Soft Tissue Fillers for Rejuvenation

Introduction
The natural aging process of skin is due to a combination of factors, including ultraviolet radiation, genetics, gravity, facial expressions, sleep positions, and/or tobacco use. Collagen, elastin, fat, and bone diminish over time leading to volume loss and structural changes of soft tissue, as well as wrinkled, sagging skin.  Volume restoration and maintenance is a key component in skin and soft tissue rejuvenation, and can be successfully achieved with proper delivery of injectable fillers.

How do I pick which filler with so many available?
Several injectable fillers have received FDA-approval for cosmetic use in the United States, each with unique properties capable of providing the results you desire.  Some fillers result in immediate volume restoration, while other fillers restore volume over time by stimulating natural collagen production. Some fillers are temporary, while others are permanent. Some fillers are composed of natural substances while others are composed of bio-compatible substances. An in-person consultation is advised for proper selection of the injectable filler to meet your individual needs.

Below are the most common fillers used in the United States listed by ingredient. For specific details, please click on the link of each product:

1. Hyaluronic acid (Juvederm Ultra & Ultra Plus, Restylane, Perlane)

2. Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse)

3. Autologous fat grafting

4. Polymethylmethacrylate (Artefill)

5. Human collagen (Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast)

6. Porcine collagen (Evolence)

7. Poly-lactic acid (Sculptra)

8. Microdroplet Silicon (Silikon 1000)

What should I do before treatment?
Before treatment, you should discuss with Dr. Liu your medical history, including allergies and medicines. If you are taking blood thinners, ask your doctor if it’s safe to discontinue prior to filler treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Filler treatment is contraindicated in certain situations and should be reviewed prior to treatment.

Do filler injections hurt?
The procedures are well tolerated. Various methods for comfort are available including gentle nerve blocks, topical numbing cream, cooling of the skin, and/or mixing of anesthetic solution with the filler.

What is the recovery time?
The majority of patients have none to minimal down time. Occasionally, a bruise may develop, which resolves in a few days. If you take a blood thinner medication, ask your doctor if it can be discontinued prior to filler treatment, to minimize the risk of bruising. There may be some swelling noted after the procedure, which can be minimized with ice and rarely lasts more than a day.

What do I do after the treatment?
Dr. Liu has outlined patient instructions after injectable filler procedures here.