Restylane®, Juvederm™, Sculptra™Aesthetic, Radiesse®, and Other Facial Fillers

We all strive for the full,youthful face we once had void of any of life's stresses, years of fun-in-the-sun, and of course, normal aging processes. Dr. Enzer offers a number of ways in which to give one a more natural and youthful look; from surgical to less invasive procedures, such as facial fillers. Many term this a liquid face lift - the look without the downtime or fees associated with surgery.

Outside the United States, scores of new filler materials are available. Most are not proven safe and thus are not approved in our country. However, in the past few years several new fillers have been approved by the FDA. Most important is the group called hyaluronic acids, such as Juvéderm Ultra XC™, Juvéderm UltraPlus XC™, Restylane-L®, and Perlane-L®. More recently the manufacturers added numbing medication into these products, making the procedure more comfortable. These fillers give immediate results, smoothing out lines and wrinkles, by holding in water. This class of fillers is the safest type, and the only type that can be easily reversed in the event of a problem. The benefits typically last at least six (6) months, and often for many years around the eyes (off-label use).

Another synthetic filler, Sculptra™ (poly-L-lactic acid), has recently become available for long-term correction, typically lasting 1 – 2 years. This product stimulates collagen growth, and therefore usually three sessions are necessary over six (6) months to see the desired results. Sculptra is best suited for full face volumization (in addition to fat transfer).

Dr. Enzer also offers Radiesse®, an FDA-approved soft tissue filler used to enhance one's own facial features. Resulting in immediate, natural facial contouring, this non-invasive injectible takes away years from your face. Radiesse® is made up of calcium hydroxylappatite microspheres in a water-based gel carrier, a biocompatible substance found in the body which is absorbed over time. For more imformation on Radiesse®, go to www.radiesse.com  to learn more about this product. As a rule, Dr. Enzer does not offer synthetic implants because he opts for more natural results with dermal fillers. Even so, Dr. Enzer will consider a patient's wishes on an individual basis. Dr. Enzer expects many more fillers to become available in the next few years.

For those people interested in a longer-lasting and a more natural solution, we recommend fat transfer. This type of procedure is primarily used for lip augmentation, to smooth nasolabial lines, cheeks, or to fill other depressions on the face or body. Fat transfer uses one’s own tissues, thereby eliminating any risk of implant rejection or allergic reaction. There is minimal pain and discomfort with this procedure, which can be done either in Dr. Enzer’s office or at an out-patient facility. More recently Dr. Enzer has devised a technique for full face fat transfer, which, in some cases, replaces the need for face-lifting. This procedure is very dependent on the experience of the cosmetic surgeon, poor outcomes can be seen, including non-survival of the transfered fat, lumps, irregular grooves, or asymmetry. Dr. Enzer has over 15 years of successful experience with fat transfer, being one of the first to offer this procedure in Southern New England.

Click here to view photos of patients who have undergone filler procedures.