Cosmetic Dermatology

Perlane®

Perlane is an injectable dermal filler used in cosmetic procedures to soften wrinkles and reduce lines and other depressions of the skin. Its natural ingredients and long-lasting results have quickly made Perlane one of the leading cosmetic dermal fillers used today. Like other fillers, Perlane is easy, safe and affordable. Perlane is particularly effective in treating deeper lines and wrinkles, as well as fine lines and imperfections.

Perlane can be used on wrinkles and lines across the face. It is especially effective on lines which stretch from the nose to the corners of the mouth, known as nasolabial folds. Perlane is commonly used to decrease fine lines around the lips, mouth, nose and forehead that include worry lines, frown lines and smile lines. It can also be used to enhance and augment the lips or chin, fill cheek depressions, redefine lip borders, soften acne or other facial scars and improve other facial depressions. Most patients reach their desired results with just one injection, however some required more than one.

Perlane is a newer, safer alternative to collagen injections, with little to no side effects. Its natural consistency has no animal product and does not require any allergic test. Perlane is made from non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel, which is a transparent, adjustable material that can easily mold to the contours of the face. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and serves to give skin its fullness. When injected, the gel combines with existing water molecules in the skin tissue to increase volume and fullness back to a more desired amount.

While Perlane is not permanent; it is long lasting and safe. The effects of Perlane are visible immediately and usually last 6-8 months. The actual length of the results depends on the patient's skin, life and age. Repeat sessions are needed once or twice a year, but are short and simple. Most injections are done within 30 minutes. The procedure is performed with a very fine needle. Pain is minimal, but a local or topical anesthesia may be used if requested by the patient.

Side effects of Perlane are minimal. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural substance, allergic reactions are extremely rare. Slight swelling, redness, itching or bruising can occur, but usually subsides after a few weeks.

Radiesse®

Radiesse is a synthetic injectable filler that has been FDA-approved to reduce moderate to severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth by augmenting the skin's natural collagen supply. It is a safe, effective and long-lasting alternative to injectable collagen and other dermal fillers for not only smoothing wrinkles but also adding volume and contour to the face for an overall younger, fuller, smoother appearance. With just one or two Radiesse treatments, you can enjoy a beautiful, natural look that lasts.

Radiesse is composed of microspheres in a water-based gel. The microspheres—made of a substance called calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)—stimulate the production of collagen to smooth lines and wrinkles and also add younger-looking suppleness to the face. There is no need for pre-treatment allergy testing, and it is absorbed naturally by the body over time.

Frequently Asked Questions - click on a question below to learn more;

What areas does Radiesse treat?

Radiesse is especially effective for filling and correcting smile lines, nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin), and other lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. It can also be used to treat depressed scars and oral commissures.

Treatments typically take 30 minutes and require only local anesthetic. There is little to no downtime; many patients return to their normal activities after their appointment.

Patients typically need only one or two treatments to achieve the full effect of Radiesse. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up appointment to determine whether you would benefit from additional treatments.

When will I see the results of my Radiesse treatment? How long do results last?

Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for up to a year or more. Touch-up treatments can prolong Radiesse's effects. Studies have shown that patients require fewer re-treatments with Radiesse than with other leading dermal fillers.

Sculptra®

Sculptra is an injectable product that corrects the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) by restoring lost volume in the skin. Lipoatrophy can result in sunken cheeks, indentations and hollow eyes. Injected into the deep dermis layer of the skin, Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas.

Sculptra's main component is an alpha hydroxy acid called poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA. It is safe, synthetic (artificially created), biocompatible (can be used harmlessly in the body), biodegradable (able to be broken down in the body) and long-lasting. PLLA has been used for more than 20 years in many surgical products, including dissolvable sutures and soft tissue implants.

Frequently Asked Questions - click on a question below to learn more;

What will happen on the day of treatment?

At your Sculptra treatment session, you will be asked to remove any makeup, and the area of skin to be treated will be swabbed clean. Then, your doctor will administer Sculptra in a series of injections with a very fine needle. Afterwards, you will be given an ice pack to reduce swelling. It is important to massage the treated area to ensure that the material is evenly distributed beneath the skin. Sculptra's effects are not immediate. Improvement in skin volume occurs gradually.

Will I need more than one treatment?

More than one treatment will be necessary to achieve the best results. Patients with more severe lipoatrophy generally need additional injections. In your follow-up appointment a few weeks after your first Sculptra session, your doctor will determine whether you need a touch-up treatment.

How long do the effects last?

The results of Sculptra vary from patient to patient. In a clinical study, the effects were shown to last for up to two years after the first treatment session in most patients.

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