There is a large and constantly growing assortment of injectable fillers available in the United States. Each filler has its own advantages and disadvantages, and Dr. Finn and Dr. Elkins-Williams have extensive experience with each of them.
Facial aging is manifested in volume loss. As we age, the loss of bone and fat leads to mid-face sagging. This results in fine lines, wrinkles, deep folds, and a sunken appearance. An important part of natural rejuvenation is restoration of the youthful volume of the face. Dr. Finn and Dr. Elkins-Williams can help restore your facial volume in a variety of ways. The simplest way is with off-the-shelf injectable fillers.
The choice of filler depends on the goals and the site of injection. However, much more important than the choice of filler is the artistic vision and skill of the injector. Rest assured that at Finn Plastic Surgery, you will only be injected by our extensively trained, Board Certified Physicians. At your consultation with Dr. Finn or Dr.Elkins-Williams, they will educate you on the different treatment options, individualizing treatment plans specific to your needs. They factor in many things when choosing the right filler. Our physicians believe in giving each patient the treatment that will benefit them the most. They will always do what is in the patient’s best interest and never sell someone a treatment that they do not need. This is one of multiple reasons that many of our patients travel for hours, just to have their injectable fillers at Finn Plastic Surgery.
Fillers can be used to fill in hollows under the eyes, re-inflate cheeks, camouflage jowls, and strengthen bony structures such as chins or cheekbones. They are also very effective at filling in fine lines and wrinkles, and etched in lines. Fillers can also be a great option for acne scarring, non-surgical rhinoplasty (liquid rhinoplasty), and even to replace volume loss in hands.There is a wide array of uses for injectable fillers, but it is very important that you select a highly trained physician for your treatment. Unfortunately, we often see patients who come to us seeking correction from fillers they received elsewhere.Besides being distressing to the patient, this can be also be both costly and time consuming.
The most commonly used injectable fillers are made from Hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally produced by your body with the highest concentration in joints, eyes, and skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, which in turn hydrates the skin.
Injectable Hyaluronic acid fillers such as, Voluma, Juvederm, Restylane, Volbella, Vollure, and Restylane Refyne and Defyne, are used to reduce the visible signs of aging by replacing the lost volume and filling in the fine lines, wrinkles, and deep folds. They also transport water to the surface of the skin, helping it to look even more radiant and supple. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate and long-lasting results with an excellent safety profile. Oftentimes our physicians will use a combination of fillers to rejuvenate many different areas of the face. This has been described as a “liquid facelift.”
For patients with more volume loss, Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) may be a solution. With Sculptra, a solution of dissolvable crystals is injected under the skin, stimulating the body to create its own collagen over several months. Several treatments may be necessary, and the process happens gradually, so your friends will never know your secret!
Some patients needing large-volume replacement will do better with fat transfer. In this procedure, fat is removed from areas of excess (such as the abdomen and flanks) and re-injected where it is needed. Fat transfer may require a couple of procedures for full correction, but the results can be permanent. Often, volume replacement with fat transfer is a complement to a surgical procedure such as a facelift.
Radiesse is another injectable filler, with unique properties.It is made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral-like compoundfound naturally in human bones. It can also be used in multiple areas, but typically does best in the cheekbones, chin, nose and hands. Radiesse is also frequently used in patients with HIV that are experiencing facial atrophy. It is a long-lasting filler, sometimes lasting up to two years.
We advise our patients to avoid any blood thinners (including aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, multi-vitamins, and herbal supplements)for at least 10 days prior to receiving filler. This will reduce the chance of bruising post-injection.
Fillers are generally tolerated very well. We have a protocol to help minimize discomfort during your injections. This includes giving patients the option of using a topical numbing agent prior to treatment. Almost all of our injectable fillers have lidocaine already mixed in them, which helps a great deal to minimize pain. The actual injections will only take about 5-10 minutes to perform. Once the desired results are attained, most patients come in one to two times a year to maintain their results.
There is no significant downtime post filler treatment. We do advise patients to make sure their social calendar is clear for a couple of days afterward, especially if it’s their first-time having filler. The main post-injection side effects may include swelling or bruising. We will give you a re-freezable ice pack at your visit; some patients find it helpful to continue to ice at home the day of their injections. If you are to bruise, you are welcome to return to our office for a quick laser treatment. We use the V-Beam Perfecta (a pulsed dye laser) to target the pigment in the bruise, causing it to break up and dissipate much faster. We offer this treatment complementary for post-injection bruising.
- Rebecca (Patient since 2012) 
