Defining Injectables

What are Dermal fillers and how do they work?

As the skin ages, it gradually loses some of its collagen and fat. These are the materials that prevent the skin from becoming saggy. Thus, as we age, our skin can become thinner and more wrinkled and lined. Dermal fillers help to restore our skin to its former youthful appearance. Material is injected into the skin in areas where it needs to be plumped up again and made to look firmer. Fillers come in different thicknesses, and in general, the thicker the product, the deeper it is injected into the dermis.

Restylane® and Perlane®

Restylane® is considered a premier wrinkle filler because it is a safe, temporary, non-animal form of hyaluronic acid gel, a naturally occurring substance that binds water to cells. Restylane® is injected to fill out creases and lines. It is not to be confused with Botox, which basically relaxes muscles, though they work brilliantly together as a team. The most common areas to have done are lips, nasal labial folds, smile lines and drooping corners of the mouth. Perlane® is a very pure and stabilized form of hyaluronic acid. 

Restylane® is thinner and better for lips and fine lines. Perlane® is thicker and good for sculpting cheek bones or deep lines such as laugh lines. Both Restylane® and Perlane® are the exact same molecule (hyaluronic acid). Recent clinical studies have shown that patients who receive full correction at initial treatment, are as satisfied 18 months out as they are 2 weeks post treatment with a touch up at 6 or 9 months.

JUVÉDERM®

Juvéderm® injectable gel dermal filler is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment. Dr. Hester eases Juvéderm® under the skin using a fine needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis-the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis-to add volume and diminish wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm® injectable gel is great for your "laugh lines," "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds), or "marionette lines" (oral commissures).

Juvéderm® is a "next-generation" filler. It is made from hyaluronic acid-a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume. Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm® injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.

Radiesse^®

Radiesse® dermal filler may be used in an array of treatments ideal for correcting the signs of aging or adding natural contours to the face - without invasive surgery. It is especially good for defining and sculpting cheekbones.

Radiesse® dermal filler is setting a new standard for cosmetic fillers. It uses advanced, calcium-based microsphere technology to deliver soft, natural-looking results you can see immediately. And unlike other dermal fillers, it also stimulates your body to produce new collagen, so you'll continue to look more youthful and attractive over time. In fact for many patients, the benefits of treatment with Radiesse® dermal filler may last up a year or more.