Dermal Filler San Diego can effectively and safely soften lines and wrinkles and add volume. Many options are available, including hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, and various other synthetic materials.
During the procedure, your healthcare professional will clean and disinfect the injection site and mark the areas where they will inject your filler. They may also take pictures of your face for reference.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a popular filler that uses the natural elements of your body to restore lost volume. It works immediately to plump wrinkled or folded areas, and it stimulates your body’s naturally-occurring collagen for long-term benefits.
Radiesse offers a more natural look than other fillers because it is thicker and uses a unique ingredient called Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. These are injected into the skin to achieve the desired results, and then they are gradually broken down by your body’s natural enzymes. The result is a natural-looking, long-lasting filler that will not move out of place.
This filler is a great option for smoothing out lines and folds in the face, especially the nasolabial folds that can create a downturned or tired appearance. It can also help improve the shape of the chin and nasal bridge. It is also effective in the lips, and it can be used to restore a youthful fullness to the hands.
It is a good choice for people with thin skin who want to add volume, as well as those who have a loss of fat in the facial area, such as post-weight loss patients. It can be used to correct sunken cheeks, lift sagging neck skin, and even provide contouring for the buttocks. It is important to note that Radiesse will not replace a facelift and should only be used to supplement the lifting effects of surgery.
Injections of Radiesse are quick and easy. A DermFx staff member will usually administer some type of anesthetic to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Marking will be done to ensure the injections are placed correctly, and then the filler is massaged into place for a smooth, natural-looking result.
Radiesse is safe for most people, but it is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not a good choice if you have a medical condition that causes bleeding or clotting problems or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you’re considering this filler, a consultation with an experienced practitioner is the best way to determine if it is right for you.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is a popular option for patients looking to reduce lines and wrinkles on their face. This injectable is made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the skin. The ingredient adds volume and moisture to the skin, which helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid also boosts the production of collagen in the skin, which slows down the aging process. This product is widely recommended by plastic surgeons because it provides natural-looking results that last for several months at a time.
The Juvéderm brand offers a variety of products, so you can find one that fits your specific needs and aesthetic goals. For example, the Juvéderm Voluma dermal filler is a popular choice for adding volume to the cheeks and chin area to combat the signs of aging. The Juvederm family of fillers also includes products that address more deep-set lines and wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Before deciding on a particular Juvéderm filler, it’s important to meet with a master injector and discuss your concerns, facial anatomy, and desired results. This will help ensure that you receive the most effective and safest treatment possible. Choose a provider who is certified by a professional medical association and has extensive experience with the Juvéderm line of products.
Dr. Michele Green has over two and a half decades of experience treating her patients with the latest cosmetic treatments, including dermal fillers and Botox. Her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy have helped her to build an international reputation for her outstanding patient care and results. During your consultation appointment, she will assess your unique needs and skin tone to create an aesthetic treatment plan that will include Juvéderm injections. She will work with you to achieve your ideal cosmetic results, whether you’re interested in smoothing dynamic wrinkles or restoring lost volume to the face and cheeks. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite might sound like a word straight out of your chemistry textbook, but don’t let its scientific pedigree scare you away from this incredible compound. This molecular powerhouse is responsible for a variety of dental and medical applications—including bone repair, replacement, and regeneration. It’s also used as a coating for orthopedic and dental implants, as an abrasive to roughen metal implant surfaces, and even as an ingredient in tooth-whitening products.
Calcium hydroxyapatite is found naturally in the body, making up the main mineral component of normal teeth and bones. In fact, 90% of the foundation of enamel (the hard outer layer of teeth) is hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is also a key component of the bloodstream, where it functions to strengthen and repair bones and teeth. It was first used in oral care by NASA in 1970 to remineralize astronauts’ teeth after they returned from space, where gravity caused their enamel to lose its natural hardness. Hydroxyapatite is also an effective cavity fighter, preventing cavities and strengthening teeth to prevent them from becoming demineralized in the first place.
This non-toxic and biocompatible compound is also used in bone substitutes and bone graft materials. It’s been shown to stimulate bone growth and reduce the need for autograft or allograft grafting. This is because hydroxyapatite is able to bond to the bone in a similar way that natural bone does, creating a strong base for the placement of artificial teeth or other surgical implants.
The best thing about hydroxyapatite is that it’s non-toxic and biocompatible—perfect for use in dermal fillers and other dental and medical treatments. You’ll often find it in tooth-whitening products as well, since it can help strengthen the enamel and prevent the development of cavities and other issues.
You might also notice hydroxyapatite as an ingredient in some of the newer, higher-end oral care brands—particularly those that aren’t afraid to take their product’s formulations to the next level. These brands are focusing more on the health benefits of this incredible compound—and you’ll see results. For example, Lenny Kravitz’s oral wellness brand Twice has formulated its products with nano-hydroxyapatite—which not only helps to fight existing cavities, but prevents them from forming in the first place.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and a major component of connective tissue, including skin, tendon, and bone. It is an extremely versatile polymer with excellent biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. This makes it an ideal candidate for use as a dermal filler. Manufacturers have produced collagen-based products to treat various conditions, such as scarring and stretch marks. However, consumers should check the product’s origin before purchasing it. Some dermal fillers contain human collagen, while others use cells from salmon and other fish.
The body naturally produces collagen, but levels decrease with age. A healthy diet rich in high-protein foods, like meat, fish, dairy, nuts and beans, can increase production. Vitamin C, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are all found in collagen, can also help.
To make collagen, the amino acids glycine, proline and hyroxyproline are linked together by peptide bonds to form a triple helix. This is the primary structure of connective tissues such as cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments. The formation of collagen starts in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), where signal peptides are cleaved and the polypeptide chains are glycosylated with varying numbers of hydroxylysines. The amino acid sequence is then modified by post-translational processing, which requires and consumes ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a cofactor.
There are 28 different types of collagen, but only four or five make it into dietary supplements. Type I is the most common, found in the skin, tendons and bones. It is rich in glycine and proline, and has a relatively high level of hydroxyproline.
Type II is shorter, with a more fibrous structure, and is found in the eyes, nose and skin. It is rich in hydroxyproline and proline and has an excellent resistance to elasticity. Type III is a long fiber with a very flexible structure, found in the blood vessels, intestines and other organs. It is rich in hydroxyproline, and helps the body clot and heal wounds.
Collagen is a critical structural protein for the body, especially in the skin, bones, and joints. A lack of collagen can lead to sagging, dry skin with deep lines and wrinkles. It is important to maintain your collagen levels by eating a balanced diet, wearing sunscreen, and not smoking.