Injectables & Facial Fillers in New York City

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid facial filler. Hyaluronic acid is abundant in our tissues in youth, and dissipates as we age. Hyaluronic acid fillers used today are crystal-clear, non-animal-derived, extremely hypoallergenic, and very safe. Juvederm comes in two main concentrations: Juvederm Ultra, and Juvederm Ultra Plus. The "ultra" formulation has a slightly less dense molecular concentration for finer, more superficial fill and wrinkle corrections, and Juvederm Ultra Plus is used for more intermediate depth fill and correction of deeper lines and shadows.

Additionally, Juvederm XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC are formulated with xylocaine, a local anesthetic that makes the injection process much more comfortable. Juvederm maintains volume fill for between six and 12 months; in areas that are prone to more motion, including the lips and nasolabial folds, 6 to 9 months is common. In regions that are less mobile, such as the cheek, tear trough, or glabella (the vertical lines between the brows), Juvederm may last for 12 to 15 months. Among the many indications for the family of Juvederm hyaluronic acid fillers, Juvederm can be used to fill the nasolabial fold, marionette lines, the tear trough, cheeks, lips, and glabellar lines.

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid facial filler, and can be used in scenarios identical to Juvederm. Restylane is available in a variety of concentrations of increasing density: Restylane Fine Lines, Restylane, and Perlane. The applicability and longevity of Restylane is comparable to those described for Juvederm above, as Restylane and Perlane can be used to treat superficial lines and wrinkles or deeper volume concerns as well. Is Restylane better than Juvederm, or is Juvederm better than Restylane? In fact, both are outstanding choices as facial fillers, and are virtually identical in their efficacy and safety. The decision between Juvederm and Restylane is often made based on patient and physician preference.

Voluma is a hyaluronic acid filler from the Juvederm family of facial fillers. Voluma has a density and viscosity that provides for more structural and sculptural fill, restoring lost volume predominantly in the upper cheek and mid-cheek regions. Placed somewhat deeper than Restylane or Juvederm, Voluma can be expected to last for 12 months or more.

Belotero is a hyaluronic acid facial filler that is the least viscous of all, and can be used at the most superficial levels within the skin. Treatment with Belotero is an excellent solution for fine lines above and below the lips, and for crows-feet wrinkles around the eyes.

Radiesse is a facial filler that differs from the hyaluronic acid fillers, although it can share the same HA acronym. An injectable hydroxyapatite, Radiesse is well suited for intermediate depth and deeper facial volume restoration, with applicability in the nasolabial fold region and cheeks. It may last for 12 months or more.

Sculptra is a an outstanding facial filler that is used for the correction of deeper volume deficiencies of the face, including the mid-cheek, jawline, cheekbone, and temporal (temple) areas. Sculptra's effects are gradual, as the "fill" that remains after a Sculptra injection is created by your body's natural reaction to it. Collagen is laid down by the deeper tissues within the face to gradually increase natural volume. In general, three Sculptra treatments are necessary to achieve a natural, long lasting volume restoration. Once achieved, the results of Sculptra treatments may last for several years.

Selphyl is an autologous injectable treatment, meaning it is derived from your own body. After drawing a small amount of blood, it is prepared by centrifugation, separating the cells and serum, and producing a natural, platelet rich fibrin matrix for injection. A Selphyl injection does give an immediate volume restoration to the area being treated, although this often dissipates over a few weeks or months following an individual treatment. It is hypothesized that the PRP transfer with Selphyl will transfer growth factors to the treated region of the face, thus increasing the volume in that area. To date, short-term results are very encouraging, but the longevity of these treatments is not supported by long term data. Several treatments may be required.

Autologous fat grafting is an outstanding means of restoring youthful volume and fullness to the face. Fat can be gently removed (harvested) with fine cannulas through needle access sites from other areas of the body, which may include the abdomen, love handles, or thighs, using liposuction techniques. The fat is then prepared, and delicately transferred to lines, wrinkles, folds, and volume-deficient areas of the face. Fat grafts to the face can often be performed under local anesthesia, although some may opt for light sedation during this procedure. Unlike the other facial filler treatments listed above that do not require local anesthetics (other than topical gel) and are associated with minimal or no downtime, there may be a bit more bruising and swelling with fat grafting to the face. The longevity of fat grafts may be the greatest, as when the fat cells transferred "take" as grafts, they are permanent.

Dr. Kolker's website and other internet-based resources can be helpful in providing basic information about facial cosmetic treatments including injectables and facial fillers. There is no substitute for an in-depth, personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in the numerous and varied facial rejuvenation methods. Dr. Kolker will recommend a treatment strategy and options that are specific to your anatomy and goals. Not all facial aesthetic treatments are the same; facial filler treatments require customization, finesse, experience, appreciation of anatomy, and artistic vision to achieve the most beautiful and natural outcomes, and the physician you choose makes a difference. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, and facial fillers including Juvederm and Restylane in NYC with Dr. Kolker, and look forward to warmly welcoming you to our practice.