Maryland Plastic Surgeon: Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery

Botox® and Injectable Fillers

 
What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

One 10-minute treatment-a few tiny injections-and within days there's a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.

In 2005, almost 3.3 million procedures were performed with FDA-approved BOTOX® Cosmetic, including by our Maryland Botox® specialists.

Some quick facts about Botox®:

  • Results can last for up to 4 months, and may vary.
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65, and almost 3.3 million procedures were performed in 2005 alone.
  • The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular physician-administered aesthetic procedure in the United States for the fourth year in a row (surgical and nonsurgical combined).
About Radiesse

Radiesse® is a next generation cosmetic dermal filler. It is used for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles, restoring a natural, youthful look in an easy, convenient treatment. Numerous medical studies have shown that Radiesse is a safe, longer lasting treatment to fill and correct smile lines, Nasolabial Folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.

Radiesse is:

  • FDA Approved to safely correct wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, including Nasolabial Folds
  • Lasts Longer
  • Stimulates your skin to produce New Collagen
  • Immediate correction in a treatment that can be performed over your lunch hour!
  • Fewer injections and office visits
  • Biocompatabilty means no allergy testing prior to treatment
  • The Next Generation cosmetic dermal filler made of Advanced calcium based microsphere technology
  • Long lasting, Not Permanent, with none of the risks associated with permanent implants
  • Cost Effective treatment that lasts longer than other fillers and uses less material to achieve Optimal Correction
Immediate Satisfaction, Long Lasting Results

The results of a Radiesse treatment are immediate. Radiesse dermal filler typically lasts a year or more, longer than the former leading filler, saving you time and money. Since results may vary, be sure to discuss your expectations with us prior to treatment.

Safe and Effective

Radiesse is made of unique calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure.

Hundreds of thousands of patients have experienced Radiesse and more than 4,000 physicians worldwide have been trained to provide Radiesse treatments. Through years of clinical studies and independent research, Radiesse has proven to be safe and effective. With Radiesse, you get safe, FDA Approved, clinically tested reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Radiesse

What is Radiesse? Radiesse is a safe, next generation cosmetic dermal filler that is setting a new standard for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles such as Nasolabial Folds. Years of rigorous clinical studies prove that Radiesse lasts longer than previous injectables, to safely fill and correct smile lines, Nasolabial Folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Radiesse is made of unique calcium-based Radiesse microspheres suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. Simply put, Radiesse treatments deliver a natural look that lasts.

How does Radiesse work? Radiesse works below the skin's surface. Tiny calcium-based microspheres form a "scaffold" to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen to create a natural, full, youthful look. Radiesse does more than just temporarily fill-in facial lines and wrinkles ─ it rebuilds your skin's foundation, without the risks associated with permanent fillers.

Is Radiesse safe? Yes. Over 250,000 patients have experienced Radiesse and more than 4,000 physicians have been trained to provide Radiesse treatments. Through years of rigorous industry and independent research worldwide, Radiesse has been shown to be safe and effective. With Radiesse, you get safe, clinically tested, FDA Approved reliability.

Is Radiesse right for me? If you are beginning to notice facial wrinkles, lines and folds, you may be an excellent candidate for a Radiesse treatment.

Why "fill in" wrinkles with Radiesse? Over time, tissue volume diminishes, leaving what is commonly seen as lines and wrinkles, including the deepening of Nasolabial Folds, accentuated smile lines (sometimes called "marionette lines"), fallen cheek pads and sagging jaw lines. Radiesse can be injected into the skin in order to compensate or correct these areas. By using your body's ability to grow collagen and regenerate tissue, Radiesse produces natural looking results for a fresh, rested, healthy appearance that still looks like you.

How is a Radiesse treatment performed? Radiesse is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, quick, and minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Typically administered in a doctor's office, with the use of a local anesthetic, Radiesse treatments have little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities soon after treatment.

How soon can I expect results? How long will the results last? The results are immediate. Radiesse continues to deliver results as it works with your body to stimulate new collagen and regenerate tissue. Results typically last a year or more. Since results may vary, be sure to discuss your expectations with us prior to your appointment.

How many treatments will I need? Many patients will achieve their desired result after just one treatment. Because Radiesse is a longer-term cosmetic enhancement, and to ensure your satisfaction with the treatment, a follow-up visit, where a touch-up treatment might be recommended.

How much does it cost? Radiesse treatment is customized for each patient so the price varies. In general, the cost of Radiesse is comparable to similar procedures. And because Radiesse is long-lasting, you will save money – and time – to keep your youthful, natural look. Please ask the office for a recommendation to meet your individual needs.

Are there any side effects? Normal, injection-related reactions such as mild irritation, edema, swelling, itching, discoloration, or tenderness at the injection site may occur. These conditions typically resolve on their own within one to two days.

Could I have an allergic reaction to Radiesse? Radiesse is biocompatible, meaning there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction. You do not need to undergo skin allergy testing, common in certain animal-based or permanent filler agents, prior to treatment. However, if you believe you are having an allergic reaction to Radiesse, seek medical attention immediately.

Is Radiesse permanent? No. Treatment results are relatively long-lasting, but not permanent. Over time the tiny calcium-based microspheres gradually break down into basic calcium and phosphate ions which are safely and naturally absorbed into your body, leaving your own collagen in their place.

Sculptra®... a sculpting agent that restores volume to correct the signs of facial fat loss

Sculptra® is an enduring treatment approved by the FDA for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, in people with human immunodeficiency virus. It is the first FDA-approved product of its kind for this condition.

Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra® is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. No skin testing is required.

Sculptra® has been safely used outside the United States since 1999 in over 150,000 patients under the trade names New-FillTM and Sculptra®.

The Art and Science of Sculptra®

Sculptra® is intended for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus.1

VOLUME DURATION SAFETY
Restores fullness of the face creating a more natural appearance Improvements in dermal thickness lasted for up to 2 years Clinically proven safe and well tolerated No skin test required Biodegradable, biocompatible

Frequently Asked Questions about Sculptra®

What is Sculptra®? Sculptra® is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

How does Sculptra® work? Sculptra® is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.

Sculptra® will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.

Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra®? No skin testing is required prior to use.

Are the results from Sculptra® immediate? No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra® worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra®. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra® takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Your doctor will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more Sculptra® injections.

How many treatments are required? Your doctor will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra® you will need at each session. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatment sessions.

How long do treatment results last? Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session, in most patients. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.

Do injections of Sculptra® hurt? As with any injection, injections with Sculptra® may hurt. Sculptra® is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle. Your doctor may apply a topical or local anesthetic.

What can I expect to happen at a treatment session? Your doctor will answer all of your questions and prepare you for the treatment.

  • Make-up should be removed.
  • The area where the injections will be given will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
  • You and your healthcare provider will determine if a topical or local anesthetic is needed.
  • Sculptra® will be injected in small amounts into the skin using a very fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed.
  • An ice pack should be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
  • After the treatment session, the area should be thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly.

What can I expect after treatment? Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra®, redness, swelling, pain, bruising or all of these signs can happen in the treatment area. These signs usually go away in a few hours to a few days. Some have been known to last up to 17 days. Your doctor will give you specific post-treatment care instructions. You should massage the treated area (a few times each day) for several days after the treatment session. Within the first 24 hours after treatment, an ice pack should be applied for a few minutes at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth and avoid putting ice directly on your skin. Avoid excessive sun and UV lamp exposure until any initial swelling and redness has resolved.

Report any worsening or longer-lasting symptoms or signs to your healthcare provider.

How quickly can I get back to my daily activities? Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities following treatment.

When will I be able to apply make-up after treatment? Make-up may be applied a few hours after treatment if no complications are present (for example, open wounds or bleeding).

What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra®? The most common side effects with the use of Sculptra® include injection-related side effects at the site of the injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days.

One possible delayed side effect with Sculptra® can be small bumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps may not be visible, and you may notice them only when you press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment. Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Report any side effects to your doctor.

Who should not use Sculptra®? You should not use Sculptra® if you are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra®. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history when deciding on treatment options.



IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Sculptra® is injected into the skin for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus. You should not use Sculptra® if you are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra®. Sculptra® should not be injected while you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area. Side effects of Sculptra® may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising or swelling.

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