Wrinkle Correction :

Need a lift, or just want to get pumped up?

On September 19,2007 at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Washington DC, and entire afternoon was devoted to minimally invasive procedures such as injectable techniques to replace lost facial volume due to aging.

For many years, the concept of a facelift has been to remove skin and pull the soft tissues upward and backward toward the ears. Eyelid surgery has frequently involved removal of bulging fat pads. In recent years, cosmetic surgeons have recognized that loss of volume is a significant component of facial aging. Silicone injections were discontinued because of complications. Collagen injections were popular for many years to replace lost volume in the lips and creases, but collagen required frequent re-injection.

The availability of Restylane in recent years has more than doubled the durability of facial injections and has rejuvenated the use of injectable fillers in the face. Until recently, long term fillers have not been available in the United States. Two products that have been widely used in Europe and Canada are now available under the trade names Radiesse and Sculptra. These products have recently become available in the United States and are rapidly gaining popularity. Both have durability greater than one year. Sensitivity to these products is extremely rare and none of these requires pretreatment skin testing.

Risks of injections include momentary discomfort and potential for bruising and a small possibility of visibility, lumpiness, or other disappointment in the cosmetic result.

The most permanent filler available is your own fat. The recent availability of smaller and better designed liposuction and injection cannulae has improved our ability to transfer fat fro the thighs or abdomen up to the face. Techniques now allow very delicate injections within and around the eyelids, cheeks, lips, and mouth creases. The smaller, more delicate injections have significantly increased precision, smoothness, and success rates. Smaller fat grafts receive a new blood supply more quickly and are more likely to survive permanently. Although there is some resorption with any type of tissue graft, fat that survives for 3-4 months is likely to survive permanently.

For many patients, these fat grafts can provide dramatic rejuvenation that is more attractive and much less invasive than traditional facelift procedures. If you will see full, rounded cheeks and a softness of facial features. Autologous fat grafting may be the single best treatment to restore this appearance. If you would like to discuss this procedure or have any concerns about the appearance o your face or neck, please discuss this with your provider at the next office visit.

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