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As a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), this physician is among a select group of board-certified plastic surgeons who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgical training, continuing education and clinical experience.

Injectable Fillers

There are many popular non-surgical injectable products, both natural and synthetic, approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Patients usually are pleased with the results of these minimally invasive procedures; however, they cannot correct facial sagging or achieve the same results as a facelift, eyelid surgery, brow lift or skin resurfacing.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin is a biological toxin transformed into a therapeutic agent that is used to treat the type of lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction during facial expressions such as frowning or squinting. One FDA-approved treatment for the temporary reduction of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows is BOTOX®.

Botulinum toxin is best suited for treating facial expression lines caused by muscle contraction. Common sites for injection include horizontal fore-head furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes.

Collagen

Collagen is another substance used for treatment of frown lines, “crow’s feet” and smile lines. Collagen containing local anesthetic is injected with a tiny needle directly into the wrinkle, crease or depression. Collagen plumps up the soft tissues, filling in lines and depressions by replacing the natural collagen that is lost from your skin over time. Collagen is available as a bovine product (Zyderm,® Zyplast®), and as human collagen which is laboratory derived (Cosmoderm,® Cosmoplast®). A skin test is required for the bovine form but not necessary for the human collagen.

Fillers

A patient’s own fat cells can also make an excellent soft tissue filler material. Since it is harvested from your own body, an added benefit of a fat injection is that it is natural substance and non-allergenic.

Injectable fillers are, to varying degrees, temporary treatments that need to be repeated to maintain results. For permanent results, soft tissue fillers that are surgically implanted under the skin are another option for some patients. Injectable wrinkle remedies are popular because they produce quick results.

“Dermal fillers” are safe and natural cosmetics which can be injected into the skin below wrinkles to level out the surface. These substances include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite or poly L-lactic acid. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a crystal-clear gel that contains hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the skin and other tissues. The results are effective and long-lasting, up to six months to a year when injected into the skin. Fillers can be used to restore volume and fullness to correct wrinkles, lift facial contours, and enhance lips. Some FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for correcting facial lines and wrinkles include Restylane,® Captique™ and Hylaform.®

Botulinum toxin is best suited for treating facial expression lines caused by muscle contraction. Common sites for injection include horizontal fore-head furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes.

Another effective cosmetic filler product made up of a calcium material is called calcium hydroxylapatite; and is approved by the FDA. It reduces lines between the nose and mouth, and on the upper lip, and fills in deeper smile lines and frown lines. It can also diminish acne scars and renew fullness to the lips, restoring a youthful appearance. Results can last up to 2 years rather than several months like other fillers.

Poly L-lactic acid material, approved by the FDA, is an effective filler product which stimulates your body to produce its own new collagen and underlying tissue, filling in lines and wrinkles and creating a long-lasting, natural, more rejuvenated appearance. Sculptra® is an FDA-approved product that provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of wrinkles, folds and sunken areas.