Today both injectables and fillers are commonplace treatments to eliminate facial wrinkles. However, unlike injectables, such as Botox? and Dysport?, which temporarily paralyze active muscle, fillers are used to plump the problem area to lift and soften the appearance wrinkles. Injectable fillers can be used to plump the lips, enhance hollow areas of the face, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of settled scars. Fillers are a great option for those with these aesthetic issues, but do not want to undergo an invasive surgery. Ideal candidates for fillers are in general good health, do not smoke, and are realistic about the outcome of their procedure. It is important that patients understand what fillers can and cannot do for them so they are fully aware of the results. For example, fillers cannot achieve the same results as a facelift or a forehead lift. There are many different fillers available on the market today. At my practice, we offer a selection, including Juvederm?, Restylane?, Perlane?, Belotero?, Bellafill? and Radiesse?. Juvederm?, Restylane?, Perlane?, Voluma? and Belotero? are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Radiesse? is not a HA filler, but is meant for the body to create volume through the use of the body’s own inflammatory process. Bellafill? is a permanent filler. Because injectable fillers are minimally invasive, there is no scarring involved with treatment. I also offer fat grafting injections as an option at my practice. For this technique, a patient’s own fat can be harvested from another location on their body to be used as a natural filler. If a patient has a substantial amount of fat on another remote location of the body, it can be liposuctioned to be harvested. Of course, this creates a secondary surgery site which may be associated with additional complications or scarring. It is best to determine during a consultation if this option is right for you. When a patient desires a filler injection treatment, I will first evaluate the patient’s facial structure and skin tone to get a better feel for where the filler should be placed. I will then inject the filler into the designated areas. Most patients tolerate the injections well, though some do ask for a topical numbing cream to be applied beforehand. The entire injection process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas that need treatment. After treatment, I recommend that patients use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that may occur. There is typically no downtime required after being treated with injectable fillers. With most treatments, the results are immediate, however, how long it lasts depends on the type of filler being used. ?

This article originally appeared on PlasticSurgery.org via?Tito Vasquez, MD | Southport, CT