HA Fillers

Filling Hollow Eyes Part 2: What are the risks?

In 2011, I wrote a blog about Filling Your Eye Hollows with dermal filler; my experience and the risks.

I thought it was time to update this post, since so many of my readers have sent me questions  over the years.

I first had Juvederm injected in my eye hollows causing lumps, bumps, swelling and much bruising. The Juvederm was dissolved with Wydaise and replaced with Restylane which worked beautifully.  The Restylane lasted  around 12 months in my tear trough area.   Note that the duration of fillers will differ from one patient to the next.

Filling Hollow Eyes- What’s new?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC

Since the FDA approval this year of  Allergan’s  JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC  there is shift  in the philosophy among some dermatologists and plastic surgeons about how to treat the tear trough area.

Volumna is the latest FDA approved filler product in the family of HYALURONIC ACID. What’s new and exciting about this filler is that is it lasts up to 24 months  it can be dissolved if necessary.  Volumna gives you instant volume to the cheek area, therefore in some cases eliminating the need to fill the eye hollows. By injecting Volumna is the upper cheek area, the doctor can place it close to the bony orbital rim that is usually volume depleted in hollow eyes. This is great option because it lasts for up  to 24 months and not only are you plumping and lifting your cheeks, but it may eliminate the hollow area under eyes as well.

Volumna costs more than a one syringe of Juvederm, however over the long-term it ends being less expensive due to its longevity. A syringe of Volumna costs on an average of $1,000 per syringe as compared to $625 for one syringe of Juvederm or Restylane.

Restylane is still used for filling the tear troughs and works better for this area than Juvederm Ultra– not to be confused with Volumna. (more…)

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The New Facelift

Even before the economic down turn more and more female consumers and some men started turning to facial contouring or “Liquid Facelifts” to ease the signs of aging. With so many products on the market today, it is becoming increasingly easier to hold off undergoing facial plastic surgery.

Now, with our pocket books stretched a little more than last year or the year before- we can still look rested and youthful through different dermal fillers and Botox. The key is going to the right doctor or doctors who have experience with the different fillers and know how to inject, where to inject and how much to inject.
Recently , I have seen some very scary faces; women who have either had too much filler or exaggerated facial implants. They look freakish or too puffy. It is so important to do your research and know who your injector is. In my experience, not all doctors are the best injectors. Not all dermatologists or plastic surgeons are good injectors. Trained aesthetic nurses are often the best injectors of Botox and dermal fillers. Some manufacturers i.e. Bioform use an aesthetic RN as their trainer for Radiesse. Yet on the other hand, if you are debating on certain types of fillers that are longer lasting, you may decide to visit a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. The same is true for lip augmentation. There are some derms and plastic surgeons that have an excellent reputation for sculpting the lips. And if you are looking for a liquid facelift, with the combination of several fillers and Botox do your research. You may have to go to more than office- but the results will be worth the trips.
Sound confusing… ??? Well, it can be.

Here is a list of fillers and what they do, as well as how you can use them together.

1. Radiesse and Sculptra are great for the cheek and nasolabial area ( the lines that run from the side of your nose down your cheek area).

Radiesse is more of a semi-permanent filler and will last 1 year or more. Sculptra helps to grow your own collagen and you will not see the results for a few months. Sculptra may last up to 2 years or more. Radiesse and Sculptra are more contouring filler products.

As we age our cheeks loose collagen and sometimes look flattened. Both fillers will plump them up. I think less is more and caution against too much at first. You can always go back for more. Try 1 syringe first of Radiesse, then if you need more go back for more. Scupltra tends to be more expensive because you need more and it is recommended that you come back for several treatments. Radiesse has also been used for non-surgical nose and chin augmentation.
Radiesse costs around $600-$650 per syringe and Sculptra may cost around $1100 for the inital treatment.

I would caution against using Radiesse under the eyes to fill in the eye hollow. (Restylane is better). There will be little bruising, if you have a good injector. Both Radiesse and Sculptra are a little tricker to inject than other dermal fillers. I would definitely do my due diligence before booking your appointment. Ask how long the doctor or nurse has been using them, and why they prefer one over the other.Oh and don’t get spoked by all the wierd stories you read online. Just do your homework. Also realize that anytime you inject any filler, you could have a reaction. If you are planning a special event have the fillers injected at least 3 weeks before. http://www.radiesse.com, http://www.sculptra.com

2. Juvederm, Resytlane, and Restylane Lift are injectables with hyaluronic acid and are also dermal fillers. They are fillers for deep wrinkles in the nasiolabel folds, the corners of the mouth, and lips. Juvederm comes in different thicknesses to be used for deeper lines if needed. Perlane is a thicker version of Restylane and used for the same purpose. The difference is more subjective and some doctors prefer one over another. The consistencies are different and they also feel different once injected. Juvederm hurts less than Perlane, Perlane may last longer than Juvederm. Juvederm can also be used under the eye area to fill in that hollow look which comes with aging. This area is thin and takes a skilled injector. If you use it for the cheek area- it won’t last long. Personally, I think that hyaluronic acids are not as good for this area. You need quite a bit and it does not last long. Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane last anywhere from 4- 6 month or more. Some people “eat” it up quicker, their bodies absorb it faster. Syringes of these dermal fillers range from $325.00 – $625.00 per syringe.  Allergan and Medicus sometimes run coupon specials. Check their websites http://www.juvederm.com http://www.RestylaneUSA.com

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