Serving - atlanta, ga
Dermal fillers are FDA-approved gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. This is popular quick, in-office facial rejuvenation treatment, and it can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime. As we age, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, some of the building blocks of our skin, changes. The fat pads that sit high on our cheek bones begin to sag, leading to thinner upper face and deeper nasolabial lines (between the nostrils and the corners of the mouth) and appearance of marionette lines (between the corners of the mouth to the chin). The upper lips appear to thin and the edges of the mouth turn down almost like a resting frown, leading to less-friendly visage.
Dermal fillers can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles. Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
There are several products serving different purposes that Dr. Lindsey Webb offers her patients. With so many dermal filler products on the market, it can be difficult to know which option is best for you without an experienced plastic surgeon’s guidance. Each product is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture, density, and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for certain areas of concern. Dr. Webb will determine which product is best for you during your pre-treatment consultation. For many patients, the goal is to look refreshed and uplifted without drawing attention to a specific area.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that exists in the human body. It can be found in connective and skin tissue and cartilage. It is extracted, reformulated and then offered as a dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers include:
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a substance found naturally in human bones. It is a mineral-like compound and one of the heavier dermal fillers used for deep crevices and creases and lower cheek and mid-face volume. Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers include Radiesse®.
Sculptra® is a poly-L-lactic acid synthetic gel filler. This particular substance works differently than the other fillers because, once injected, it stimulates collagen production. Therefore, results will not be immediate but will appear gradually over time.
With a fat transfer or fat grafting procedure, excess fat is liposuctioned from the belly or thighs and then it is processed and injected to the face to add volume. A portion of it may resorb in the first few weeks but what remains becomes a permanent correction with one’s own body tissue. Renuva® is an off-the-shelf adipose tissue allograft which provides the matrix to stimulate volume restoration with fat cells.
During your dermal filler consultation in our Atlanta office, Dr. Webb will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. Aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol or blood thinners can increase the risk of bruising and we recommend holding these for one week prior to injection, when possible.
Just before the treatment, the area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic numbing cream will be applied to the injection area. Many filler products contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. Dr. Webb will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin.
Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Mild bruising and swelling are possible, but are temporary and will subside over the days following treatment. Dr. Webb recommends that you refrain from strenuous exercise, aspirin, ibuprofen and alcohol on the day of your treatment.
How long the effects of dermal fillers will last depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the patient. To maintain results, it may be necessary to repeat treatment, adjusting the amount as necessary to ensure optimal results.
Dr. Webb offers patients a complete line of injectable fillers, each used for a different purpose, and skillfully injected to help reduce the effects of aging and restore a youthful appearance