A beautiful, youthful appearance comes from within. Sometimes rejuvenating that appearance requires more than just topical treatments to address the loss of facial volume. One of the more popular, non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can replace that lost volume is dermal fillers.Dermal fillers are used to smooth out and create volume in areas of the skin that have aged and wrinkled over time. This includes a variety of substances such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and other materials, which are both naturally occurring and man-made. Generally they are used to do things such as plump lips, smooth out wrinkles on the forehead or around the face and to prevent the motion, which displays wrinkles.Dermal fillers have become increasingly popular as a means to help reverse the skin changes that are associated with aging. Seeing as the goal of using dermal fillers is to return the skin to its original youthful state, these products are being used to reduce or eliminate wrinkles.

There are many different FDA- approved fillers that Dr. Germain offers. These include:·  

JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel: This smooth consistency filler, also made with hyaluronic acid (HA), is particularly suited for treating nasolabial folds (also called “smile lines”), the creases between your nose and the corners of your mouth. It can also add fullness to lips. The results of JUVÉDERM can last up to 1 year.·  

Restylane and Perlane: These fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance already found in your skin. Restylane and Perlane restore lost hyaluronic acid for improved volume and hydration that will last about 6 to 9 months. Dr. Germain uses these fillers to reduce wrinkles and augment lips.·  

RADIESSE: Unlike other dermal fillers, RADIESSE actually stimulates the growth of new collagen. This means that the results last longer than other fillers – often more than 1 year. RADIESSE, made with tiny calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, can be used on nasolabial folds as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. Dr. Germain is an extremely experienced injector with RADIESSE and performs many treatments.·  

SCULPTRA Aesthetic: Long lasting, with subtle results over time, SCULPTRA aesthetic is an easy way to get a natural-looking, youthful appearance. Made with poly-L-lactic acid, SCULPTRA gradually replaces lost collagen for results that last for up to 2 years.

After using the dermal fillers, it is not uncommon to experience some redness, swelling, or bruising. If this does occur, it will fade quickly and can be covered with makeup. How frequently treatment with a dermal filler needs to be repeated varies with each specific filler and even with each patient. Generally, you can expect results to last anywhere between 6 months and 2 years.To learn more about dermal fillers and the services that Dr. Germain and her staff offer, you can request a consultation online with Dr. Germain or call her office at (843) 881-4440.

Marguerite Germain