Injectable Fillers – Soft Tissue Augmentation
THE VISIBLE SIGNS OF FACIAL AGING OCCUR OVER TIME AS A RESULT OF MANY FACTORS INCLUDING SUN EXPOSURE, HEREDITY AND LIFE STYLE. One of the earliest signs of aging is a loss of facial fullness and the development of expression lines – wrinkles that appear as a result of the repeated movement of facial muscles. Softening of these facial lines and creases, and the restoration of volume and fullness in the face can often be achieved non-surgically through treatment with injectable fillers. If you wish to enhance or restore facial contours, or reduce the appearance of lines and creases, injection therapy with soft tissue fillers may be right for you. Injectable fillers can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, and, in some cases, improve the appearance of recessed scars. The result is a smoother, fuller and more youthful facial appearance. What are injectable fillers? Collagen is a natural protein that supports your skin. Injectable collagen formulas derived from human dermis include Cosmoderm® or Cosmoplast®. Zyderm© and Zyplast® are forms of bovine collagen that, unlike humanderived collagen, require prior allergy testing. The results of treatment with injectable collagen may last 2 to 4 months. Restylane® is a form of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in your body. It is well suited to plump thin lips and fill facial creases such as nasolabial folds. It may also be appropriate for some surface wrinkles and concave scars. The fullness achieved from Restylane treatment may last 6 months or longer. Radiance® is a form of hydroxylapatite, a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones, suspended in a gellike formulation. It is the heaviest of facial fillers and is recommended to fill deeper creases such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and frown lines, as well as to enhance fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours. Radiance lasts 2 years or longer and is presently “off-label” in its use as a facial filler. Human fat, harvested from your own body can be reinjected to enhance your facial fullness, fill deep creases and to build up shallow contours. Fat injection requires a more extensive procedure than other injectable fillers because it uses liposuction techniques to extract the fat prior to injection. Treatment results last up to a year or more in some cases and are highly variable. Fat can be stored for your own future treatment. The duration of results from preserved fat is not as favorable as fat used at the same time it is harvested. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews and approves pharmaceutical fillers in the same manner as medical devices. However, some fillers may be used on an off-label basis, meaning they are approved medical treatments but not directly reviewed for a specific application. The options discussed in this brochure are among the current fillers preferred by plastic surgeons. Some are available for general use, others are not; regulatory status may be subject to change. Dr. Massiha will have the latest information and will be able to advise you on the options currently available. Where do I begin?
Dr. Massiha will also answer all of your questions. Evaluation
Safety Dr. Massiha is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery®, which designates him of having expertise in plastic surgery of the face and entire body. My soft tissue augmentation An improved appearance is visible almost immediately, although minor swelling or bruising may appear at the injection sites. With some fillers, a slightly “over-filled” appearance may be initially present. Any of these conditions will dissipate within a few hours, or at most a few days; however the duration may be as long as a few weeks with injection of one’s own harvested fat. The use of facial fillers may further enhance the outcomes of other rejuvenation procedures such as facial rejuvenation and shaping, and wrinkle reduction by injection (Botox® therapy), or surgical rejuvenation such as a brow lift or facelift. In addition, one’s own fat may be extracted in conjunction with liposuction (to remove localized excess fat) and prepared for injection, or preserved for later injection. Preparing for soft tissue augmentation
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure Dr. Massiha that you fully understand the procedure and effects of soft tissue augmentation and any risks or potential complications. Reported risks associated with the use of injectable fillers in soft tissue augmentation vary depending on the specific filler used and the relative permanence of the filler substance. Fillers derived from non-human sources may require a pre-treatment allergy test. Infection at the injection site is also possible. Complications from fillers generally are reported to be uncommon and temporary. Those fillers that are not completely fluid and contain microscopic granular substances, carry a risk of “clumping” as a result of facial movement and the natural aging process. Over time, these can result in lumps or nodules that may require surgery to treat. Risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent. What to expect Following treatment
Progress and healing Results and outlook Effective and safe use requires a physician with specialized training and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy to recommend and inject an appropriate filler. Choosing Dr. Massiha to treat your face with injectable fillers means that your treatment will be performed by someone who not only has training in injection therapy, but in all types of non-surgical and surgical facial rejuvenation. Dr. Massiha, Your Choice BOARD CERTIFICATION – Not all physicians who perform plastic surgery or who use the title plastic surgeon are board certified in plastic surgery.
PRIVILEGES -Your surgeon should have operating privileges at an accredited, local hospital for the same procedure you plan to have performed – even if that surgeon suggests your procedure be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility or at an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Massiha has these credentials—A Doctor You Can Trust. E-mail or call us today at (504) 455-9441 to schedule your consultation. |
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