San Diego
plastic surgery -
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre patient
A makeover doesn’t have to be extreme! Injectables have virtually no downtime and can produce significant results. Given the variety of injectables in San Diego and the world market today you can easily give your face the boost it may need to “freshen up” your look instantly.
Most injectables fall into the category of “fillers” and are designed to fill in wrinkles and depressions in the face. Fillers include such products as Collagen, Restylane, Sculptra, Radiesse and Juvéderm and the about to be released Artefill. Botox is slightly different in that it weakens the facial muscles thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines. With the exception of one product, Artefill, these injectables disappear after a period of time. Artefill is different in that it is a permanent filler.
As you read the following you will probably find that more than one of these products addresses your concerns. Patients often have a facial filler and Botox injections done at the same time. All the doctors at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre (LJCSC) do their own injections so you always have the benefit of their expertise. When you meet with one of our board certified dermatologists or one of our board certified plastic surgeons he or she will able to advise you as to which product or products will best help you achieve your desired result.
- Artefill®: This is a non-resorbable filler that recently received FDA approval. We expect to see it available to patients early in 2007. Anyone who has used other fillers in the past may be find Artefill to be a great choice. Artefill is made up of particles of polymehtymethacrylate (PMMA) that are carried in purified collagen gel so a skin test prior to treatment is required. Artefill is injected in stages over a period of several weeks to months. It’s indicated use is for facial nasolabial folds.
- Botox®: Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin drug that acts by temporarily blocking nerve pulses in facial muscles. It tends to be most effective in muscles related to expression lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth. It is often effective in areas where fillers may not be. Botox is a very safe and effective injectable and therefore very popular among patients.
- CaptiqueTM: A hyaluronic acid filler similar to Restylane and Juvéderm. Captique has a finer consistency and can therefore be used closer to the surface of the skin for fine lines and wrinkles.
- Collagen: The new generation of Collagen, CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast, are based on human collagen so no pre-testing is required. Zyderm and Zyplast, Collagen products derived from cows, do require a pre-test. Collagen is a dermal filler and it is good for facial fine lines and furrows. It is commonly used in the fine lines around the eyes.
- JuvedermTM: This very new product is a dermal filler that is based on hyaluronic acid and works together with the body’s own hyaluronic acid to create volume. Allergan will officially release the product in January 2007 but LJCSC is a testing sight so we have limited product available now. Juvéderm is effective for the nasolabial folds, under the eyes, between eyebrows and lip plumping.
- Radiesse®: Another product within the “filler” category, Radiesse is made up of calcium hydroxiapatite (CaHA) a primary component of teeth and bones. No skin testing is required. This product has a thicker consistency and is best for deeper nasolabial folds and rebuilding hollow areas. The consistency of this product allows it to last longer than most fillers, up to a year or longer.
- Restylane®: Next to Botox, Restylane is the second most common injectable. It is a hyaluronic acid filler that plumps up creases under the skin. Restylane is similar to Juvéderm. This filler is also used for nasolabial folds, under the eyes and between eyebrows Patients experience results that can last up to six months. Restylane is the most popular product for creating fuller looking lips.
- SculptraTM: Another product in the line-up of fillers, Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material and does not require a skin test. Again, this product fills in wrinkles and depressions in facial areas such as the nasolabial folds. Sculptra is injected in small amounts so for certain areas multiple treatments are necessary but results can last a year or more.
We hope you found this “menu” of products helpful. La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre is conveniently located in the Ximed building on the Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla campus. This freeway friendly location makes us accessible to all areas of San Diego County. Come and see us!
For more information or to make an appointment call us at 800-942-2816
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