At Derma Laser Centers we offer a variety of non-surgical and surgical options to enhance the volume and shape of lips, cheeks, chin and other areas of the face.
Restylane was FDA approved in January of 2004. Restylane is made up of hyaluronic acid, a clear gel that is naturally present in the skin and other body tissues. Because it is naturally present in the body, no allergy testing is required. Restylane generally lasts between 4-6 months. The material has a very soft consistency and the results of augmentation are similar to those achievable with collagen. Other than lip augmentation, Restylane is used to treat nasolabial creases, marionette lines and droopy corners of the mouth, and the deep vertical lines seen in aging lips.
Radiesse has recently been FDA approved for nasolabial fold augmentation. It is a safe, long lasting next generation Cosmetic dermal filler that is setting new standards for the correction of facial lines and nasolabial folds. Radiesse is made up of natural elements (calcium and phosphate) and is injected as a filler into nasolabial folds. It appears to have greater longevity than collagen, but causes more post operative discomfort. There are no incisions and swelling is generally minimal and transient.
Polylactic acid (Sculptura) is an injectable bio-absorbable material that has been approved in Europe for a number of years and is the only agent currently FDA approved for HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. The substance stimulates dermal fibroblasts to produce collagen, leading to thicker but natural feeling skin. In many ways, its action is similar to that of injectable collagen, except that it has a more durable effect. The injected area requires frequent massage in the days following injection to avoid nodule formation. Results in the temporal area are generally less satisfactory than those in the cheek area. Polylactic acid gradually reabsorbs over a 2- to 3-year period and therefore can be expected to be active over most of this time. ‘Top-ups’ may be needed at regular intervals to maintain optimum benefits.
Juvederm is an injectable gel recently approved by the FDA, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth). It has a smooth consistency and is made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Juvéderm™ injectable gel under the skin to provide a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™ compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.* And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm™ injectable gel and another dermal filler* preferred Juvéderm™! In addition, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.
Tags: allergy testing, Augmentation, body tissues, cheek area, collagen, dermal filler, facial lines, fibroblasts, hyaluronic acid, incisions, laser centers, nasolabial creases, nasolabial folds, natural elements, phosphate, restylane, sculptura, soft consistency, surgical options, vertical lines
