What is Radiesse

Radiesse is one of the longest acting soft tissue fillers for women who want to get rid of their wrinkles and skin creases. Plastic surgeons and a whole lot of other health professionals (nurses) frequently use Radiesse to correct large skin imperfections like deep furrows, wrinkles and scars.

What is Radiesse made of?

Radiesse is a soft tissue filler and has a unique chemical composition- it is made of tiny calcium microspheres suspended in a solution of glycerin. When injected, these microspheres embed into the surrounding tissues and provide a framework for the body’s cells to grow. The new collagen growth results in a fuller appearing skin, which appears smooth, young and wrinkle free.

What should radiesse be used for?

Both men and women who have deep creases and wrinkles can have radiesse injections. Radiesse is the ideal filler of choice for wrinkles and folds along the nose, chin and eye brows.

Restylane: finally a dermal filler that works, but not for acne scars

What is Restylane?

Restylane is an injectable dermal filler which is not derived from animal sources. It is a biodegradable gel made of hyaluronic acid. Restylane is made in the laboratory from tissue culture.

What is the biggest advantage of Restylane?

It is a great alternative for individuals who are allergic to animal-based dermal fillers.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. It has the ability to retain water, hydrate tissues, add volume and also acts as a shock absorber. Levels of hyaluronic acid generally decline with age, resulting in lines and wrinkle formation.

What is Restylane used to treat?

Today Restylane is widely used as a dermal fuller to treat several skin disorders like wrinkles, fine lines, augmentation of lips and revision of acne scars. Restylane injections when done well can produce a very aesthetically pleasing face. The dermal filler can plump up the lips and make them look luscious. The majority of individuals who have Restylane injection develop a younger, smoother and attractive skin.

Where are restylane injections performed?

Restylane injections are done in a physician’s office and usually take about 30 minutes. Unlike other animal-based dermal fillers, Restylane does not have to be pretested for allergy and this saves time.

Prior to the injections, the face is rinsed and injection sites are marked. Restylane is injected with a very needle to minimize the pain. During the procedure, the surgeon may apply a local anesthetic to numb the mild pain from the needle. Most individuals require a couple of injections.

Artefill: Part 2

Where are Artefill injections done?

Artefill injections are done in an office and do not take more than 30 minutes. The formulation of Artefill does contain a local anesthetic so there is less pain during the injection.

Are the injections painful?

Yes. Many consumers claim it hurts like hell. Try pricking your lips with a sharp needle- this is exactly what you will feel.

What are immediate side effects of Artefill?

After the procedure, most people develop some degree of swelling and redness. These side effects usually disappear over the next 24-48 hours. One can use make- up or camouflage creams to cover the redness in the meantime.

How many sessions are needed?

You can rest assured, plastic surgeons are like car mechanics, and nothing is ever accomplished in one session. Everyone is told to enroll for many sessions (more to do with money than anything else)

When do i see results?

The effects of Artefill are rather slow. Once the side effects disappear, most people will see less wrinkles and fine lines in about 4-6 weeks. Many people see no change.

When can i go back to work?

Depending on the amount injected and where, most people can resume their normal lifestyle in 24-72 hours. After Artefill, it is highly recommend that one wear a sunscreen when going out.

Is Artefill permanent?

No only herpes is permanent. Artefill will at best last 12-18 months and touch up are required every year or two.

Luscious Lips part 2

Like any surgery procedure, lip augmentation is not complication free. For every one good result, there are about 3-4 individuals who are not happy. The most common complications of lip augmentation include the following:

- Allergy to the implant- persistent redness,
itching and pain
- prolonged redness
- swelling which is obvious
- itching which is persistent
- hardness around the lips- especially at the
injection site
- excessive bleeding which may go on for a few
weeks
- lip asymmetry is very common
- migration of the implant is also common
- extrusion of the implant when the procedure is
not done right

In most cases, the swelling, redness and bruising only last 3-7 days. When asymmetry occurs, revision is required. If there is an infection, the permanent dermal filler has to be removed. Never believe any surgeon who says he/she has never had a complication.

All individuals who are going to be treated with collagen fillers need an allergy test. If there is evidence of allergy, lip augmentation is not for you. You may have to choose a non-collagen dermal filler.

Individuals who have an active herpetic infection, a history of contact dermatitis, lip infection or an ulcer on the lips, should wait at least 2-4 months before get lip augmentation. Any stress on lips can easily trigger a herpes infection.

All individual who are allergic to the anesthetic, lidocaine, should avoid getting lip augmentation. Other individuals who should not undergo lip augmentation include those with collagen vascular disease (e.g. scleroderma, lupus, or sjogren's).

There is no perfect dermal filler. The fact that there are so many fillers on the market should immediately inform the consumer that none of them is ideal. Each dermal filler has its pros and cons. The only way to determine which dermal filler is good for you is to discuss it with a knowledgeable surgeon who is more interested in your lips than your money.

The most important criteria for success is a good surgeon. Today, many people are performing lip augmentation. There are some physicians who have had no training in cosmetic surgery and there are also many nurses who think that they do not need any training. So talk to people, get a referral, read about the procedure, and ask questions. Since you are paying for it, always seek a second opinion if you are not satisfied. When done well, lip augmentation can produce luscious, sexy, and erotic lips.