Facial Fillers

Collagen injections can be used to fill out wrinkle lines or scars, and perhaps more frequently to augment lips. The injections are virtually pain-free with the new anesthetic creams or numbing techniques, and the results are very predictable. One or two 30-day skin tests are necessary for bovine-based collagens (Zyplast® and Zyderm®) prior to treatment. The human-based collagens (Cosmoderm ™ and Cosmoplast ™) do not require this skin test. Depending on the type of collagen used, the average duration of effect varies from 3 - 6 months.

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™, Juvéderm UltraPlus™, Restylane®, and Perlane®. These fillers give immediate results, smoothing out lines and wrinkles, by holding in water. This new class of fillers is usually better tolerated than the collagens, and typically lasts at least 6 months.

Another new synthetic filler, Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid), has recently become available for long-term correction, typically lasting 1 – 2 years. Although only FDA-approved for severe fat loss in HIV patients, it can also be safely used in anyone for long term corrections. You can learn more about fillers at www.juvedermusa.com, www.restylane.com, or www.sculptra.com. 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 and 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.

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