The past two weeks we have discussed the common and uncommon uses for Botox and similar neurotoxins in the management of facial and neck wrinkles.
The next question is "what are my options when Botox doesn't work"??
The next easy step to correcting a wrinkle that is too deep for Botox is a Dermal Filler. Traditionally, fillers are used for diminishing nasolabial folds as pictured here....
These are lines that form from the lower edge of the nose to the lateral edge of the mouth. They occur as fat is lost from the mid face and the skin begins to sag. Lipoatrophy, or fat loss occurs with age and hormonal changes in us all. This volume should be replaced, and that is what dermal fillers are used for.
The second most common area is the oral commissure or Marrionette line at the lower lateral edge of the mouth. In this picture there are many other areas shown and fillers can be used for most of them with glabellar lines, perioral lines, and lip augmentation rounding out the most common uses.
What are fillers anyway? Dermal fillers have been around for some time. They have gotten progressively better with time, the biggest improvement has been the length of time they last. Most modern fillers stay around for a year or more and some are made to stay around forever.
One of the most common fillers is Juvederm.
It is made of hyaluronic acid (a normally occurring substance in the body) that has been cross linked to make the molecule very large. This makes it hard for the body to digest it so it stays around longer...up to 12 months. It also has a numbing agent within the product to ease the discomfort during injection. Juvederm and other hyaluronic acid fillers can be used almost anywhere in the face including the lip.
Another common filler is Radiesse 
Radiesse is made of Calcium hydroxylapatite in a sugar base that promotes collagen development when injected. It cannot be used in certain areas of the face but is a great product for the more common areas except lips. It is mixed with lidocaine to make injections nearly painless as well.
I think both of these products are very good and at Total Body Surgical we use them both, sometimes in combination.
Of the permanent fillers, I like Silikon 1000. Silikon 1000 is made to use in the eye but due to its high quality, it can be used as a filler if used carefully. Of course it is off label and not FDA approved. I like to use it to volumize lips and to treat some acne scars. It works great when done properly and is permanent. This can be very economical over time.
Next week I will talk about the more unconventional uses for fillers....some you may not have thought of.
Come see us today at Total Body Surgical and take advantage of our special offers. Call 918-786-7780 where Cosmetic Consultations are complimentary!
NOW UNTIL THANKSGIVING....BUY ONE FILLER (Juvederm or Radiesse)AND GET THE SECOND ONE AT HALF PRICE!!!!!