These are injectable substances used in plastic surgery to augment the volume of specific facial characteristics (e.g. lips, zygomas, or lower lid depressions) and to alleviate static (permanent) wrinkles. The most well-known filler nowadays is injectable hyaluronic acid. It is safe, inert, non-allergic and produces a temporary result which lasts for 9-12 months. Alternatively, I treat cosmetic patients with injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) or hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) according to their individualized needs.
Fillers
What are they?
The procedure
Lip augmantation:
Under local anasthesia I perform subtle and superficial injections of the vermillion border and deeper intra-muscular enhancement of the volume both of the upper and lower lips respecting their anatomy to achieve more natural results.
Zygoma:
I inject hyaluronic acid over the periosteum of cheek bones to achieve enhancement of their volume and a nice contour of the middle face. Alternatively, I use injectable hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) which is a more expensive product but lasts longer (2 years).
Nasolabial folds and facial lipoatrophy:
I prefer injections of poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) in 2-3 stages. The result is less dramatic than that of hyaluronic acid, but I find it more natural in the long term.
Instructions
Cosmetic patients are simply advised to put ice on the injection points for some hours to allow for the swelling to subside. Massage of the area is also indicated.
Results
The facial harmony is significantly improved by augmenting the volume of specific characteristics and alleviating the static rhytids. Irrational demands beyond the anatomic norms of the face are strongly disapproved.
CONTACT
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