Cosmetic Fillers

This area of cosmetic procedures and treatments continues to receive more attention. Advancements in cosmetic fillers have given us a surge of products that are safer and last longer. These products provide the luxury of an quick result with minimal, if any, downtime.

Every year millions of Americans seek treatment of wrinkles and have non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These treatments include Botox, IPL Photorejuvenation and cosmetic fillers.

What causes these undesirable lines, wrinkles and signs of aging or wear? Continuous movement dictates changes in our skin, including smiling, talking, frowning and smoking are all contributing factors. Coupled with environmental factors, fine lines and wrinkles affect most of us.

Some of the more popular cosmetic injectables that alleviate these issues are JUVEDERM™ Injectable Gels (Ultra and Ultra Plus), Perlane, Radiesse and Restylane

Patients now have the chance to utilize quick noninvasive, non-surgical techniques to correct their fine lines. Cosmetic fillers are used today to do exactly what the name implies. Fine lines, wrinkles and scars can be filled from underneath the skin to make them less noticeable or perhaps even disappear completely. These fillers are used almost exclusively on the face. Popular treated include:

• Smile Lines - the nasolabial folds are deepened valleys that develop from the corner of the nose and extend to the corners of the mouth.

• Marionette Lines - these fine lines or valleys develop at the corner of the mouth and extend downward, often creating the look of a permanent frown.

• Scars - acne scars, "pock marks," or scars from previous trauma or illness (i.e. chicken pox scars)

• Frown Lines - the lines between the eyes

• Lips - lip volume decreases with age. Fillers can recreate the youthful appearance of the lips with fuller lip volume. These products can be used directly in the lips or more subtly in the lip border to smooth fine lines surrounding the lips.

With the increased interest and demand for these type of treatments, there has been a vigorous emphasis to improve them. A new group of products made of synthetic hyaluronic acid. (Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide that also naturally occurs within the body. Because of this the body does not treat these substances as foreign material. Ultimately the body natually absorbs these products as it would for its own hyaluronic acid.) These products add volume to the facial tissue resulting in a smoother, wrinkle-free appearance. They are injected into the mid to deep dermis (below the outer layer of skin) for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases running from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

This sub-specialty of cosmetic fillers expanded dramatically with the December 2003 FDA approval of Restylane. It became the first FDA-approved filler made of a synthetic, biodegradable hyaluronic acid. It works by adding volume to the skin. Because of its makeup, Restylane does not require a pre-treatment skin test. It has been used in more than 60 countries outside of the United States since 1996. Canada approved its use in 1998. It officially became available in the U.S. on January 15, 2004. Restylane produces results that lasts 6 months or longer. For more information on Restylane, visit the Restylane web site.

In 2007 Perlane was introduced by the makers of Restylane, Medicis Aesthetics, a McKesson company. Perlane has the same composition as Restylane. The difference is Perlane gel particles are larger and designed for deeper injection than Restylane. Perlane is indicated for deeper folds and wrinkles.

JUVEDERM™ Ultra and Ultra Plus, were FDA approved at the end of 2006 and were first available in January 2007. They are hylauronic acid products, made by Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, that have a similar composition to Restylane. JUVEDERM™ Injectable Gel uses a manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for the purpose of long-lasting results. This process works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel. All other currently approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are made of granular consistency gels. Originally FDA approved to last 6 months or longer, JUVEDERM™ Ultra and Ultra Plus received FDA approval for label extensions for up to 1 year; meaning it was shown in clinical data to demonstrate effects that may last up to a year.

With consideration of the FDA approval, we still think expecting the full or complete result of JUVEDERM™ Ultra and Ultra Plus to last one year may not be realistic for most patients. While there may be a partial result that lasts that long, we find in our patients that most who choose any of these hyaluronic products (JUVEDERM™ Ultra and Ultra Plus, Perlane and Restylane) are likely to see a reduction in the result at 6 to 9 months and are interested in having another injection treatment at that time.

Radiesse is another product that has recently received interest as a cosmetic filling product. Manufactured by Bioform, Inc., it was previously FDA-approved for certain facial reconstructive procedures. Different from JUVEDERM™ and Restylane, it is not recommended for use in the lips. It received FDA approval December 2006 for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds. It has been used worldwide for these purposes. Its main component is calcium hydroxylapatite, a synthetic compound. The product provides immediate improvement and may allow the body to generate new collagen. Results are reported to last at 12 to 18 months or longer. It is more expensive per treatment than either JUVEDERM™ or Restylane, but can last twice as long. For more information on Radiesse, please visit the Radiesse web site.

Cymetra was one of the original dermal fillers. It is an equivalent product to collagen that is human derived. It has a building block component and does not have the same potential allergic reaction of collagen. It normally lasts three to six months. Cymetra has lost patient interest to the newer approved fillers.

Collagen was another of the first of these non-surgical products that to develop popularity. It is bovine derived. Because of it has a small potential for an allergic reaction, collagen required a skin test before treatment. The results of collagen treatment usually lasts three months. With the advent of newer-developed products and the added benefit these offer, collagen is seldom used.

These treatments can take 30 to 45 minutes. Anesthesia is not required, but a topical numbing cream can be administered at the patient's preference. This can extend the time an appointment takes.

At Winds of Change, we have experience with all of the approved choices of filler products and can discuss these with you privately in a free consultation.

Normally, the product is administered on the same day as your visit with virtually no down time. There is the possibility of mild swelling, redness or bruising at the injection site(s) that should begin to subside immediately following the injection(s).

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure or treatment, you should thoroughly discuss your expectations and the result you are looking for with the healthcare professional treating you prior to your treatment. During a consultation, every detail of the process will be discussed including post-treament care, as well as mention optional treatments, so that you may decide what is the best for yourself.

If you are interested in learning more about fillers and finding out if they are for you, or if you have interest in any other cosmetic surgery procedures or treatments in the Houston metro area, please call us at 281-894-9990 or email us with your name, phone number and area of interest, so that we may contact you and schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. A consultation is the best way to have all of your questions and concerns answered and get all the information you need to make your decision.

At Winds of Change, you will receive special, individualized care that you deserve. Our staff strives to exceed expectations beyond patient satisfaction. Please let us know how we may help you achieve your goals.

Winds of Change Cosmetic Surgery Specialists
12850 Jones Road, Suite 105
Houston, Texas 77070
Email: info@drsumpter.com
Phone: 281-894-9990
Fax: 281-894-9993