Overview
Facial fillers are manufactured products or materials from your body that are injected to temporarily erase wrinkles and fill volume. There are many types of filler and Dr. Shafer can discuss which are best for you. Often a combination of filler types can lead to an even better result. Fillers are always temporary and the HA fillers can all be melted if you want to modify or erase your result.
Dr. Shafer is an International Expert in dermal fillers and a Master Trainer for Botox and Fillers – meaning he trains other doctors locally, nationally and internationally on his techniques and safety methods. Many doctors come to Dr. Shafer for their own injections.
Key Facts
- Anesthesia: Topical/local
- Length of procedure: 15 minutes
- Length of stay: Office procedure
- Discomfort: Mild
- Anticipate: Local swelling is possible. Bruising is also possible (<5%) but unusual
- Final result: Results can be seen immediately and improve over several days.
- Duration of results: 6 to 12 months with collagen or hyaluronic acid 12 to 18 months with Radiesse and Voluma.
Facial Filler Options
Hyaluronic Acid Juvederm Volbella
Juvederm Volbella is one of the newest, FDA approved, injectable gel fillers available. Although it sounds similar to its close relative, Juvederm XC and to Juvederm Voluma XC, the products work very differently. Juvederm XC is used to temporarily smooth out moderate to severe wrinkles in the folds around the mouth and to volumize the cheeks. Juvederm Voluma is used to lift the cheeks, define the jaw line and even enhance the nose. Juvederm Volbella is very thin and soft and works ideally in the fine vertical lines of the lips, and to give nice definition to the lips without dramatically increasing the size.
Hyaluronic Acid Juvederm Voluma XC
Juvederm Voluma XC is one of the newest, FDA approved, injectible gel fillers available. Although it sounds similar to its close relative, Juvederm XC, the two products work very differently. Juvederm XC is used to temporarily smooth out moderate to severe wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. Where as, Juvederm Voluma XC is used to temporarily correct age related volume loss by adding volume back to the midface/cheek area, Juvederm Voluma XC also contains a small amount of lidocaine which helps to numb the treatment area during the injection procedure. Results are instant and have lasted up to two years with optimal correction.
Juvederm Voluma is the #1 injectable for cheek lifting.
Hyaluronic Acid Juvederm XC
Hyaluronic acid products are injected to decrease fine lines, creases and depressions and to restore skin volume and fullness. Hyaluronic acid injections may be combined with Botox Cosmetic or other injection treatments. Juvederm XC comes in Ultra (lips and lines) and Ultra Plus (Volumizing cheeks and other parts of the face and also for deep ceases). Juvederm is excellent for the nasolabial folds.
A topical anesthetic is applied prior to injecting the skin if the patient prefers. Results of the treatment are immediate and usually last at least six months to one year.
Juvederm has a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than Restylane. However, in many patient Restylane is an excellent choice. Both products are used to diminish moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles, including nasolabial folds, wrinkles on the lower and upper face, small wrinkles directly above the lips, and to create fuller lips.
To minimize bleeding or bruising at the injection site, patients should not use non steroidal and anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, herbal supplements or high doses of vitamin E three weeks prior to a Juvederm injection. The risk of bruising is very low, but every precaution is taken. If a patient does develop a bruise, we offer complimentary V beam laser to our patients which helps a bruise resolve much faster.
Juvederm use does not cause an allergic reaction, because it is a non-animal-based product. An anesthetic cream is applied to numb the skin prior to the injection if requested. Results of treatment usually last six months to one year.
Hydroxyapetite Radiesse
Radiesse is an excellent filler for lifting the face and adding structure to the jawline and chin. A new FDA indication is also hand rejuvenation. When injected into the back of the hands, Radiesse helps smooth and thicken the skin which becomes wrinkled, thin and transparent with age. Additionally the veins decrease in size.
Radiesse is considered a semi permanent filler for deeper skin wrinkles and creases as it last longer in many patients when compared to most of the HA products. It is not intended for high movement areas such as the lips. It also can be used to contour the jawline or correct facial asymmetry or facial dips. Radiesse injections may last one to three years. When used for contouring, injections last up to one year or longer.
Fat Transplantation
Fat may be harvested from certain areas of your body, often the lower abdomen or thighs, through a micro liposuction technique. The fat is then processed and placed in a syringe and injected through small incisions into the cheek, tear trough, temple or forehead.
For larger areas such as the breast or buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), more fat is harvested and injected to add volume and shape and a natural “lift” to the butt and/or breasts.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a facial filler consisting of poly-L-lastic acid. It is uniquely different from other facial fillers because it replaces collagen overtime, resulting in a natural, long-lasting appearance. Sculptra is commonly used to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles, folds, and other facial depressions in the cheeks, temple area, eyebrow area, and even the sides of your face. Sculpture is excellent for global facial filling while the other filler brands are excellent for target areas.
How Does Sculptra Work?
As we age, our body begins to produce less collagen – the main component that helps keep our skin looking smooth and youthful. Although this is a natural part of aging, the effects of decreased collagen production can result in the appearance of wrinkles and facial depressions. When Sculptra is injected, it rests under the deep dermis layer of our skin. Patients will see an immediate correction of the defect but a temporary reappearance will occur within the next few days. Micro-particles of PLLA (poly-L-lastic acid – the main component of Sculptra) then begin to replace the lost collagen. This reinforces the skin’s structure, resulting in the smoothing out of shallow to deep wrinkles, folds, and other facial depressions. Results can vary, but typically last up to two years. On average, a series of three injections are needed over a period of a few months. It’s also important to note that the number of injections per session can also vary from person to person.
I have been to many plastic surgeons/ dermotologists for botox and filler and Dr Shafer is by far the best!!!
I have never had any brusing or irritation.
Dr Shafer is gentle and knowledgable- even told me to wait on a few treatments i wanted to do as he felt i didnt need them just yet! Hard to find a Dr like this!!
Glad i did!!! Thank you Dr S!!!!