What are Fillers and Injectables?
Dermal fillers and injectables are non-invasive treatments that are injected beneath the skin via a fine needle, to help replace soft tissue volume loss. While the optimal age for patients to get filler treatment used to be in those in their 40s to early 50s, there are more patients in their mid 30s each year. Fillers and injectables are the first line of defense for people exhibiting subtle signs of aging, or for those who would like to take a proactive stance against the signs of skin aging.
Fillers and injectables commonly consist mainly of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. This makes fillers and injectables easily accepted into the skin.
Uses for Dermal Fillers and Injectables
Fillers and injectables may be used for the following purposes on the following areas:
- Filling and smoothing out fine lines, facial wrinkles and creases
- Filling out or enhancing shallow facial contours (cheeks, jaw, etc.)
- Improving the appearance of certain types of scars
- Plumping up thin, wrinkled lips
Types of Fillers and Injectables
Injectable fillers come in a wide range of consistencies across a myriad of brand names. When you come to Dr. Amiya Prasad for a consultation, he will develop a plan which addresses your most important concerns and that fits within your budget. The following fillers and injectables are offered at Dr. Prasad’s practice:
- Dysport/Botox (Botulinum Toxin) – for relaxing the muscles which create wrinkles such as the crow’s feet lines, forehead and glabella (frown lines). Can also be used for a non-surgical lip lift, and to smoothen vertical lines around the lips.
- Restylane/Juvederm – also known as hyaluronic acid fillers for under eye circles, tear trough, lips, wrinkles, smile lines, and “parentheses lines”.
- Sculptra – for restoring volume under the skin and for filling in the hollows in the cheek, temples and cheekbone area.
- Vampire Facelift/PRP – derived from a patient’s own blood to stimulate new collagen and improve skin quality.
- Radiesse – for restoring volume in the areas with deeper wrinkles.
- Selphyl – used to correct the signs of skin aging.
Precautions About Fillers and Injectables
Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad, M.D. is often referred to as “the artist with a syringe” as he recognizes that there is an art to performing non-surgical rejuvenation. As an oculofacial plastic surgeon who has specialized focus on the face, Dr. Prasad understands the face from the inside out. Unfortunately, there are many doctors who “sell” injectables at low prices and do less than artistic work.
Fillers should not be taken lightly. In the wrong hands, unsightly results, including unnatural and irregular contour problems, even lumps, can develop. It’s important to recognize that aging in the face is a combination of descent (sagging skin and muscle) and volume loss (bone muscle and fat). Placement of filler has to be done in a way where the weight of the filler does not cause the skin to sag nor does it make the area look too big (think of all the celebrities who don’t look so natural). But if there’s pronounced sagging, fillers are not an effective option.
How Long Do Cosmetic Fillers Last?
The downside to fillers is that they are not a permanent solution; on average, they last from a few months to a year, though some patients enjoy benefits that do extend beyond a year.
PRASAD Cosmetic Surgery offers consultation on safe, effective, and most importantly, non-surgical alternatives to plastic surgery. We have two locations in New York that are both Joint Commission Certified: Manhattan, New York City and Garden City, Long Island New York. To find the best treatment of your concerns, a proper physical evaluation is necessary. Fill up the form below or call any of our offices for your inquiries or to schedule a consultation.