Injectable soft tissue fillers
What happens during a treatment?
Before the procedure, Dr. Nield may give you an injection of local anesthetic (similar to what a dentist might use) to numb the area. Dr. Nield will then inject a small amount of filler into the area being treated, then lightly massage the area to smooth the contour of the surrounding tissue. A treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes and the results are immediate.
You may need one or more additional injections to achieve the desired level of correction and fullness. To sustain results, you will need to repeat the injections every 6-12 months, depending on your skin and the area being injected.
Sculptra is injected in 3 treatment sessions over a 3 to 4 month period (at 6 to 8 week intervals). During this time, unwanted deep lines and wrinkles gradually diminish as the skin firms-up as a result of the production of your own collagen. Sculptra allows Dr. Nield to literally "sculpt" your face by restoring its natural contours and smoothing out wrinkles, creases and folds.
What areas can be treated?
These products can be used to reduce fine lines around your mouth, frown lines, crow’s feet and fine laugh lines. They can enhance your lips and restore volume to your nasolabial laugh lines, marionette lines (oral commissures), chin and jaw, cheeks, tear troughs (dark circles under your eyes) and reduce the appearance of acne and facial scars. They can also reduce the droopy corners of your mouth, so that you no longer look sad but happy and refreshed.
How long will the effects last?
Please note that with most fillers, the results are not permanent; your body will eventually metabolize the injected material. Injectable fillers can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the filler, your age, genetic background, lifestyle, skin quality and the area that has been injected. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm last approximately 5-8 months, Evolence approximately a year, and Radiesse approximately 1-2 years. Sculptra usually lasts 2 years.
Are there any side effects?
Most side effects are mild, lasting 7 days or less. The most common side effects include temporary injection site reactions such as redness, pain, tenderness, firmness, swelling, minor lumps, bruising, itching and discolouration. If you are prone to cold sores involving the treatment area, Dr. Nield will prescribe antiviral medication. Any unusual reactions should be reported to Dr. Nield.
I have very deep wrinkles on my face. Will injectable fillers work for me?
Injectable fillers will make a difference, but likely not as much as you hope if only a few syringes are used. Very deep wrinkles can be decreased, but will not disappear completely. For deeper folds, you will need more injections to see an improvement. A newer technique has been developed to volumize the face, reducing saggy jowls and uplifting the cheeks.The results can be quite dramatic and may last a year. JuvedermTM and RestylaneTM can both be used to create this instant, youthful volumizing lift.
SculptraTM is another excellent option to achieve significant non-surgical lifting and volumizing of the face.The results appear gradually as your skin develops it's own collagen. A series of three treatments are given, 6 to 8 weeks apart and the results are quite remarkable and usually last 2 years or more. Sculptra can be combined with other fillers.
Depending on your needs, we may suggest an additional or alternative treatment such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion.
It is important to realize that nothing can stop the aging process, but something can be done to smooth out the signs of aging. The earlier you start rejuvenating yourself, the better the results will be.
What is the difference between permanent and temporary fillers?
Temporary fillers usually last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years before our bodies metabolize them. “Permanent” fillers like Artesence last much longer, usually about five years. Most patients are happy with the temporary fillers since they can be used for all lines and results can be seen immediately.
