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Skin Fillers

THE ABC'S OF SKIN FILLERS

Restylane®, BOTOX®, JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel...and many others! What are they? How do they work? Where do you use them? What's best for a particular problem?

Here is a brief summary of some skin fillers.

Please be advised that many of the cosmetic applications are OFF-LABEL.

BOTOX® COSMETIC in Manhattan

Botox injections are the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles through minimally invasive injections. These injections are made from botulinum toxic A, a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent approved by the FDA for several different uses. When injected into the skin, it can block the nerve muscles that are responsible for the repetitive actions that cause fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing them away for a younger and more refreshed appearance.

After treatment, the appearance of your wrinkles begins to improve within 24 hours, with full results developing gradually over the next five days. Most patients achieve their desired results after just one injection, although additional treatment sessions may be required in the future. The results of Botox injections typically last up to four months, with some patients reporting results lasting up to a full year.

Dysport® in Manhattan

Dysport is an FDA-approved injection treatment used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles in the forehead.  Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport is injected directly into the site of wrinkles to prevent the underlying muscles from contracting.  Dysport injections are made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the same protein used in Botox injections. 

Dysport was developed in Europe during the early 1990s, and has been used there successfully for several years.  In April 2009, Dysport was approved by the FDA for use in the US, and is expected to rival Botox, the most popular cosmetic procedure, with its convenience and long-lasting results.

RESTYLANE® in Manhattan

Restylane is a biodegradable gel used by dermatologists in injections targeted at smoothing out wrinkled skin. Restylane is primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance occurring within the body. This compound is also the only FDA approved dermal filler on the market for use in treating wrinkles. In addition, not only does the injected volume of Restylane add fullness to skin, but it also attracts water molecules to the site of injection, further enhancing its effectiveness.

While inside the body, Restylane provides longer lasting results that are apparent almost immediately after injection, although it may take a day or two before natural body processes and swelling subside. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for a later date (4-8 months) for another set of injections to further prolong the effect.

JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel in Manhattan

Juvéderm is also a hyaluronic acid gel and is very similar to Restylane. It too is a clear, colorless gel and is useful for many small to medium sized lines and depressions, including the lips. It has a slightly different chemical cross-linkage from Restylane and is said to last somewhat longer than Restylane. Juvéderm comes in two forms: Juvéderm Ultra (similar to Restylane) and Juvéderm Ultra Plus (slightly thicker and longer lasting and similar to Perlane). Juvéderm is chemically produced without the use of animals so no allergy testing is required.

Elevess™ in Manhattan

Elevess™ is an FDA-approved facial wrinkle filler. Unlike other fillers, its solution has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid for long lasting results. Once Elevess™ is injected into the skin the result is a naturally full and smooth appearance. Elevess™ is a safe and effective solution to your facial wrinkles and folds.

COLLAGEN in Manhattan

The original injectable skin filler and a winner for over twenty years. Collagen requires skin testing because it is derived from cattle. It comes in various strengths, such as Zyderm I, Zyderm II and Zyplast, and is used to treat everything from fine lines to deeper depressions. Depending upon the site that is injected, it will last from 3-6 months. Collagen was the gold standard, to which all other new injectables were compared, for the past twenty years. The gold standard has now been passed to Restylane.

RADIESSE® in Manhattan

Radiesse® is a synthetic injectable filler that reduces wrinkles, creases and scars by augmenting the body’s natural collagen supply. It can be used on many areas of the body, including the lips, nasolabial folds, peri-oral lines, depressed scars and oral commissures. Treatments typically take 15 minutes and require only local anesthetic. Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for months or years.

SCULPTRA® in Manhattan

Sculptra® is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas.

The results from Sculptra® are not immediate but they are long-lasting. In a clinical study, effects lasted for up to two years after the first treatment session in most patients. No skin testing is required.

ARTEFILL® in Manhattan

ArteFill® is a non-absorbable wrinkle filler used to correct smile lines. It is the only FDA-approved injectable smile line treatment of its kind. ArteFill uses a unique dual-acting formula made of a combination of 20% ArteFill Precision-Filtered Microspheres™ and 80% ArteFill Purified Bovine Collagen™. The result is the immediate visible correction of facial wrinkles and folds in as few as one or two treatment sessions with no downtime.

FAT GRAFTS in Manhattan

Fat grafts require a minor surgical procedure to harvest and cleanse your own fat cells. Obviously, there is no question of allergy and for most patients there is an abundant supply of the basic ingredient-- FAT. Placement of the fat graft is done through injections within the deeper layers of the face - not within the skin layer itself. It is very useful for treatment of large areas of depression or folds such as the nasolabial fold, marionette lines, etc. Fat grafts are also used to augment cheekbones, chin lines, cheeks, eyebrows and other areas in order to increase the volume of the face. Frequently, multiple treatment sessions are required.

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There are many other skin fillers in the "pipeline." Their introduction to the US market is still years away. As they become generally available, we will be pleased to offer them to our patients.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our Skin Filler treatments, call 212-570-6080 today to schedule an appointment.

Face Procedures

• Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
• Eyelid Tuck (Eyelid Surgery)
• Mid-Facelift
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
• Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
• Chin Enhancement (Mentoplasty)
• Neck Lift
• Forehead (or Brow) Lift

Breast Procedures

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Uplift
• Breast Deformities (such as tubular, etc)
• Gynecomastia in Men
• Nipple Problems

Body Procedures

• Body Contouring with Liposuction
• Liposuction/Tummy Tuck
• Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
• Thigh Lifts
• Arm Lifts
• Mommy Makeovers
• Calf Implants

Cosmetic Skin Procedures

• Skin Fillers
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic
  • Dysport®
  • Restylane®
  • JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel
  • Elevess™
  • Collagen
  • Radiesse®
  • Sculptra®
  • Artefill®
  • Fat Grafts
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)