Injectable Facial Fillers

Restylane, Juvederm, Prevelle Silk, Radiesse, and Sculptra

Injectable fillers can be used to correct wrinkles, folds and creases caused by a loss of skin volume and aging. Injectables are a temporary but highly effective way to soften the appearance of laugh lines, smile lines, frown lines, crow's feet, deep and fine wrinkles on the forehead. Injectables are safe, quick, and affordable and show immediate results. Far less expensive and certainly less invasive than surgical procedures, injectables like Restylane, Juvederm, Prevelle Silk, Radiesse, and Sculptra are all available from Dr. Ellen's office. 

Unlike most other offices, all injectable procedures are performed by Dr. Ellen herself, utilizing her care and expertise. Call Dr. Ellen to learn more – 248.258.5100.

Restylane®

Restylane® is a dermal filler composed of Hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. Its job is to help provide elasticity and fullness. Over time our skin loses the amount of Hyaluronic acid, and as it diminishes, the skin loses volume, thus increasing the chances for folds and wrinkles to form. It is for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It’s used mainly to correct the lines from the nose to the mouth, known as the nasolabial folds. You can expect to have smoother, younger looking skin for at least 6 months.

Juvederm®

Juvederm® injectable gel dermal filler is non-surgical treatment that fills the soft tissue of the dermis, the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds of the laugh lines, smile lines and parenthesis, (nasolabial folds.)

Juvederm® is composed of Hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. It helps to provide elasticity and fullness. Over time our skin loses the amount of Hyaluronic acid, and as it diminishes, the skin loses volume, thus increasing the chances for folds and wrinkles to form. Juvederm®’s unique manufacturing process ensures a smooth gel consistency that flows easily into the skins and provides long lasting, natural looking results. Juvederm® is the only Hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is FDA approved and lasts up to one year!

Prevelle™ Silk

When comfort is your main concern, try Prevelle™ Silk, a first in a new line of dermal fillers to contain lidocaine for increased comfort during the treatment. Lidocaine is a common local anesthetic. Prevelle™ Silk consists of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance already found in your body, then adds the lidocaine to improve your comfort. So whether you've tried other dermal fillers and you wanted a more gentle way of receiving them, or if you're looking to try a dermal filler for the first time and you're concerned about the injection process, Prevelle™ Silk is the answer for you. Results are expected to last up to 3 months.

Radiesse®

Radiesse® wrinkle filler is a next generation product that does more than fill in lines and wrinkles; it restores facial volume to give beautiful, natural results that last. Borrowing a process called collagenesis directly from nature, calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water based gel are injected into the skin. Once injected, the process of collagenesis starts as Radiesse® works below the skin's surface to stimulate the production of your own collagen, which replenishes lost facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging. Results are expected to last up to one year or more!

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is injected into skin for the restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus. Sculptra® is a synthetic injectable material known as poly-L-lactic acid, which does not harm the body, and is also easily broken down by the body. It has been widely used and tolerated for years in dissolvable stitches and soft implants. Sculptra® works by improving the skin's appearance by increasing the skin thickness in the treated area. Results are expected to last up to 2 years, but touch ups may be required to maintain your desired results.

If You're Considering Injectables...

Some Information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.

Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable Hyaluronic acid, collagen, or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift.

If you're considering a facial-rejuvenation treatment with collagen or fat, this web page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when injectables can help, how the procedure is performed, and what results you can expect. It may not answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.

Knowing Your Options

Injected collagen and fat are primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin's texture. They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, "sunken" cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips.

Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or browlift. Injectables are sometimes used in conjunction with facial surgery procedures; however, injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can.

Keep in mind that a plastic surgeon is a specialist that can offer you the full gamut of the most advanced treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery, refinishing techniques, laser therapy, injectables and the use of other fillers. You and your surgeon may determine that a single procedure or a combination of procedures is the best choice for you.

What to Expect from Treatment

The most important fact to remember about injectable fillers is that the results are not permanent. Injected material is eventually metabolized by the body. You should not expect the same long-lasting results that may be gained from cosmetic surgery.

In some individuals, the results may last only a few weeks; in others, the results may be maintained indefinitely. Researchers believe that age, genetic background, skin quality and lifestyle as well as the injected body site may all play a role in the injected material's "staying power." However, the precise reason for the variation of results among patients has yet to be identified.

If you've had short-lived results from fat injections, you shouldn't necessarily assume that Hyaluronic acid or collagen injections will work better for you. And, conversely, if you've had disappointing results from Hyaluronic acid, don't assume that injected fat is the answer. Although it's true that some individuals' bodies are more receptive to one substance than the other, others may find that neither substance produces long-lasting results. Sometimes one substance may work better than the other for a specific problem.

Planning for Treatment

Facial rejuvenation is very individualized. That's why it's important to discuss your hopes and expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with many different types of surgical and non-surgical facial procedures.

In your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your face - the skin, the muscles and the underlying bone - and discuss your goals for the surgery. Your doctor will help you select a treatment option based on your goals and concerns, your anatomy and your lifestyle.

Your surgeon will ask you about your medical history, drug allergies, and check for conditions that could cause problems, such as active skin infections or non-healed sores from injuries. Collagen injections are generally off limits for pregnant women, individuals who are allergic to beef or bovine products, patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases, and those who are allergic to lidocaine (the anesthetic agent contained in the syringe with the collagen material). For more specific information about the contraindications and risks of collagen use, ask your doctor for the manufacturer's brochure for patients.

Insurance usually doesn't cover cosmetic procedures. However, if your injectable treatment is being performed to treat a scar or indentation from an accident or injury, you may be reimbursed for a portion of the cost. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure.