Question:
I feel as if fillers would be beneficial and enhance the appearance of my face. How often would I need to get this procedure repeated?
Answer:
There are many different types of fillers on the market . Restylane, Juvaderm, and Perlane, can last between 6 to 18 months. Radiesse which can last 12-18 months . Artefill or Natural Fill (your body’s own fat) that can last many years. After a complete evaluation, a decision can be made upon the best mode of treatment for you. The “most cost effective “ treatment may not be choosing the filler that will disappear the fastest.
Question:
I am looking to get my lips enhanced via a filler but I'm not really sure how safe this is. Can you recommend a permanent lip filler and explain if the procedure is safe?
Answer:
This is a terrific question. First off it is my preference to start with a lip filler that is not permanent. Why? This gives you the ability to "try out" the new lips and make sure that you are happy with them. It helps to gauge the amount of fill that you would best enjoy. On the slight chance you may not be happy, the filler will absorb within a few months. Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, all HAs have the added benefit that they can be neutralized with Wydase should you desire to take them away faster.
After trialing a filler, you can then make a deision to continue with it or move to something more permanent. All of these options are not FDA approved. One choice is injections of Silikon, which is FDA approved for the eye in retinal surgery. The lip is usually filled with multiple treatments. There are many physicians who utilize this filler successfully; there are others who have stayed away from silicone products after the controversial breast implant problems over a decade ago.
There is a new soft saline lip implant that is very promising, Fulfil. It is currently not FDA approved for the lips but is still being used for this purpose in both the US and abroad. It was originally produced for facial procedures like orbital implants. The beauty of this implant is that it is a soft thin balloon made of biocompatible materials filled with saline; only takes one procedure to implant; permanent; conforms to the natural contour of the lip; :and reversible. Unlike Silikon which cannot be fully removed this implant can be removed should you change your mind. (Remember that tattoo on your back that is no longer fashionable? :)
(A quick side note: BOTOX, Silikon, Verafil (US equivalent of Fulfil) were all ocular medical materials prior to finding their cosmetic indications. As an Ocular Plastic Surgeon I find this interesting.)
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