Dermal Fillers
Mercer Island - Seattle - Bellevue
Dermal fillers are designed to add volume to areas of the face to help reverse changes associated with aging such as wrinkles, depressions in the skin and loss of soft-tissue volume. They are also used to enhance facial features like the lips or cheeks. As the skin ages, the major components (collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid) that maintain firmness, volume and shape diminish over time. Dermal fillers can restore the skin to its original youthful state.
Dermal filler treatments are extremely safe and non-invasive. The majority of dermal fillers are administered by using a fine needle to inject the chosen filler between the two outermost layers of the skin, the epidermis and dermis. The filler replaces diminished levels of hyaluronic acid, which increases volume and fullness. While some may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, dermal filler treatments typically do not last more than 30 minutes. Results from dermal filler treatments are almost immediate and most people can resume normal levels of activity right away. Side effects of dermal filler injections are minimal and include bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness and some discoloration. Results from the procedure vary with the type of filler being used.
There are many types of dermal fillers, each containing unique properties and serving a different cosmetic purpose. Before selecting a dermal filler, it is important to be sure that it is suitable for the results that you wish to achieve. The professionals at Island Dermatology possess a great deal of expertise in this area and will work with you to determine which dermal filler is best suited for the procedure to be performed. While most treatment results typically last for six to nine months, some last for up to five years; treatment results vary by the filler used, treatment area and individual's physiology.
Juvederm Dermal Filler
Made of Hyaluronic acid, Juvederm is used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles, making the lips more voluminous, and reshaping cheek contours; there are multiple types of Juvederm, each used for different types of treatments. The Juvederm filler is injected into the mid to deep dermis of the face, resulting in added lift and volume in the treated area. Post treatment side effects are minimal but may include redness, tenderness or pain at the injection area that typically subside within three days.
Because it has a gel like consistency, Juvederm fillers offer a smooth, natural looking appearance. The results of Juvederm treatments are fully evident within one week and typically last six to nine months. Results may be prolonged with follow up treatment within the first few weeks of the initial treatment.
Radiesse Dermal Filler
Radiesse, made of Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite, is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, nose, and temples and fill certain types of scars. Radiesse is generally suitable for people between the ages of 35 and 60. After a local anesthetic is applied to the area being treated to minimize discomfort, the filler is injected below the dermis and subcutis layers of the skin. Radiesse treatments, the effects of which are fully visible within one week, last up to 15 minutes. Post treatment side effects include swelling that may last for 36 hours and mild bruising. Patients can normally resume normal activity immediately.
Radiesse treatments yield an 80% reduction of wrinkles and folds in the skin and last for up to one year. This type of dermal filler should not be used in the lips.
Sculptra Dermal Filler
Sculptra, made of Poly-lactic acid which is produced in the muscles during exercise and thickens the skin, is used to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks, and sunken eyes. Generally used on patients ages 35-60, Sculptra treatments are administered using a topical anesthetic and the treatment typically lasts 30 minutes. Post treatment side effects include swelling, redness and tenderness. Patients are encouraged to massage the treated area to promote even distribution of the filler and can generally resume normal activity immediately.
Results from Sculptra treatments are seen after a couple of weeks and become fully evident after three to six subsequent touch-up sessions that occur in six week intervals. The Sculptra filler provides up to an 80% improvement in the treated area and lasts up to two years.
Restylane
Restylane is another dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is naturally integrated into the tissue and allows for the passage of vital nutritive substances like oxygen and hormones. As cells are also able to pass between fragments of the gel, your skin will look perfectly healthy and natural. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is also biodegradable; when the injected gel breaks down, it turns into water and carbon dioxide and disappears unnoticed from your body.
Restylane may be used for treating facial wrinkles or folds, and enhancing facial features or correction of some scars. It is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The gel produces natural volume under the wrinkle by lifting and smoothing. The results can be seen immediately. Restylane wrinkle treatment is long-lasting but not permanent. The length of time a treatment maintains its effect is very individual and depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, life-style and muscle activity, as well as the injection site. Experience shows that Restylane can be effective for up to six months for lip enhancements and for one year or more for the treatment of wrinkles and folds.
Immediately after the Restylane treatment, you can expect a slight redness, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. The discomfort is temporary and generally disappears in a few days.
