Bryan J. Michelow, MD., FACS

Bryan J. Michelow, MD., FACS

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

What type of filler is right for me?


Although we cannot actually turn back time, we can enhance our natural youthfulness!

How do you see yourself when you look in the mirror? 
Do you see signs of aging?

A common concern for cosmetic patients is facial aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity which causes it to sag and wrinkle. The sun and gravity are our greatest friends and also foes.

Fortunately, there are many options to correct facial aging, including muscle relaxants, injectable fillers, and more invasive procedures such as surgery. Many patients opt for minimally invasive procedures that include fillers to improve the appearance of their face.

Fillers vary by consistency: Gels, Putties and Powders.

Gels: 
Examples of gels are: Juvederm Ultra®, Juvederm Ultra Plus®, Voluma®, Restylane®, Perlane®, Restylane Silk®, Belotero®

Gels are thin and soft. In addition, they absorb water to plump the appearance of the skin. They can be injected into the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips, and fine lines around the lips.
Gels create a subtle yet noticeable appearance to the face. This is an ideal first treatment for patients interested in trying fillers. These can last between 4 and 9 months, depending on the specific filler used.

NEW!  Restylane Silk® is an exciting new product, FDA approved, for use in and around the lips. It effectively decreases the "fine lines" and wrinkles around the lips.

Putties: 
Example of a putty filler is Radiesse®

Putties are thicker than gel fillers, which makes them ideal for improving the prominence of the cheek bones. The change that putties provide can be quite striking. This is typically a good treatment for patients who are looking for a significant change. These fillers can last up to one year.

Powders: 
Examples of a powder filler is Sculptra®
Powders are different from putties and gels. The powder is mixed with sterile water for injection. After injecting the water containing the powder into tissue, the skin looks much fuller. Over the next few days, the body absorbs the water and the fullness disappears. The powder remains in the skin and stimulates the tissue to produce collagen over the coming

months. This is the most subtle but the longest lasting treatment, lasting up to 2 years with booster treatments.

The three types of fillers can be used alone, in combination with each other, or with muscle relaxants (Botox®, Dysport®or Xeomin®) in the upper face to enhance youthfulness.

If you have any questions about “What type of filler is right for me?” please Bryan J. Michelow, MD, at Contemporary Cosmetic Surgery, 216.595.6800.

Caitlin Kyle, PA-S
Baldwin Wallace University

Bryan J. Michelow, MD