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Nothing is more satisfying than having an immediate solution for wrinkles or scars – facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, do exactly that. Applied via injection, fillers effectively:
This minimally-invasive procedure is one of the popular cosmetic options that Dr. Steinbacher offers his patients in New Haven, Connecticut to give both men and women a wrinkle-free appearance.
Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are substances that are injected into the face. These skin injections work to restore youth, volume, and smooth out wrinkles and facial lines. While this may seem simple enough, there are actually a wide variety of different dermal fillers that target different areas and serve a different purpose.
The first step to being an ideal candidate for dermal fillers is having the desire to restore vibrancy to your face. Additionally, you could be a good candidate for fillers if:
It is easy to look at Juvéderm as a dermal filler. However, this product is actually a family of products, each of which is based on the volumizing powers of hyaluronic acid. Within the Juvéderm line, we have fillers that can do everything from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to restoring contours to flat cheeks and enhancing the lips.
The power of Juvéderm lies in the combination of hyaluronic acid and cross-linking technology. Without cross-linking, every Juvéderm product would be one and the same. First, let’s look at hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is an organic substance. The body naturally makes it and stores it in the skin and other areas in which water is necessary. The value of hyaluronic acid is its ability to bind to water molecules. As such, HA holds water in the skin to give it volume, softness, and radiance.
Cross-linking is the process of combining strands of hyaluronic acid to achieve specific Juvéderm formulations. When particles of HA are more loosely combined, the consistency of the filler is softer and more fluid. When particles are more tightly wound, the consistency of the filler is denser and more structural.
Almost any adult who is interested in softening fine lines or enhancing facial contours is a good candidate for Juvéderm treatment. Because no testing has been conducted on pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, treatment is not deemed appropriate for such patients. Also, it is best to postpone dermal filler treatment if the skin is affected by an active acne flare-up or infection.
The results of Juvéderm treatment are immediate. This means that only one treatment may be needed to achieve the desired outcome. An exception is when a patient is new to dermal fillers and prefers to enhance their lips or face as moderately as possible. In such instances, patients may return for additional plumping once they have become accustomed to their results.
The Juvéderm facial filler family targets multiple problem areas. Depending on what your goals are and what you are trying to improve, you may require a specific targeted filler. During your consultation, Dr. Steinbacher will evaluate you carefully to ensure the best product is chosen for you.
Juvéderm XC is a soft gel formula that is commonly used to smooth lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Results can last up to one year.
Juvéderm XC Ultra has frequently been used to correct various signs of aging on the face. This product can smooth lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth and also add more substantial volume to the lips.
Juvéderm Vollure is a gel formulation that is used to correct moderate to severe lines and creases on the face. Results can last up to 18 months.
Juvéderm Volbella has the softest, thinnest consistency. This product has been formulated specifically for lip enhancement with results that last through one full year or more
Juvéderm Voluma is the densest of this family of products; formulated to restore structure and volume to the cheek area. The thicker consistency of Voluma holds its form deeper beneath the skin’s surface for results that last up to two years.
There really is no recovery from Juvéderm. Many of our patients schedule injections during their lunch hour. Once you have had your first set of injections, you will have a good idea of how your body will respond. Because most side effects are discreet and temporary, there are no restrictions after treatment aside from avoiding strenuous physical activity immediately following your appointment.
The effects of dermal filler treatment are almost immediately visible. Because injections may provoke a slight healing response, swelling may exaggerate the amount of fullness to areas such as the lips. However, this side effect typically subsides within hours so patients can observe the full effects of their injections.
The most common side effects of Juvéderm treatment include minor swelling and redness at injection sites. Additional side effects are rare and include bruising, bleeding, discoloration, itching, and lumps or bumps beneath the skin. If such side effects linger, it is possible to reverse the results of treatment with injections of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid within a matter of days.
Restylane is a family of hyaluronic acid filler products that are each specifically made to beautifully correct the signs of aging such as deflated lips and cheeks and creases around the nose and mouth.
Restylane products are made with hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate compound produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid exists in the superficial dermis to keep the skin plump and moistened. This chemical achieves beneficial effects by binding to water molecules.
Virtually any adult who wants to correct moderate to severe lines and wrinkles, deflated lips, and other signs of aging without surgery can be a good candidate for Restylane injectable treatment. Active infection and acne-flare ups are some of the few criteria that may need to be eliminated before injectable treatment.
Restylane works by drawing water molecules into a specified area, such as the cheeks or lips, and holding them in place for an extended period. This effect begins immediately when a dermal filler is introduced to facial tissue. In most cases, one session is sufficient for optimal results. Repeat treatments are scheduled as needed to maintain volume.
Similar to Juvéderm, Restylane offers a family of dermal filler products that are designed to target and improve different problem areas. Whether you are looking to improve your smile lines, restore volume, or smooth wrinkles, Restylane has a solution for you.
Restylane Silk is the smooth hyaluronic acid filler that is used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the mouth. This product can also restore or create a natural-looking fullness to the lips and improve lip symmetry.
Restylane Lyft is a hyaluronic acid soft tissue filler that can be introduced to facial tissue or to the backs of the hands to restore lost volume. This product can reduce the effects of thinning skin and fat depletion on the hands, with results that last approximately 6 months. Similar results can be achieved with lines and creases around the nose and mouth. Restylane Lyft can also add volume to the cheek area with results lasting up to 12 months.
Refyne is a lighter Restylane formula that is appropriate for the correction of mild to moderate facial lines and wrinkles. This product may be ideal for subtle smile lines, marionette lines, as well as for use in the tear troughs to decrease under-eye puffiness or dark circles. Results can last up to 9 months.
Defyne is a soft tissue filler that has a slightly denser consistency. This allows the filler to remain in a place deeper in the dermis beneath nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Defyne may also be used along the jawline to diminish the appearance of moderate jowls or in the cheeks to add the definition for up to 12 months.
Most patients who receive dermal fillers can return to their normal activity level the day of treatment. Patients are encouraged to avoid touching or rubbing the treatment area so as not to displace filler products.
Restylane treatment achieves noticeable results that can be enjoyed immediately after treatment. Patients can expect their skin to continue to look and feel soft and smooth, but younger.
The side effects of Restylane treatment are typically limited to temporary redness and swelling. Pinpoint bleeding may occur where injections are administered, and some patients may develop mild bruising. Side effects rarely impede a patient’s ability to resume normal activities on the day of treatment.
If you would like to learn more about facial fillers, contact the office today at (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinbacher. Our practice serves Guilford, New Haven and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
Dr. Derek Steinbacher has devoted his life to
aesthetic and life-changing surgery. He is an artistic and meticulous surgeon who draws patients
from around the world due to his perspective, unmatched skill, and exceptional results. He is able
to uniquely address the face (facelift +
rejuvenation), jawline (orthognathic; chin; contouring; implants), nasal (rhinoplasty), eyelids, profile, neck, breast, and body with
one-of-a-kind results.
He is a multiple Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic, Cosmetic, and Cranio-Maxillofacial
Surgery. He is Fellow of the most prestigious surgical organizations, including the Society of
Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the
Academy of Facial
Plastic Surgery, Societies of Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Aesthetic
Society, and the Rhinoplasty Society. He has served as Full-Professor
of Plastic Surgery at Yale, including Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, and Chief of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steinbacher has unparalleled training at premier institutions,
including Harvard
and Johns Hopkins. His
perspective brings together the best aspects of many distinct – but related fields – and it is this
intersection of scope and expertise, in addition to an artistic eye, which enables excellent
comprehensive results.
Dr. Steinbacher's approach: technical acumen, meticulousness, and penchant for combining art and
science, together with his eye for balance, beauty, and harmony, helps achieve outcomes that greatly
improve a person's confidence, health, and overall quality of life. Patients can trust that they are
always in good hands!