Off-Label Applications for Dermal Fillers at Changes Plastic Surgery
Once upon a time, in a land inhabited only by bovine collagen, thin lips were hunted for injection.
Thank goodness for evolution. Fast forward to 2012 A.C. (after collagen). Collagen products have been largely replaced by hyaluronic acid fillers, over plumped lips are on the endangered list and areas of the face not previously treated are fair game for injection.
Unlike bovine collagen which required an allergy skin test 30 days prior to treatment, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural-appearing substance in the body. Babies have tons of it-which explains their plumped up skin. Juvederm Ultra and Restylane are the most popular HA dermal fillers used today. Although most are only FDA approved for injection into the nasolabial folds, physicians commonly use them “off-label”. Because of the consistency of hyaluronic acid, these fillers are suited for a number of injection sites. Savvy injectors like Gilbert Lee, MD at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa will hunt down multiple areas that can be treated with hyaluronic acid fillers.
Upper Eyelid Hollows
The eyelid skin is thin and lacks a layer of subcutaneous fat. A hollowed appearance to the upper lid is the result of a loss of fat padding in the orbital socket and the appearance can be very aging.
Lower Eyelids (Tear Troughs)
Whether through aging or anatomical deficiency, hollowing in the lower lid can result in the appearance of dark shadows or prominent “bags”. Filling this area helps to disguise both. Read more about tear trough treatments…
Sagging Earlobes
Years of wearing heavy earrings or natural depletion of fat through aging can leave the earlobes wrinkled and sagging. Plumping the earlobes with hyaluronic acid creates a more youthful ear.
Nasolabial Folds
The visible folds from the corner of the nose to the mouth are perhaps one of the first indicators of sagging cheeks and jowls. Filler injected into the area smooths the appearance of these folds. Most HA’s receive their FDA approval for this particular application.
Oral Commissures
Along with facial sagging comes a tendency for the corners of the mouth (oral commissures) to begin to slope downward and creases to form from the mouth down the chin (marionette lines). A small amount of filler injected into the oral commissures can create a more pleasing up-turn to the mouth.
Lip Augmentation
Lip injections range from visible augmentation for a fuller, “˜poutier’ lip to simply restoring lost volume to smooth lines and give a re-hydrated appearance.
Pre-Jowl Sulcus
Sagging cheeks and jowl formation can be cleverly masked with filler injections into the hollow created between the cheek and chin which results in a smoother jawline.
Dr. Lee and his expert nurse injectors have been performing off-label filler applications for years. As a Top Doc in Plastic Surgery for eleven years running, Dr. Lee has not only perfected cosmetic surgery but non-surgical means of age rejuvenation as well. He is a recognized expert (Liquid Face Lift Association) at targeting areas where fillers are needed. Treatment with any one of the current hyaluronic acid fillers is often a perfect precursor to treatment with longer-lasting products such as Radiesse, Bellafill, Sculptra and even a patients’ own fat.
For more information or to schedule treatment at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa.