BOTOX® and
Injectable Fillers
The way your skin looks is directly related to the way your skin is supported. As you age, the natural support layers in the skin breakdown, resulting in the formation of wrinkles. Injectable fillers work to resolve moderate to deep facial lines and folds. The fillers are injected into the mid to deep dermis to add volume and fullness that is lost during the aging process, thereby temporarily smoothing out facial lines and wrinkles. The results are immediate with little or no downtime. Injectable fillers can also be used to plump lips and to improve the appearance of scars. Dr. Kaplan does not inject fine lines with fillers.
The extent of volume loss will dictate the quantity of filler necessary to achieve the desired result. Although one syringe is generally sufficient, additional syringes may be needed. The longevity of the result is also variable across patients. Over time the injected material will gradually break down and be naturally absorbed by the body.
Unfortunately, volume continues to be lost as the aging process continues. Injectable fillers do not address concerns about wrinkles caused by sagging which is the result of weakened muscles. Sagging is generally treated with surgery to correct the problem.
Dr. Kaplan is a skilled injection specialist. Based on his considerable research and more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Kaplan offers the FDA approved Injectable Filler options described below. None require allergy testing*
Injectable Fillers
Radiesse™ (formerly known as Radiance™) is composed of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite, a synthetic compound that is suspended in an aqueous gel. Calcium is a natural substance already found in the body so it causes no allergic reactions or inflammation. It has a cream-like texture and feels soft and natural when injected. It slowly dissolves away and is gradually replaced by the body's own tissue. Radiesse™ is available in 2 sizes: 1.3 cc and a .3 cc size for touch ups or for smaller areas. The anticipated duration of results for Radiesse™ is, on average, 12-18 mos.
Restylane®, Perlane® and JUVÉDERM each consist of a gel containing a natural, purified form of non-animal stabilized hylauronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar found in the body. In skin tissue, hylauronic acid fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers. The role of hylauronic acid is to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin by holding in water and to act as a cushioning agent.
The primary difference between Restylane® and Perlane® is that the hyaluronic acid gel particles in Perlane® are larger than those found in Restylane®. The larger particle size facilitates reaching deeper layers (deep dermis to superficial layer of the subcutis) below the skin thereby offering enhanced volume and lifting power to restore surface contour in facial wrinkles and folds.
Manufactured according to different formulations, JUVÉDERM offers slightly different experiences than Restylane® and Perlane®. JUVÉDERM also offers two formulations - Ultra and Ultra Plus. The Ultra Plus has larger particles for correcting deeper wrinkles and folds. Restylane® is available in two sizes: 1cc and a .4cc size for touch ups or for smaller areas. Perlane®, introduced in June 2007, is available in only a 1cc size. JUVÉDERM, introduced in January 2007, is currently available in only a .8cc size.
The anticipated duration of results for Restylane®, Perlane® and JUVÉDERM is, on average, 6 months.
CosmoPlast® - is composed of a collagen product manufactured from human dermal fibroblasts. It is available in a 1 cc syringe. The anticipated duration of results is, on average, 2 - 3 mos. Its shorter duration is beneficial if you want to "try out" a new look, especially lip enhancement. CosmoPlast® cannot be used in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions or known allergy to lidocaine.
BOTOX® is an injectable, but it is not a filler. BOTOX® works to temporarily block the transmission of nerve impulses to the overactive muscles which cause lines to form, thereby relaxing the muscles and significantly softening the appearance of undesirable lines. BOTOX® can be injected in multiple sites (e.g. crow's feet, forehead) to achieve desired results.
Injectable treatments have not been tested for use in pregnant woman or those who are breastfeeding.