Tissue Fillers

Juvederm and Juvederm with Lidocaine

Juvederm is supplied by Allergan, the same company that manufactures Botox Cosmetic. Juvederm is a superb Hyaluronic filler that is used to fill out facial wrinkles and folds as well as plump lips. The Hyaluronic Acid in Juvederm, which is manufactured using a sterile, non-animal based process, is almost identical to that naturally found in the body.

Juvederm is seamlessly integrated into the tissue, allowing for normal circulation and skin nutrition. Unlike permanent implants, Juvederm is metabolized by the body over time, leaving you a choice when the effect of the treatment has worn off.

Juvederm is injected into the dermis and provides volume where the concentration of the body's own Hyaluronic Acid has diminished. Transient redness or tenderness can occur but is very rare (about 1 in 2000 treatments) so pre-testing is not usually performed.

How long does it last?
Usually the effects of Juvederm last 6-9 months, but this is highly variable depending on the site of injection, the natural thickness of the tissue being injected, the age of the patient and other factors. Many patients prefer to have their first few treatments with Juvederm more frequently and find that over time subsequent treatment are needed less often. For details concerning the specifics of your treatment please consult one of our doctors.

What to expect during treatment
Juvederm is  injected using tiny needles using a near painless technique. Because Juvederm now has a built-in anaesthetic, injections are virtually painless. The results are immediate and most patients can resume their normal activities that day with the exception of lip treatments which can cause mild swelling for a day or two. The treatment session usually lasts 15-30 mins. depending on the number of sites being treated. There is a high degree of satisfaction with these treatments.

Radiesse
Radiesse (formerly Radiance) is a biocompatible, non-toxic, non-allergenic filler that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin folds around the mouth and nose, and fills certain scars. Popular for its long-lasting results, Radiesse benefits should be evident for one to two years.

Is Radiesse Right for Me?

Radiesse candidates are typically between the ages of 35 and 65. Radiesse usually provides up to 80 percent improvement immediately after treatment. Since Radiesse is temporary, treatments must be repeated over the years to maintain the benefit. Alternative treatments or surgical procedures may be more appropriate in years to come, as your condition changes. Discuss expectations with your doctor before treatment.

The Radiesse Procedure

The Radiesse procedure is performed in the doctor's office. It is most often performed with local anesthesia. Patients may experience minimal discomfort from the needle injection. Depending upon the extent of treatment, the procedure can take a few minutes, up to fifteen minutes. Patients return home within minutes after the procedure.

The procedure involves injecting a compound of calcium hydroxyl apatite microspheres that are suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel. Calcium and phosphate ions, naturally occurring in our bodies, primarily make up the calcium hydroxyl apatite particles. The gel contains an organic compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, as well as glycerin and sterile water. Thin connective tissue forms around the microspheres so that the microspheres act as a filler that remains permanently implanted at the site location. Results are fully evident within one week. Radiesse can last two years or more, but touchups may be necessary throughout this time period.

Recovery after Radiesse Treatment

There may be minimal swelling, which usually subsides in twenty-four to thirty-six hours. There may also be some discomfort and bruising. The discomfort can be managed with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Normal activities can be resumed immediately; however, patients are advised to stay out of the sun.

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