If you are looking for a nonsurgical facelift or wanting to smooth out some fine lines or deep-set wrinkles, injectable fillers are for you. As skin ages, it begins to lose collagen filled with hyaluronic acid (HA). Collagen and HA add structure and volume to the face; therefore, a lack of HA causes the skin to sag and wrinkle–that is where dermal fillers come into play. Each dermal filler is unique in its own way but similar in that they plump skin to gently lift and restore collagen loss due to the normal aging process as well as prompt the body to create its own natural collagen to restore the face to a more natural, youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers are injectable gels made from naturally occurring hyaluronic acid that are minimally invasive injections and very safe. As with any procedure, there are potential risks with the most common being post-injection bruising and swelling which are usually minimal and resolve quickly. Most dermal fillers are formulated with lidocaine to make the treatment more comfortable, and some patients may request a topical numbing agent or ice to further reduce any discomfort. Results are immediate after treatment, and there is typically little downtime aside from expected bruising and swelling. It is important to note that dermal fillers are temporary and that the amount of time that the fillers last are impacted by several factors that may increase or decrease its longevity.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm® is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler collection from the makers of Botox Cosmetic®. Juvéderm has been FDA-approved since 2006 to correct facial folds and wrinkles. At Ageless MD, we offer Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC, and Voluma XC. “XC” means the hyaluronic acid comes in sheets that are cross-linked together to provide a stable ingredient that your body will not break down as quickly and will last a fairly long time when injected.
Juvéderm Voluma XC
Juvéderm Voluma XC is FDA-approved to temporarily restore volume loss and increase fullness to the mid-face and chin. Other areas of application include but are not limited to the temples, jawline, under eyes (tear trough) using a blended formula of Voluma XC, and the bridge of the nose. Juvéderm Voluma XC can be injected in small aliquots on the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) to give a lifting effect on the nasolabial folds. This effect is referred to as a “liquid facelift” which is similar to that of a surgical facelift. Juvéderm Voluma XC typically lasts 9-12 months but can last over a year.
Juvéderm Ultra XC/Ultra Plus XC
Juvéderm Ultra XC/Ultra Plus XC are other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers most commonly used for temporary lip augmentations and perioral injections to provide a hydrated lip appearance. Another application for Ultra Plus XC is to reduce the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds like the nasolabial folds. Juvéderm Ultra XC/Ultra Plus XC typically lasts 6-9 months.
Restylane
The Restylane line of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers was originally developed in Sweden and now marketed in the US by Galderma, a leading pharmaceutical company that also produces Dysport®. Restylane is an excellent alternative to other fillers, such as Juvéderm, that is FDA-approved to correct facial folds and wrinkles. All Restylane products are non-animal-based and free from animal protein. Clients who are allergic to avian-based hyaluronic acid treatments can safely use Restylane since it is derived from bacterial origins; however, those with a history of allergic reactions to gram-positive bacterial proteins should not use the product. Restylane fillers are minimally cross-linked which makes them similar to the natural hyaluronic acid found in the body. At Ageless MD, we offer the entire portfolio of Restylane fillers which include: Restylane-L, Lyft, Silk, Kysse, Refyne, Defyne, and Contour.
Restylane-L
Restylane-L is the world’s first hyaluronic acid filler, followed by Juvéderm. Restylane-L is approved for corrections of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds, and indicated for lip injections. Other common applications include but are not limited to the under eyes (tear trough), frown lines between the eyebrows, marionette lines, ear lobes, and on the browbone to lift the brows. Restylane-L typically lasts 6-8 months but can last as long as 12 months.
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Lyft, formerly known as Perlane-L®, is approved for deep injections to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles like the nasolabial folds, cheek augmentation, and restoring volume in the midface due to age-related contour deficiencies. Lyft is also indicated for dorsal hand injections to restore volume loss. Other common applications include but are not limited to the chin, jawline, and nose. Lyft is created using Galderma’s NASHA Technology that confers rigidity to provide lift when injected. Restylane Lyft typically lasts 6 months in facial wrinkles and hands to 12 months in the midface.
Restylane Silk
Restylane Silk is approved for lip augmentation and to correct perioral wrinkles. Silk provides soft, natural-looking fullness for the lips for clients seeking subtle enhancements. Restylane Silk typically lasts 6-9 months.
Restylane Kysse
Restylane Kysse is approved for lip augmentation and to correct upper perioral wrinkles. Kysse was created using XpresHAn Technology so that the hyaluronic acid in the filler blends with your own body’s HA to maintain a natural-looking lip enhancement. Restylane Kysse typically lasts 9-12 months in the lips.
Restylane Defyne
Restylane Defyne is approved to correct moderate to severe, deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Defyne is also indicated for chin augmentation to create a more V-shaped face and provide projection to improve the overall facial profile. Defyne was created using XpresHAn Technology which crosslinks the hyaluronic acid to incorporate with the body’s own HA; this affords the dermal filler durability and flexibility so that it can move naturally through your facial expressions. Restylane Defyne typically lasts 9-12 months in the smile lines.
Restylane Refyne
Restylane Refyne is approved to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds like the nasolabial folds. Refyne can also be used to restore volume in the temples and add fullness to the forehead. Refyne was created using XpresHAn Technology which crosslinks the hyaluronic acid to incorporate with the body’s own HA; this affords the dermal filler durability and flexibility so that it can move naturally through your facial expressions. Restylane Refyne typically lasts 9-12 months in the smile lines.
Restylane Contour
Restylane Contour is the newest addition to the Restylane family and is approved for cheek augmentation and to correct contour deficiencies in the midface. Contour was designed using XpresHAn Technology to confer flexibility so that the filler moves naturally through a range of facial expressions. Restylane Contour typically lasts 9-12 months.
Blunt Tip Cannula
This is a game changer for filler injections. Anyone not using some form of blunt tip cannula injection in their practice is not practicing with the patient’s best interests in mind.
The blunt-tipped cannula, or simply blunt needle, is a small tube with an edge that is not sharp and designed for less traumatic injections of fillers such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Sculptra, Bellafill, or even your own fat. Since it is not sharp, the blunt cannula simply glides underneath the skin in a plane that has little resistance. The cannula does not pierce or shear any structures, such as blood vessels or nerves, by pushing these important structures to the side and minimizing the collateral damage. Blunt cannulas have revolutionized dermal filler corrections to make them safer, less painful, and with less downtime. Some treatment areas will still require some form of needles to be used to deposit precise micro-droplets of product, such as the tear troughs and lips.
Call or visit our office to get your Orange County cosmetic dermal fillers performed by our expert injectors at Ageless MD.