Facial Wrinkle Fillers

Cosmetic fillers are used to add or restore volume to a specific area. A Filler can restore lost volume and soften facial folds and lines. It is different from BOTOX® Cosmetic in that BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein which relaxes the muscle that is causing the wrinkle, BOTOX® Cosmetic does not “fill in” the wrinkle.

At Cosmetic Laser Centers^SM we offer a variety of different fillers to meet our patients varying needs. Our physician and nurse continually keep abreast of the ever changing filler industry. Patients receive a free consultation prior to treatments at which time the different options are discussed.

Some of our different Cosmetic Fillers are:

• Restylane®
  Restylane® been used worldwide since 1996 and was the first Hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved for cosmetic use in United States. It has been used in over 1.4 million treatments in the United States and 4 million worldwide.
  
  Restylane® is a cosmetic dermal filler made of Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. This allows patients to be treated without requiring an allergy test. The Hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is crystal clear and non animal based so it is biocompatible with human Hyaluronic acid.
  
  Restylane® holds its shape by using the body’s own moisture because Hyaluronic acid is “water loving”. It is this capability that allows Restylane® to offer its long lasting results. Restylane® lasts about six months.


• Perlane®
  Perlane® is the newest member of the Restylane® family. It has been used worldwide since 2000 and received FDA clearance for use in the United States in 2007. Like Restylane® it is made from non animal based Hyaluronic acid gel. The difference is that Perlane® is slightly more dense then Restylane®. The particle size in Perlane® is slightly larger then the particle size in Restylane®. Perlane®, like Restylane®, does not require allergy testing since it is naturally occurring in the body. Perlane® lasts usually at least six months.


• Juvederm™
  Juvederm™ is a non animal based Hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It received FDA clearance in 2006 and provides patients another option in the Hyaluronic Acid arena. Juvederm™ is also non animal based and does not require allergy testing prior to treatment. Juvederm™ is a smooth Hyaluronic acid which provides long lasting results. Juvederm™ generally lasts about six months.


• Sculptra®
  Sculptra® is an injectable product composed of poly-L-lactic acid (a synthetic product) that has been shown to restore and correct the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Sculptra® provides an increase in skin thickness which helps create a more natural facial appearance for those with facial lipoatrophy. The effects of Sculptra® can last for up to two years. The results are not immediate and usually require multiple treatments; touch up treatments may be required as well to maintain the desired appearance. Sculptra® is FDA approved for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus.


• ArteFill®
  ArteFill® is the first FDA approved non-resorbable injectable filler for the correction of “smile lines”. It contains 20% tiny, round and smooth particles called PMMA Micro spheres and 80% purified bovine collagen gel with 3% lidocaine. It is a dual action filler because the bovine collagen provides the immediate correction while the microspheres provide a permanent correction. The microspheres are not absorbed by the body as is the case with other absorbable fillers. ArteFill® usually requires two treatments to provide this level of correction.


• RADIESSE®
  RADIESSE® is an FDA approved dermal filler used to correct nasolabial (laugh lines) folds. RADIESSE® is made of a unique calcium based microspheres which are suspended in a natural gel. These tiny calcium based microspheres work with the body to stimulate collagen production. Over time, the microspheres gradually breakdown and are absorbed by the body. RADIESSE® usually provides results after only one treatment and can last up to one year.

Question & Answers:

Q: Does it hurt getting a filler?

A: Fillers are injected into the skin which some patients find uncomfortable. To help eliminate discomfort patients utilize variety of pain relief methods. Topical anesthetics, ice, chilled air or oral analgesics before or after injection are viable options used in varying degrees by individual patients. Each patient is different so these are options are discussed at time of consultation.

Q: How do fillers last?

A: Depending upon their composition dermal fillers last for varying amounts of time. It is best to discuss these differences as well as each fillers pros and cons before making a decision on any type of treatment.

Q: Do I need to get allergy tested before treatment?

A: Fillers like Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm™, Sculptra® and Radiesse® do not require allergy testing. ArteFill® contains bovine collagen so allergy testing is required prior to treatment.

Q: How much filler will I need?

A: The amount of filler required for each patient varies from patient to patient. Factors that affect the amount needed are the degree of correction needed (how deep the wrinkle is) and the level of correction the patient is trying to attain.

Q: How much do fillers cost?

A: At the time of your consultation pricing for the different fillers will be discussed.