Injectable Fillers

Unlike Botox®, dermal fillers do not affect muscle activity.  Instead, these injectable products enhance appearance by adding volume.  Some time ago, plastic surgeons discovered that volume loss occurs in the aging face.  Volume loss can be as responsible for an aged appearance as skin laxity.  In fact, soft tissue volume loss contributes to skin laxity.  Rather than routinely tightening loose, wrinkled skin, plastic surgeons realized that adding volume often avoids, or at least postpones, more invasive procedures.  With a variety of fillers to choose from, Dr. Braithwaite can soften facial folds and wrinkles, augment lips, enhance facial contours, and even improve recessed scars.

Dr. Braithwaite has extensive experience with the full range of injectable fillers and he will select the most appropriate product to meet your needs.  FDA-approved fillers are grouped into categories based on the active component of the product.  The largest group of fillers contains hyaluronic acid, or HA, a naturally occurring skin substance that provides volume and hydration.  HA products include Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Perlane®, and Prevelle™ Silk.  These products reduce facial wrinkles, soften nasolabial folds, and augment lips.  They do not require skin testing and most products last at least 6 months, depending on their location.  The collagen group includes Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast®.  Collagen is a natural protein that is abundant in skin.  These fillers work well to eliminate lip lines, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scars.  No skin testing is required and results typically last 2 to 4 months.  Hyaluronic acid and collagen products may be readily combined with Botox®, which often extends their longevity.

More durable products include Radiesse® and Sculptra®.  Radiesse® contains calcium-based microspheres and stimulates collagen production in treated areas.  This product can augment cheekbones and improve deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines.  Radiesse® is also FDA-approved for facial lipoatrophy.  Dr. Braithwaite often mixes Radiesse® with local anesthetic for improved patient comfort.  No skin testing is required and results usually last at least 1 year.  Sculptra® contains polylactic acid microparticles which are similar to components found in absorbable suture.  Sculptra® also stimulates collagen production to increase skin thickness but requires a series of treatments several weeks apart.  Sculptra® is a global filler and has a variety of applications, including hand rejuvenation.  This product is also FDA-approved for facial lipoatrophy.  No skin testing is required and Sculptra® lasts for at least 2 years.  Dr. Braithwaite has extensive experience treating facial lipoatrophy patients with Sculptra®.

To determine if you are a good candidate for injectable fillers, Dr. Braithwaite will review your health history during your consultation.  After understanding your goals and desires, Dr. Braithwaite will carefully examine your facial regions.  He will create an individualized treatment plan and explain it to you.  If you elect to proceed with treatment, Dr. Braithwaite injects soft tissue fillers with very small needles.  We offer local anesthetic or topical anesthetic cream to minimize discomfort during the injections.  Results are obvious immediately.  Bruising is infrequent and any swelling is temporary.  Botox® can be added to most filler treatments.  We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise just after treatment but patients may drive and return to work immediately.

For more information about injectable fillers or to schedule a complimentary consultation at our Chicago plastic surgery practice, please contact us via email or call (312) 361-8108 today.