As we age, it’s all about volume. We’re losing it in the places we want it, such as the cheekbones and lips, and we’re gaining it elsewhere. There are really two culprits, collagen and elastin. The production of these two proteins continues to decrease as we age. And because they are both responsible for keeping the structure of our skin taut and smooth, without them our skin starts to sag.
But you can turn the tide of this battle with dermal fillers. Dr. Lavey offers three fillers that target volume loss; each has areas that they particularly shine.
Long-lasting volume replacement for the cheeks
Sculptra is a little different than other fillers. Most fillers simply do as their names suggest — they are injected beneath a wrinkle or crease and they fill in the area and push up the wrinkle. Sculptra consists of tiny beads made of a biodegradable sugar (poly-L-lactic acid). These beads, once injected beneath the epidermis, stimulate the production of new collagen. Usually 2-4 treatments are necessary to properly stimulate collagen production. Once new collagen is produced, the skin regains volume and fullness. And Sculptra is the longest-lasting filler in the aesthetic world, with results lasting up to two years.
Angelina Jolie watch out!
The lips become thinner as we age. Dr. Lavey likes to use Perlane to plump them back up. Perlane is a hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for plumping the skin. Hyaluronic acid binds with water molecules to accomplish that plumping.
Dr. Lavey uses Perlane to enlarge and add shape to the lips. Perlane has a little thicker consistency than some other fillers, so instead of spreading out it can provide shape. Perlane results last up to one year.
Chinny chin chin
Radiesse is different than Sculptra or Perlane. It is a gel with calcium-based microspheres suspended in it. Once injected just below the outer layer of the skin, these microspheres act as a scaffold under the skin to provide structure and to stimulate the formation of new collagen. Radiesse is great for enhancing the cheekbones and the lines of the chin. Radiesse lasts about one year.
As with all cosmetic procedures, experience really counts with fillers, too. It’s critical that your doctor have a great familiarity with the basics of facial anatomy. Dr. Lavey has three decades of experience. Call us at 925-820-3633 and let’s see how we turn up the volume for you!
No comments yet.