For Primary Care Calls for Dr. Silva: (813) 972-2974 • For Cosmetics Procedures & Weight Loss: (813) 426-7738
isilva@tampabay.rr.com
A number of facial fillers are currently available for minimizing wrinkles of fine lines in the face. These fillers are most often used to treat forehead wrinkles, wrinkles from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds); lip wrinkles (lipstick lines) and lip fullness. They may be used in conjunction with other facial treatments such as Botox™, or they may be used alone. Options should be discussed during your consultation to achieve the best optimal results possible for you.
Fillers include various forms of collagen, hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, all of which soften lines of wrinkles. The majority of these products are not permanent and are FDA approved with the exception of calcium hydroxylapatite, which is semi-permanent and is pending FDA approval.
Restylane® & Captique®
Restylane® and Captique® are bio-degradable non-animal based clear hyaluronic acid gel fillers. They are safe, organic fillers ideal for smoothing out wrinklers and folds. Hyaluronic acid occures naturally in the body and is compatible with the body's chemistry. Both products have no animal products thus eliminating the risk of eliciting an allergic reaction. Even people with food sensitivities (eg. eggs, beef) can receive hylauronic acid treatment safely, without worry of adverse reactions or the need for skin testing. The hyaluronic acid is naturally integrated into the tissue and allows for the passage of vital nutrients like oxygen and hormones. As cells are also able to pass between fragments of the gel your skin will look perfectly healthy and natural. Hyaluronic acid smoothes out wrinkles and folds and breaks down naturally in the body after 4-6 months leaving no harmful by products, only water and carbon dioxide are left which leave without a trace. Because hyaluronic acid is a non-permanent filler, it allows clients the opportunity to reassess their needs and alters or continue their course of treatments as desired.
The Revanesse Family of Products
Indications. The Revanesse product line utilizes the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid available, as well as the rejuvenating power of non cross-linkea HA. The Revanesse family of products includes: Revanesse, RevanesseUltra, ReDexis, Prollenium, the manufacturer states that it is biodegradable, and safely and completely metabolized by the body. Revanesse injections are given to correct facial wrinkles and/or for lip augmentation.
Alternatives. There are alternatives to Revanesse injections, including no treatment, collagen for lip or other facial soft tissue augmentation, and cosmetics, Botox, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, or plastic surgery for wrinkle reduction.
Results. I understand that the actual degree of improvement cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Furthermore, I understand that the effect will gradually wear off and addtional treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired effect.
Side effects and complications include but are not limited to:
• Potential allergic reaction. As with any product, allergies can develop during or after injection.
• Injection site reactions: a lumpy or thick feeling at or just under the skin, bruising, redness, itching, pain, tenderness, or slight swelling.
• Injections into the lip area could trigger a recurrence of facial cold sores (Herpes simplex infections) for patients with a history of prior cold sores.
Precautions and contraindications
• Due to the potential for an allergic reaction, Revanesse is not recommended for patients with severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis.
• The risk of bruising or bleeding may be incresed by medications with anticoagulant effects, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, Celebrex), high doses of Vitamin E, and certain herbs (Ginkgo Biloba, St. Jon's Wart).
• The safety of Revanesse in pregnant or breast-feeding women has not been established, and is therefore not recommended for these women.
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is comprised of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapattee (CaHA) in a inert aqueous gel. A synthetic compound, CaHA is identical to the chemical structure of calcium naturally present in the body. Radiesse® has undergone extensive safety testing and CaHA has been used for many years as an implant in dentistry and surgery. FDA approval for facial implant is pending. It does not produce allergic reaction and no skin testing is required prior to treatment. The Radiesse® formula is cream-like in texture, and remins soft throughout its life. Following injection, the body forms a tissue matrix arount the Radiesse® microspheres. In fact, your own tissues will integrate with the Radiesse® microspheres as a natural process of your body. Since your physician can control the amount of Radiesse® injected, you can achieve the exact amount of enhancement you desire. Radiesse® is best used for deep lines and wrinkles. The body gradually metabolizes Radiesse® after a two to three-year period.
Recovery
With soft tissue fillers, aftercare is minimal. There may be some over correction of the area, some bruising and some irregularities that resolve within 24 to 48 hours following treatment.
Risks
Complications with non-animal based fillers are rare and do not require skin test prior treatments.
lnk