Dermal Filler Details

Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane

Depending on the type of dermal filler Dr. V feels is best for you, the length of benefits may vary. While most dermal fillers provide identical or similar advantages, their ingredients are different and their FDA approved uses are not identical. Dermal fillers are injected under your epidermis, or top skin layer, to increase volume in the dermis, or your lower skin layers. When your skin ages, your dermis gradually loses its major components, which are collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Collagen acts as the major support protein for your skin, elastin allows your skin to stay firm, and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural substance found in your body that helps to hydrate and add volume and shape to your skin. When used in dermal fillers, HA is a synthetically made compound (not an animal product) that is similar to the natural substance found in your joints and soft tissues so it does not require allergy testing. Examples of hyaluronic acid products include Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvéderm®. Hyaluronic acid fillers are manufactured by many different companies and depending on which product is used, the results last 6 to 12 months. HA fillers come in a variety of molecule size and the larger molecules claim to provide increased longevity.

Dermal fillers can be used to:

• Soften facial folds, lines, and wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of depressed scars from acne or injuries
• Replace the loss of soft tissue volume
• Increase the fullness of your lips
• Eliminate frown lines between your eyes
• Fill facial creases

Sculptra

Sculptra® Aesthetic is a new type of facial injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen. The main ingredient is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used by physicians for decades. It gradually increases facial volume over a series of several treatments, and results can last up to two years.

Sculptra Aesthetic is suitable for:

• Deep folds between your nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) also called smile lines
• The lines framing your mouth (marionette lines)
• Chin wrinkles

Radiesse

Radiesse® is a composite filler made up of microspheres of calcium-hydroxy-apatite (CHA) and methylcellulose gel. CHA is the main material in dental enamel and it is commonly used as a bone filler and nutritional supplement and methylcellulose is a common food thickener. When Radiesse is used, the gel is absorbed quickly while the CHA is absorbed slowly. Your body naturally fills in around the CHA with collagen so the treated area remains filled as long as the CHA is in place. As a result of this, Radiesse® has a longer lifespan than other fillers lasting 1-2 years. Radiesse® is used for cheek and chin augmentation.

Dermal Fillers Procedure

The process for administering dermal fillers may take 15-60 minutes per session, depending on the desired outcome and number of injection sites.

After the procedure is completed, you may experience mild:

• Redness
• Stinging
• Swelling
• Bruising

Contact The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts by clicking here or calling 703-327-8200.