INJECTIBLE FILLERS
Dr. Viral Desai is an advanced filler user and trainer. He is the pioneer of the use of fillers for peri-orbital rejuvenation (for sunken eyes, etc.) and chin augmentation.
Your skin consists of two layers – the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, acts as the skin’s primary defence against the environment. The dermis, or innermost layer of the skin, is composed primarily of connective tissue and provides the skin with a support network. Most facial wrinkles and deeper naso-labial folds occur within the dermal layer of the skin.
Dr. Viral uses US FDA-approved fillers to smooth away wrinkles around the mouth and nose for smooth and natural-looking results that last up to a year. Everyone’s skin ages differently and fillers may be used to rejuvenate multiple problem areas. From smile lines to vertical lip lines, you can smooth away unwanted wrinkles and restore natural contours.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule. Much like a sponge, its primary function is to bind and absorb water, which creates volume in the face. In this way, HA can be thought of as the body’s internal moisturizer. But, as we age, HA diminishes, which contributes to the presence of lines and folds. Also, 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. Further, as you age, your face begins to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep your skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow’s feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.
Soft-tissue fillers – most commonly injectable hyaluronic acid, collagen or fat – can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. They are also used for peri-orbital rejuvenation, cheek and chin augmentation, nose shaping, correction of crooked nose and depressed nose, scar treatment, acne scar reduction, etc. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a re-contouring procedure, such as a facelift.
KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS
A person seeking a more youthful appearance has two alternatives – fillers and cosmetic surgery.
1. HA is a naturally occurring protein that provides support to various parts of the human body: the skin, the joints, the bones and the ligaments. Injectable hyaluronic acid is produced in various thicknesses to meet individual patient needs and is approved by the US FDA. Alternative to HA is autologous fat – usually taken from the thighs or abdomen. The benefit of using autologous fat is that it is cheaper than HA and there is practically no risk of allergic reactions. However, autologous fat is fairly unpredictable in terms of survival – a typical treatment with autologous fat lasts for around six months to about three to five years.Injected HA and fat are primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin’s texture. They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, “sunken” cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips. They are also used for cheek and chin augmentation, depressed and crooked nose correction.
2. Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or browlift. Injectables are sometimes used in conjunction with facial surgery procedures; however, injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can. An experienced and qualified plastic surgeon is the only specialist that can offer you the full gamut of the most advanced treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery, refinishing techniques, laser therapy, injectables and the use of other fillers. You and Dr. Viral may determine that a single procedure or a combination of procedures is the best choice for you.
HOW FILLERS ARE INJECTED?
During the procedure, the compound is injected using a fine needle at several points along the edge of the treatment site. If a local anaesthesia has not been used, you may feel minor stinging or burning as the injections are administered. Immediately following treatment, you may notice some minor discomfort, stinging or throbbing in the injected area. Occasionally some bruising or swelling will occur, but it is usually minor. Any redness that appears in the injected site usually disappears within 24 hours. No bandaging is needed and you are free to eat, drink, and wear makeup with sunblock protection shortly thereafter. There may be some temporary swelling and redness in the treated area which should dissipate within a 2-5 days
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
The duration of results from fillers is variable. Longevity depends on the patient’s lifestyle and physical characteristics as well as the part of the body treated. In general, the injected material is likely to disappear faster in areas that are more affected by muscle movement.
Generally, temporary fillers last for six months to two years, while semi-permanent fillers last for two to five years.
RISKS, COMPLICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS
The fillers that we use are risk free and have no allergic reactions. Rarely lumpiness may occur, which can be removed. If you don’t take care then rarely we may get migration of the filler.
YOUR NEW LOOK
If you’re like most patients, you’ll be very satisfied with the results of your injectable treatments. You may be surprised at the pleasing results that can be gained from this procedure.