful, the results can leave one looking happier, more relaxed and well-rested. A recent SSDP patient treated with Juv?derm? before her son's wedding was so thrilled with the refreshed appearance of her mid and lower face, she underwent additional treatment with Botox on the lines between her eyebrows and crow's feet to complete the picture. "I am never going back to looking like that again," she declared.
If you are interested in learning whether you are a candidate for treatment with a dermal filler or other cosmetic dermatology procedure, phone SSDP at 508.535.3376, Option 7, or email us from the Contact Us page of the SSDP website to schedule a consultation.
Want to learn more? Visit the Cosmetic Dermatology section of the SSDP website or the American Academy of Dermatology.
Leera M. Briceno, MD, is a Board certified dermatologist at South Shore Dermatology Physicians, with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology.
