Hyaluronic Acids
Young, healthy-looking skin contains an abundance of a naturally hydrating substance called hyaluronic acid (HA). But as you age, sunlight and other factors can reduce the amount of HA in your skin. The lack of HA causes your skin to lose structure and volume, creating unwanted facial wrinkles and folds – like those parentheses lines around your nose and mouth. HA is involved with tissue repair, joint lubrication and cartilage resilience.
Juvederm XC
Juvederm XC is a smooth gel filler used to instantly smooth or soften wrinkles around your mouth and nose. Juvederm is a non-animal product. The risk of allergy is remote. Juvederm can be used under the eyes to mask lower eyelid bags or in the cheeks to achieve a more youthful appearance. Juvederm XC is infused with lidocaine, an anesthetic, to improve comfort during treatment. Juvederm also works well in the lips. Juvederm is relatively long lasting. The amount of time that Juvederm lasts depends on variables including the amount used and location of placement. Juvederm in the lips or facial folds will last about six months, while Juvederm under the eyes typically lasts well over a year.
Restylane /Perlane
Restylane is also a HA smooth gel filler that is designed to smooth wrinkles, plump lips and shape facial contours. It is used anywhere on the face for volume enhancement. It lasts at least 6 months. Perlane is identical to Restylane except the gel particles are larger. It works as a very good subdermal filling substance to correct nasolabial folds or for cheek enhancement. Perlane will last 9-12 months. Restylane and Perlane are also available with lidocaine infused into the gel in order to diminish discomfort during the treatment.
Radiesse
With Radiesse subdermal wrinkle filler, you welcome back your own natural collagen to smooth out the signs of aging. Radiesse wrinkle filler’s formulation stimulates collagenesis – the production of new collagen – which results in increased volume for natural looking wrinkle correction that may last a year or more in many patients.
Radiesse wrinkle filler consists of smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are suspended in a water-based gel carrier. Over time, as the patient’s own soft tissue replaces the gel carrier, the newly formed collagen provides the desired long-term effect. Radiesse has proven to be an excellent choice for correcting nasolabial folds or other midface deficiencies. In Dr. Mitchell’s practice, Radiesse is never used around the eyes or in the lips. Radiesse is best used in areas of the face with thicker overlying skin.
Artefill
Artefill was FDA approved for use in the United States in 2007. This dermal filler is considered permanent. It is composed of nonresorbable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, suspended in a water-based carrier gel. Artefill also contains bovine collagen and lidocaine. Because of the bovine collagen, skin testing must be performed prior to treatment. Artefill works well in the nasolabial folds or cheek region. Because of its permanence, Artefill is typically injected in a series of treatments until the desired outcome is achieved.