FILLERS

A non-surgical procedure which can reduce facial lines is achieved by using new and different filler materials, such as Perlane, Radiesse and Hydrafill. Collagen, which occurs naturally throughout the body breaks down as a result of the natural ageing process and results in the appearance of fine lines.

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting.  The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.

Soft-tissue fillers can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.  When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face.  They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks.

Injectable fillers are primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin's texture.  They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, "sunken" cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars.  They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips.

Injectables are usually not sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face, such as multiple vertical "lipstick lines" that sometimes form around the mouth. Instead, your cosmetic surgeon may suggest a resurfacing technique, such as chemical peel.  Rather than filling in facial lines, resurfacing methods strip away the outer layers of the skin to produce a smoother appearance.

Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or browlift.  Injectables are sometimes used in conjunction with facial surgery procedures however, injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can.