Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers are designed to provide a long term, not permanent, option to restore volume and fullness to skin and lips. They can be used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Non-surgical fillers that we offer at the Larrabee Center are:
Restylane®
What is Restylane?
Restylane® is a clear gel that contains a high volume of a non-animal based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our cartilage and skin, is biodegradable and highly hypoallergenic. Once injected, it helps to fill wrinkles and folds and can create fullness to the lips. Due to its gel form, it is minimally palpable and natural appearing.
Are you a candidate?
- If you desire to increase the fullness of your lips
- If you desire to decrease the prominence of smile lines around the mouth
- If you desire to soften the appearance of facial wrinkles
- If you desire to soften the appearance of acne scarring or depressed facial scars.
How long does it last?
- Restylane® lasts about six months.
- In the lips and around the mouth, it lasts for a slightly less amount of time due to high mobility in that area.
What should I do prior to any treatments?
- Seven to ten days prior to receiving injectable treatments, we recommend avoiding use of the following: Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen), Omega 3, Flax seed oil, Gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E. These medications may increase your risk for bruising.
- If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores (herpes simplex), please notify your physician prior to receiving any injectable treatments.
What can I expect during and after my treatment?
- Your treatment will probably take approximately one hour
- A dental block using an anesthetic will be performed so that pain during the treatment is minimal
- Restylane® is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with ultra fine needles
- Results are instantaneous
After the procedure we recommend ice compresses for the first few hours. You may experience mild swelling and bruising for the first few days after the injections. It is safe to wear makeup immediately after treatment to help camouflage any slight bruising that may occur.
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Radiesse™
What is Radiesse™?
Radiesse™ is a slightly thick white paste comprised of micro spheres of calcium hydroxyl apatite combined with a water-based gel. Calcium is a naturally occurring substance in the body therefore, risk for allergy is minimal.
Are you a candidate?
- If you desire to improve the appearance of the lines between the nose and mouth, the nasolabial fold, or the lines between the lower lip and mandible, labiomandibular fold.
- If you desire to diminish acne and facial scarring
- If you desire to restore fullness in the cheeks
How long does it last?
Radiesse™ typically lasts up to one year. In areas of high mobility such as around the mouth, it lasts slightly less time.
What should I do prior to any treatments?
- Seven to ten days prior to receiving any injectable treatments, we recommend avoiding use of the following: Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen), Omega 3, Flax seed oil, Gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E. These medications may increase your risk for bruising.
- If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores (herpes simplex), please notify your physician prior to receiving any injectable treatments.
What can I expect during and after my treatment?
- Your treatment will probably take approximately one hour
- A dental block using an anesthetic will be performed so that pain during the treatment is minimal
- Radiesse™ is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with ultra fine needles
- Results are instantaneous
After the procedure we recommend ice compresses for the first few hours. You may experience mild swelling and bruising for the first few days after the injections. It is safe to wear makeup immediately after treatment to help camouflage any slight bruising that may occur.
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Sculptra®
Sculptra® is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid, and is intended to temporarily restore and/or correct the signs of facial fat loss. It not made from an animal or human source and does not require a skin test.
Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible, biodegradable and has been used for years in re-absorbable suture material and soft tissue implants.
How long does it last?
The effects of Sculptra® are long lasting. In clinical studies, the effects have lasted for up to 2 years in some patients.
Are there any side effects of Sculptra®?
Potential side effects may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related effects such as bruising, bleeding, tenderness, redness or swelling.
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Botox® Injections
What is Botox®?
Botox® is botulium toxin, a substance that has the ability to paralyze muscular activity.
How does it work?
Muscular activity causes overlying skin wrinkles. By injecting Botox® into the muscles causing these lines, they are smoothed out and in some cases completely erased. This therapy is very safe, as the amounts injected for cosmetic use are so small that there are no ill effects.
How long does it last?
The benefit of this treatment is temporary, lasting 3 to 6 months depending on the individual.
Botox® is not for:
- Pregnant or nursing mothers
- People who are allergic to human albumin
- People who have muscular and neurological disorders such as myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – Eaton Lambert Syndrome.
Where can it be used?
- Forehead
- Frown lines (between the eyes)
- Crows feet (around the eyes)
- Chin
- Neck
What should expect during my treatment?
The treatment usually takes between 5 to 15 minutes depending on how many lines need to be treated. Injection of Botox® causes minimal discomfort, similar to receiving local anesthesia for dental work. Following the injection, there may be some slight redness and swelling that quickly resolves.
What should I expect after my treatment?
- After treatment we recommend that you do not rub the injection site for 12 hours
- Do not participate in heavy physical activity for at least 12 hours
- Some tingling may be felt in the injected area
- The beginning effects are usually seen at 48 to 72 hours after injection with the maximum effect at one week
- Botox® is not permanent and will have to be repeated, usually every 3-6 months
- If a line persists following treatments, you may need additional treatments (laser skin resurfacing, injectable fillers, chemical peels) to help smooth persistent lines
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