Dr. Grossman believes that with the right filler, or combination of fillers to plump, fill and smooth wrinkles, you can achieve a similar result to more aggressive procedures.

Dermal fillers are commonly used in cosmetic dermatology as an instant esthetic treatment. A dermal filler injection is one of the few procedures to provide immediate improvement or enhancement of appearance with little or no down-time. There are many different fillers available today. However, it is not uncommon for physicians to suggest the use of one product for the treatment of multiple areas of concern. Dr. Grossman believes that different fillers have different qualities and that using the best possible filler for each area of treatment is key to achieving the most natural and beautiful result possible.

The following injectable fillers are highly effective when used in the appropriate areas:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are versatile, long-lasting fillers that primarily contain Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in the human body that attracts and binds water which enhances the volume of the skin and comes in the following various forms. Restylane is the firmest of all HA fillers which makes it a great product for building up cheekbones and turning up the corners of the mouth. Some patients experience a slight increase in swelling with this product, usually subsiding within a few days. Captique is a softer product that is better used around the eyes. Juvederm is the softest of all HA products and yet has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid. It is considered to be the longest lasting and is an excellent choice for soft, natural looking and feeling lip enhancement as well as improvement of the nasal-labial folds. No skin test is required for these products.

Collagen products are the most commonly known. They are "tried and true" for some patients and some locations. Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast are human derived collagens and do not require any pre-testing. These products are good for enhancing the eye area, especially if one is thin skinned. It is also very effective in plumping up the lips, defining the edges of the lips softening the fine lines around the mouth. No skin test is required. The products contain lidocaine, a numbing agent, which tends to make the injections more comfortable.

Sculptra is a great new injectable material that is used to fill in large areas. It is a soft product that is most commonly used to subtly enhance the hollows of cheeks, soften prominent chins and decrease the appearance of deep nasal labial folds. It is not used for lip enhancement. Multiple injections may be required, however, once the desired affect is achieved the results can last up to two years. No skin test is required.

• Back to Procedures List