Name: Silhouette Surgical Spa
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Dermal fillers are one of the most popular facial anti-aging treatments in today’s market, and there are many different types available. Dr. Ptak is highly knowledgeable in the different types of fillers available and works with each patient to determine the best filler for their particular needs.

Find out more about the different types of fillers we offer at Silhouette Surgical Spa and then contact us to request a one-on-one consultation.

About Dermal Fillers

dermal fillers juvederm

Over time, the face naturally loses subcutaneous fat, or natural volume. This can make the cheeks look hollow or sunken. It can also heighten the appearance of fine lines, deep creases, and scarring. Furthermore, the lips can begin to thin. Dermal fillers aim to counteract all of these issues. Dermal fillers are injectable products favored by celebrities and the public alike. They’re accessible, safe, and, most importantly, they’re effective! Dermal fillers can add contour and enhance facial features without the need to undergo an invasive surgery.

Here are just some of the many reasons why people love dermal fillers.

Adds youthful volume to the face
Diminishes appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Plumps lips
Improves the appearance of scars
Nonsurgical
Little to no downtime
Immediately visible results
No need to commit to a permanent procedure
Versatile uses for comprehensive results

Contact the office of Dr. Ptak today to request an appointment for this popular treatment.

Dermal Fillers vs Neuromodulators (NMs)

face fillers

Both dermal fillers and Botox are nonsurgical injectables that help correct signs of facial aging. However, they combat different problems. While dermal fillers add volume to the face to fill in deep creases and contour the face, Botox, Dysport and other neuromodulators (NMs) fight lines and wrinkles that form as a result of muscle contractions. In other words, dermal fillers fight static lines and wrinkles, while NMs fight dynamic lines and wrinkles.

NMs have a number of uses outside of wrinkle reduction. They can also be used to treat the following:

Gummy smile
Chronic migraines
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Muscle spasms

Botox and its competitors contain botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily suspends communication between muscles and nerves around the forehead and eyes. By inhibiting muscle contractions, the lines and wrinkles will relax and soften. Botox is primarily used to treat horizontal forehead lines, lines between the brows, under eye lines, and crow’s feet. It can also be used to address neck banding and hyperactive dimpling of the chin. Depending on the conditions that the patient is suffering from, Dr. Ptak may recommend that the patient receive dermal fillers, NMs, or a combination of the two treatments. At Silhouette Surgical Spa, we have been very successful at combating patients’ facial woes using a combination of both dermal fillers and Botox.

Good Candidates

Dermal fillers are a very versatile product, and the number of different types of fillers on the market make almost anyone a good candidate for fillers. In general, patients should be in good health and understand what dermal fillers can and cannot achieve. Most patients receiving dermal fillers are between the ages of 30 and 65. However, both older and younger individuals will be considered. Patients with more severe signs of aging, including severely drooping brows, deep nasal folds or jowling, may need to consider an alternative procedure. Dermal fillers cannot address excess skin. Patients with loss of skin elasticity may be better candidates for a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift. The best way to determine the cosmetic procedures that will help the patient attain their goals is by meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing facial procedures. Dr. Ptak is conveniently located in Scottsdale, Arizona and welcomes both new and existing patients who are interested in dermal fillers to request a consultation.

Types of Commercial Dermal Fillers

Juvéderm XC

Juvéderm XC is a hyaluronic acid filler that is primarily used to treat lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It has also been proven to be effective on smaller, superficial lines, including vertical lip lines. Juvéderm XC is just one of the fillers in the Juvéderm family. The XC denotes that lidocaine has been added to the product in order to make the injections less painful. This filler is proven to last up to one year.

Juvéderm Voluma XC

juvederm voluma Juvéderm Voluma XC is another hyaluronic acid filler that is part of the Juvéderm family of injectables. It is designed to be used in the mid-facial area, specifically in the cheeks, to correct volume loss. By injecting Voluma into the cheeks, it adds youthful contour to the face. Like Juvéderm XC, the XC in Voluma means that it contains lidocaine. This filler typically lasts nine months to a year.

Restylane

Restylane is another popular brand of hyaluronic fillers. Restylane is used to add volume to the face and correct moderate to severe wrinkles and lines. It can be used to correct the appearance of marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and other facial depressions. Restylane is also approved to provide temporary lip augmentation. It is proven to last three months in the lips and up to six months in the midfacial area.

Bellafill

Bellafill is used to treat smile lines, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines, as well as acne scars. It is a collagen based filler mixed with tiny microspheres that help add support to the gel, leading to long-lasting results. Bellafill will require less maintenance than other fillers, because it is proven to last five years or longer. It is the only long-lasting FDA approved filler in the US.

Sculptra

Sculptra consists of poly-l-lactic acid micro fibers, which not only adds volume to the face but also promotes collagen growth long term. Collagen production helps the skin maintain elasticity and keeps signs of aging at bay. It is used to correct the appearance of smile lines, laugh lines, and chin wrinkles. Results from Sculptra appear gradually, over the course of three to four months, and then continues to last for up to two years. Sculptra should be done in a series of sessions, usually three to five, to achieve both the volume and the longevity of the result.

Fat Grafting

Dr. Ptak feels the ultimate dermal and overall facial filler is fat grafting using the patient’s own body fat. This is done for the same reasons as commercial fillers, but typically indicated when there are higher volume requirements in most if not all the zones of the facial anatomy. Fat Grafting is a minor surgical procedure and is typically done in the office surgery procedure room. The patient is usually awake and there is no need for general anesthesia, only local injections. The major benefit of fat grafting is the highly metabolic and regenerative effect of the fat and the stem cells that are in fat as well as its low cost per syringe and the longevity of the result.

Consultation

Above is just a brief overview of what the different dermal fillers we offer can do for you. Dr. Ptak is highly knowledgeable in the subtle differences between each filler, which is why he asks patients to come in for a consultation prior to scheduling their dermal filler treatment because this is not a “one size fits all” treatment. During the consultation, Dr. Ptak will meet personally with the patient to discuss their concerns. He will examine and analyze the patient's face, often using photographic aids, to identify the often multiple causes of the patients aging concerns. Finally, he will recommend a course of treatment that will best help the patient meet their goals. The patient will have the opportunity to schedule their procedure date after the consultation. However, there is no pressure to do so immediately. The goal of the consultation is to fully inform the patient of their options so that they can ultimately make the best decision for themselves.

Injection Process

dermal filler process

Dermal filler injections are very straightforward; there’s no need for anesthesia or surgery. In fact, the entire procedure takes 15 - 30 minutes to perform. However, if the patient does desire a topical anesthetic, they should let our staff know ahead of time. This will add approximately 15 minutes onto the time of the procedure.When the patient arrives for the treatment, we will thoroughly clean their face and mark the injection points. Then, Dr. Ptak will inject the predetermined amount of filler into these locations. Most people find this treatment process very tolerable. The needle is very thin, which also enhances comfort. If the patient wishes, we can numb the areas with ice prior to injection. Following the injection, Dr. Ptak may massage the areas gently in order to make sure that the filler is evenly displaced. The areas around the injection points may appear red. However, this should resolve itself within a couple hours. The patient is free to return to their normal routine following the procedure. If they wish, they can cover up the injection points with a light, breathable concealer.

Results and Maintenance

There is no downtime following dermal filler injections. The results will be immediately noticeable. However, they may appear slightly swollen and there may be a little bruising. Again, this can be covered up with makeup and will subside quickly on its own. The final results of dermal fillers will be visible within one to two weeks. Dermal fillers are not permanent. In order to maintain results, patients will need to return for more injections at specific intervals. The amount of time each dermal fillers last varies. Some last only for months, while others can last for years. Over time, patients may require less product in order to achieve their desired results.