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Restylane®, Perlane™, and Juvéderm™ are filler substances are made
of a non-animal hyaluronic acid gel that is used for the correction
of facial lines and wrinkles, and for lip enhancement. Hyaluronic
acid is naturally found in skin and other tissues. After injection,
the gel binds water and remains for many months. These products create
volume in the skin, resulting in a healthy, attractive appearance.
Because they are not animal based, allergy testing is not required.
There is no risk of animal-based disease transmission.
These products can be used to enhance lips and to fill facial wrinkles
and folds, such as nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth, and
marionette lines, the depressed corners of the mouth. They are used
to restore volume and reduce the signs of aging. It enhances the brow
and cheekbones, firms the jaw line and fills in the hollows beneath
the eyes. It gives the impression of a mini face-lift and facial rejuvenation
without surgery.
The injections can sting but Dr. Gidon usually uses a local anaesthetic
so patients are comfortable during the treatment. Wrinkles and folds
are immediately improved but there may be some swelling for a few
hours and a bruise that may last a few days. Lips usually become swollen
for up to 2 days and may bruise. Avoidance of anti-inflammatory medication
and vitamin E for 2 weeks before treatment can reduce the chance of
bruising. If you have a history of facial cold sores, Dr. Gidon will
prescribe antiviral medication to take before your treatment to prevent
a recurrence. These products usually last 4 to 10 months, but most
patients enjoy their enhanced appearance and have touch-up treatments
every 6 months or so as needed.
Sculptra™
Sculptra™ is a cosmetic sculpting agent that creates long-lasting,
natural-looking results. It corrects facial skin imperfections and
replaces lost volume caused by natural aging, wrinkles and loose skin.
Sculptra™ can be injected into several areas of the face to provide
a gradual increase in skin thickness. It naturally stimulates the
body to produce its own collagen, resulting in a more youthful appearance
that lasts over 2 years.
Sculptra™ is a synthetic, injectable product made of poly-L-lactic
acid, which is a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer from
the alpha-hydroxy-acid family. Lactic acid polymers have been safely
used for over 20 years in resorbable sutures. Skin testing is not
required prior to treatment. It restores the volume of depressed areas
of the face, such as skin creases, wrinkles, folds, and scars, and
gives aging skin a more youthful appearance.
Sculptra™ takes several months to gradually thicken the skin. Typically,
3 treatments are required, about 6 weeks apart. It can be used in
combination with other hyaluronic acid fillers. Results will differ
for each person, but most patients enjoy results that last about 2
years. Touch-up treatments may be done at that time to maintain the
effect of Sculptra™.
There may be redness, swelling, tenderness and some bruising immediately
after treatment, but it resolves within a week. Make-up may be applied
a few hours after treatment. For the first 24 hours, ice packs are
applied intermittently to reduce swelling. The treated areas should
be massaged for 5 minutes several times a day for the first few days
to ensure even distribution of Sculptra™. Sun protection should be
used. Regular activities may be resumed immediately.
The most common side-effects are injection-related and include bleeding,
tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects
generally last 3 to 14 days. Rarely, infection may occur. One possible
delayed side effect of Sculptra™ is the development of small bumps
that may be felt, but are not visible. These bumps tend to happen
within the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment and may
be associated with some redness or colour change. They may go away
on their own.
Fraxel® laser treatment fades blotchy pigmentation, melasma, brown
age spots, and sun damaged spots. It improves fine lines, wrinkles,
skin texture and radiance. It minimizes pore size, and improves acne
scars and chickenpox scars. Any area can be treated and rejuvenated
safely, including the face, neck, back, chest, arms, and hands. Stretch
marks in areas such as the arms, abdomen, thighs and breasts can be
treated.
There is some discomfort with Fraxel® treatments. An anesthetic cream
is applied one hour before treatment and mild oral analgesics are
given. Icy cold air is blown across the treated area for comfort.
Patients tolerate the treatment well and are thrilled with the results.
They have tried other treatments with limited improvement and can
see the benefits of Fraxel® treatments.
Fraxel® laser treatments can be performed on their own, or can be
complemented by a combination of other treatments, such as intense
pulsed light for spider veins and redness of the face, Levulan® photodynamic
therapy for extensive sun damage, Thermage® to tighten and lift the
skin, Sculptra™ to add volume to the skin, Botox® Cosmetic to smooth
dynamic wrinkles, and fillers such as Restylane® and Juvéderm™ to
soften creases. Sun protection is important and an at home maintenance
regimen using tretinoin cream, alphahydroxy acids and antioxidants
will keep skin smooth and clear.
For isolated pockets of fat on the abdomen with stretch marks and
loose skin, UltraShape™ can reduce the fat, Thermage® can tighten
the skin, and Fraxel® can minimize the stretch marks.
After a series of Fraxel® treatments, maintenance treatments enhance
the appearance of the skin. Chemical peels or microdermabrasion can
be performed every six to eight weeks, intense pulsed light every
six months, and one Fraxel® treatment can be done yearly.
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