The Ever-Expanding Array of Soft-Tissue Fillers
There once was a time when the only filler Dr. Pickart had to offer was collagen from cows! While effective and easy to use, it was plagued by allergic reactions. And it lasted only a month (or two).
Nowadays, there are a number of excellent fillers with low risks of adverse reactions and with reasonably long efficacies.
- Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acids (NASHAs)
The most commonly used fillers (by far), NASHAs include Restylane® and Juvéderm®. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance that plumps up by binding water—like a sponge. These are safe products that last for 6-9 months. Complications are rare, and usually are easily treatable. 90% of the fillers used at Pickart Plastic Surgery, Inc. are NASHAs. - Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Better known as Sculptra®, poly-L-lactic acid is an injectable agent that is highly effective for treating significant atrophy in the cheeks. Sculptra® actually stimulates new tissue formation, so its results are not immediate (like NASHAs). But, it has the advantage of longer lasting results—at least 2 years. - Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Better known as Radiesse® (and formerly known as Radiance®), calcium hydroxylapatite is a safe, biocompatible chemical, which may have a role in filling nasolabial folds—and then sticking around for 1-3 years! - Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Microspheres of PMMA combined with collagen have been FDA-approved as Artefill®. This brand new filler is particularly exciting because its results may be permanent. - Fat
If you look aged because you're losing fat in your face, but gaining it in your midsection, why not take some fat from the belly and put it the cheeks? Fat transplanting is performed in an operating room, and is an all-natural solution using your own tissue.
Dr. Pickart pursued specialty training for Botox®, Juvéderm®, and Sculptra® to produce the highest quality results when using "injectables." Request the latest information on facial injectables.
Filling Up the Deflated Face: Restylane®, Collagen, and Other Soft-Tissue Fillers
Facial Aging
As we age, our faces and bodies change. For many of us, our tummies and hips collect fat. Other areas, however, tend to lose it. In particular, the years melt away the "baby fat" from our faces, and this deflation signals facial aging.
As our cheeks lose their fullness, we develop "parentheses lines " on the sides of the nose and mouth. Our lips themselves, too, lose their plumpness. Loss of volume in the lips and cheeks contributes to the "smoker's lines " that begin to radiate from our lips—even if we've never puffed on a cigarette. The corners of the mouth may start to turn down, conveying sadness or anger—even if we're happy.
Fillers can restore volume to the facial skin, producing a smoother, more youthful appearance via injections—a minor procedure administered in the office. The result is usually immediate. Filling with injections is fast and safe, and usually leaves no scars or other traces on the face.
Soft-Tissue Fillers — Combating "Deflation"
Many areas can be effectively restored by facial fillers:
- Nasolabial Folds - "Parentheses lines" that separate the cheeks from the nose and upper lip.
- Lips and Smoker's Lines - Fine lines around the lips. Fillers can also accentuate the "pouts" and "pillows" of the lips.
- Corners of the Mouth / Marionette Lines - Grooves from the corners of the mouth down towards the jaw line, similar to the mouth joints of wooden puppets.
- Chin - Creases around the chin that develop with age, especially between the chin and lower lip.
- Other Areas:
- Deep wrinkles that are not eradicated by surgery or Botox®
- Cheeks hollowed by age, malnutrition, disease, or chemotherapy
- "Tear troughs" separating the lower eyelids from the cheeks
A Positive Change for the Regular Person
While Hollywood personalities not so sheepishly display their filled lips, most patients requesting fillers are looking for more subtle improvement. Certainly, fillers are not only for movie stars. Most of our patients are regular folks who are interested in a positive change.
Dr. Pickart is an expert in soft-tissue fillers and has long been a proponent of fillers to restore and to rejuvenate aging faces. Request a professional consultation to learn how facial fillers can smooth and maintain your appearance.
Fighting other signs of facial aging? Find out if Botox, eyelid surgery, or a facelift is right for you.