As we age, the youthful fat in our face begins to decrease, causing the face to lose volume and appear contoured, or hollow.
Dermal fillers have become a popular solution for filling in lost volume in the face. In 2014, dermal filler procedures were the second most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Consisting of either naturally derived or synthetic material, dermal fillers are injected into the skin to fill-in fine lines and wrinkles, plump thin areas and enhance shallow contours.
“It is critical for a patient to find a qualified, experienced doctor who has many positive reviews,” explains Dr. Jay Dutton of The Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago in Oak Brook and Tinley Park, IL. “It is the doctor’s job to recommend the right filler for a patient’s case. I always explain the pros and cons to my patients and help them make the right choice.”
Dr. Dutton has put together a short list describing the most common fillers:
Juvéderm® is a smooth gel with the consistency of syrup, so it appears very natural when injected. Juvéderm® contains the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar that the human body already contains. Therefore, allergy testing is not required before injection. Juvéderm® helps to increase the moisture content in the skin and the results last around 6-8 months — and up to a year in some patients.
Restylane® is a clear, smooth gel that looks very natural when injected. It consists of hyaluronic acid, is FDA approved and has been used for many years. Restylane® is non-allergenic and contains Lidocaine, which has a numbing effect to prevent discomfort during the procedure. Restylane® lasts around 4-6 months and the second treatment often lasts longer than a year. No downtime is required after the procedure.
Radiesse® is a gel that is made up of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite, which is already present in the body so no allergy testing is needed. Radiesse® is unique because it stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen so the results are gradual over a period of months after the injection. It is able to support the structure of the skin, which reduces further sagging. Results can last as long as a year and no downtime is required afterwards. Radiesse® is usually recommended for older patients with deeper wrinkles.
Collagen is lost as we age, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Injections of collagen are used to restore the lost natural collagen in our bodies. This can also be used to slightly lift and fill in sunken areas in the face as well as fine lines and wrinkles. An allergy test is needed prior to the procedure and pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid collagen. The procedure only takes a few minutes and results last 3-6 months because the collagen is slowly reabsorbed into the body over time.
Belotero is an anti-aging injectable that consists of hyaluronic acid, which is already found in the body. It is very smooth and integrates with the skin allowing a very natural and subtle result. Belotero is especially effective in fine lines around the mouth and the eyes. Injections typically last 4-6 months and injections do not contain Lidocaine so they may be a bit more painful. No downtime is needed and patients can go to work and apply makeup normally.
Sculptra® is FDA-approved, biodegradable, biocompatible and no allergy testing is required. It replaces collagen in the skin and gradually restores the fullness of youth to your face. Consists of a safe synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid and the results emerge over a period of a few months. Sculptra® is especially effective on patients with deep creases, sagging in the jowl area and hollowed temples. It is injected a bit deeper into the skin. About three injection sessions over a period of months can make results that can last as long as two years. No recovery time is needed after the procedure.
If you are interested in exploring dermal fillers, please contact Dr. Jay Dutton, Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago, at 630-574-8222 or visit: www.rhinochicago.com
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