Saturday, July 7, 2012

THE "YOUTHFUL" YOU

With the passage of time we loose volume in the face. Loss of volume results in sagging of the face. Our face is much like an inflatable balloon. If the balloon is fully inflated there are no wrinkles on the surface. If we let some air out, the balloon sags, and wrinkles form.  Dermal filler essentially re-inflates the face resulting in a more youthful appearance. Dr. Larsen's approach to fillers is to make his clients look "naturally youthful." At Physician for Living, we believe that less is more, and to look like there is something different, but not apparent. There is a difference!
Frequently asked questions concerning dermal filler injections
Q: What is a dermal filler?
A:  A dermal filler is a material injected into or beneath the skin to add volume to the face.
Q: Why are dermal filler injections popular?
A: Dermal filler injections typically cause a consistent subtle improvement in facial appearances that can be seen immediately after the injection yet with little or no recovery.
Q: Do dermal filler injections and Botox injections do the same thing?
A: They both can make one look younger and more rested, but do so in different ways and in different parts of the face. Botox reduces wrinkles caused by contraction of muscles by relaxing those muscles. It works best in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and in the area just lateral to the eyelids (crow’s feet wrinkles). Filler adds volume to the face and works best in the areas of the face that lie below the eyes.
Q: Can one receive Botox and dermal filler injections at the same time?
A: Yes. Dermal filler and Botox are often used simultaneously to treat different areas of the face resulting in a synergistic effect. Rarely, people will wear very deep wrinkles in the area between the brows, crow’s feet, and forehead that do not resolve completely even when the muscle is relaxed with Botox. In these situations filler can be used in combination with Botox to elevate the deep wrinkles.
Q: What is Juvederm?
A: Juvederm is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and it attracts water increasing the fullness or plumpness of the skin. As we age we loose hyaluronic acid from the skin resulting in loss of fullness. Injecting Juvederm can increase the fullness. The fact that hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and is also used in many skincare products accounts for the low incidence of allergic reaction to Juvederm.
Q: What is Radiesse?
A; Radiesse is a calcium based microsphere suspended in a gel. It is a long acting filler that is best used for injections deep in the skin. It is used most commonly to add volume beneath the nasolabial folds. It should not be injected superficially in the skin and we do not use it to treat lips. It can be used very effectively in those who have generalized loss of volume in the face to add volume over the cheeks and even along the jaw line. Radiesse injections are repeated roughly once every six months.
Q: Is it necessary to perform skin testing prior to Juvederm or Radiesse injections?
A: No. Allergic reaction to Juvederm and Radiesse is so rare that skin testing is not recommended by the manufacturers.
Q: What filler is best for me?
A: It depends on the patient and the problem that is being treated. For instance we do not typically recommend the use of Radiesse in the lips because it can cause the lips to feel lumpy. If you are not sure about the use of filler the answer to this question is best achieved with a formal consultation.
Q: Do filler injections hurt?
A: Most patients report little pain. Dr. Larsen is interested in making filler injections as comfortable as possible. First of all the smallest needle possible is used. We offer numbing cream to reduce the sensation of the skin. 

One of the great things about filler injections is that it requires little or no recovery. Most patients treated with filler get little or no bruising. Patients often apply a cold compress over the treated portions of the face to reduce the swelling. There may be some areas that feel but do not look lumpy. This typically resolves in a week or less.

2 comments:

  1. Nice post. Thanks for sharing useful information.



    botox utah

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment! Fillers also have benefits which include the production of your own natural collagen. We will also be showing a live demonstration of fillers and botox being done with a client on our website soon!
      www.physicianforliving.com

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