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 In this column we will discuss some truly exciting innovations and aspects of both cosmetic plastic surgery and dermatology that have developed over the last few years. But first, we would like to share a little history as to why there is a need for soft tissue augmentation.
As we age, both men and women tend to lose subcutaneous tissue in the face. If we look at a thin person, as they grow older, the face tends to get what we would call drawn or hollow looking. Due to various congenital factors and muscle patterns in the face, some of us, even as young people, have very pronounced creases and lines in the face. Angularity in the face tends to look better than a 'flat' look. For all the above reasons, we as cosmetic plastic surgeons and dermatologists have always looked for various methods of filling in lines, plumping out hollow areas on the face, and augmenting or building up areas such as the chin and the cheekbone. The latter two, chin and cheekbone augmentations, have often been done with the standard silicone implants that are still the mainstay of cosmetic plastic surgery.
Restylane®, Juvèderm™, and Captique™ are our latest and greatest fillers for wrinkles around the mouth and chin. These are forms of Hyaluronic acid. No animal products are involved. No skin testing is required and discomfort and down time are minimal. All treatments are easily done during a quick office visit to fill wrinkles and depressions in the face to make you look younger instantly. The results last from 3 months up to a year in many patients. Call for your consultation today, 201-265-1300.
Click here to learn more information on Restylane® visit:
www.restylaneusa.com
Radiesse™ is also available for selected patients in our office. A great new filler for deep lines on the lower face.
Cosmoderm™ and Cosmoplast™ are human products derived from a cell line that has been in use for many years and is safe, tested, and FDA approved. We find the results even better than traditional Collagen (Zyderm® and Zyplast®), and NO TESTING is required! The procedure has no downtime, is done at your office visit, and has very minimal discomfort. Call and come in for your treatment---it works great around the mouth and lip areas.
For more information on Cosmoderm™ and Cosmoplast™ visit:
www.inamed.com/products/facial/us/patient/cosmoderm/patient.html
Probably the most common treatment that you are familiar with is collagen injections. This treatment began over 20 years ago. It is highly successful for short-term use in fine lines and cracks around the mouth and chin. Patients return every 3-6 months for maintenance treatments and the procedure is done in a regular office visit. We use both Zyderm® and Zyplast® for thinner and deeper lines. The main side effect of collagen treatment is an allergic reaction since the collagen is derived from cows. We perform two collagen tests prior to a collagen treatment to determine if an allergy exists. The test requires a tiny injection in the skin of the arm.
Sculptra™ has also been approved for use in HIV positive patients with lipoatrophy. We are not currently using this product at this time, but we will keep you posted on any changes in our position.
Click here for additional information on collagen and other fillers.
Perlane® is a very exciting facial filler product. We use it for facial contouring to restore natural youthfulness to the aging face. It works similarly to Restylane, however it can last longer and can be placed deeper in the skin. Perlane can be placed at a quick office procedure after topical numbing cream. Sometimes a nerve block would be recommended and performed prior to the procedure. At your consultation, we can decide if Perlane is right for you.
Fat Injection
We also love the results with fat injections. We discovered that when liposuction was performed, some of the patient's own fat could be recycled in a sterile environment and then injected into various hollow areas and creases creating an excellent filler substance.
This fat transfer technique has become highly successful producing dramatic results. It is the mainstay of soft tissue augmentation for all cosmetic plastic surgeons and dermatologists. For most people, a large amount of fat is readily available. Since it is the patient's own tissue used in the new technique, the results are not only excellent in the short term, but can be extremely long lasting. The most common places used for donor material are the abdomen, hips, or inside of the knee. The fat is sterilely removed, sterilely centrifuged and the broken fat cells removed and sterilely placed into small syringes and then injected. This is performed under either sedation anesthesia if large areas are treated, and most frequently with local anesthetic when small areas are treated. This has proven to be extremely effective in not only the mature patient, but with many younger patients who show early signs of aging.
One of the truly dramatic areas that this procedure can be used is in lip enlargement. For most patients, this does require between two to three treatments.
We are always investigating new products at Baxt Cosmedical. Please sign up for our email list to keep up with the latest trends and products in Cosmetic Dermatology and Plastic Surgery for facial and body rejuvenation.
Please spend a few moments to review our site. We include many photos of Drs. Baxt and our dedicated staff. Please call us at 201-265-1300 to allow us to help you with your health and beauty needs.
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