Procedures: Dermal Fillers
Types: Restylane®, Restylane-L®, Perlane®, Perlane-L®, Juvederm® Ultra, Juvederm® Ultra Plus, Sculptra®, Radiesse®, Belotero
Dermal fillers are delivered by injections to add volume to the face or to plump up scars, marionette lines, laugh lines or lips. They are a popular form of skin rejuvenation to soften fine lines and restore youthful contours. Results greatly depend on the skill and experience of the physician.
Dr. Chapas and Dr. MacGregor are internationally acclaimed experts in the use of dermal fillers, with a reputation for achieving natural results that do not advertise that the patient “had work done.”
Tear-trough fillers
Dr. Chapas has received recent attention for her technique with fillers in the tear trough area under the eyes. This procedure provides a non-surgical alternative to rejuvenation of the tear trough, which can acquire a hollow look as a result of age-related fat loss.
Our verdict: Tear trough fillers can offer more natural results at lower risk than alternatives like fat transfer or fat grafting, but due to the nature of the skin in this area, considerable skill is required to achieve natural results while avoiding problems such as lumps or unevenness.
Tear trough filler treatment to reduce hollowness and fine wrinkles:
Types of Dermal Fillers
The current FDA approved fillers contain one of 3 key ingrededients: hylauronic acid, calcium hydroxyapetite, and Poly-L-lactic acid.
Hylauronic Acid
Hylauronic Acid fillers are composed of natural sugar-based substances that bind to water and give the skin a natural plumpness. The sugar molecules attach to each other by chemical crosslinks to make smaller and larger size particles to target finer and deeper wrinkles. Hylauronic acid fillers are eventually dissolved by the body’s enzymes within 6-12 months.
There are several brands of hylauronic acid fillers including:
Restylane®, for fine lines and Perlane®,for deeper lines. Restylane has recently shown to last up to 18 months in 97% of patients undergoing initial treatment and re-treatment 4 – 9 months later to the nasal labial folds.
Juvederm® Ultra and Juvederm® Ultra Plus are used to fill fine and deep wrinkles respectively. Juvederm is the only hylauronic acid filler that has been FDA approved to last up to 1 year after a single injection.
Calcium Hydroxylapetite
Microspheres of calcium hydroxyl appetite can be used to correct deep wrinkles and folds. The skin creates a long lasting scaffolding around this substance, which gives improved appearance to wrinkles for up to a year. The filler Radiesse® is the only product on the market containing calcium hydroxylapetite.
Radiesse® volumizing filler used to reduce wrinkles in the mouth area of a male patient:
Poly-L-lactic acid
Poly-L-lactic acid found in Sculptra® injections is a longer-lasting alternative for individuals with more significant volume loss. A series of injections performed over several months can help to restore a youthful appearance in those experiencing a loss of facial fat. Clinical studies have demonstrated results lasting up to 2 years.
For more information on the latest fillers, read more from Dr. Chapas on the Huffington Post.
