Injectable Fillers

Injectable fillers are used to plump up wrinkles or creases that develop as the face ages. This produces smoother, more youthful appearing skin. Fillers may also be used to add fullness to the lips and cheeks. The results may be temporary and, depending on the filler used, may need to be repeated every 3 months to 2 years.

Dr. Lichten offers a variety of facial injection techniques for patients who wish to reduce the appearance of fine lines and/or to enhance their lips. Fine lines around the nose, mouth, lips, and in the cheeks and chin are gently smoothed with Restylane® or JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel, both of which typically last about 6 months.

Injectable Products

Dr. Lichten has experience with a wide range of dermal filler products, including Restylane, Perlane®, JUVÉDERM, Prevelle™, and Sculptra™. Facial fillers add volume to plump up the lines in your face and smooth out wrinkles by restoring lost volume. Fillers also can be used to add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Fillers work differently than BOTOX® Cosmetic, because rather than relaxing the muscles like BOTOX, the fillers actually increase volume beneath the skin. As a result, you will be able to see the effects of facial fillers almost immediately. Dr. Lichten offers a wide variety of facial injection techniques depending upon your specific needs. Injectable products can be used in conjunction with cosmetic procedures such as face lift surgery in Columbus, OH or other medical spa services like chemical peels and laser skin rejuvenation.

Restylane and JUVÉDERM

Restylane and JUVÉDERM are similar products made by different manufacturers. Both are made from hyaluronic acid. There are subtle distinctions between the two that will affect which product Dr. Lichten believes is the better choice for each individual. These fillers are primarily used to smooth the lines between the nose and the corners of the mouth (the "nasolabial folds"), which are sometimes called "parentheses." Fillers can be used to create fuller lips and minimize the tiny lines over the mouth which can cause lipstick bleed.

Prevelle

Prevelle Silk is a newcomer to the filler market. Prevelle is a hyaluronic acid like Restylane and JUVÉDERM, but it has lidocaine built in, which numbs the area during the injection. Prevelle may be better for fine lines rather than the deep wrinkles that are better suited for Restylane and JUVÉDERM. Also, some patients feel the lidocaine adds a level of comfort.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a longer lasting option for filling out the cheek area. Made from poly-l-lactic acid, Sculptra has been used widely for restoration and correction of facial fat loss and atrophy. Sculptra injections may last for 2 years or more. Dr. Lichten has found that Sculptra is effective in filling out lost volume in the cheeks, or the "hollowed-out" appearance that comes from aging or weight loss.

Collagen

Collagen is the fibrous protein that is a major component of the skin. It gives the skin its structure and has been used for decades to replenish the skin's volume loss. Collagen can smooth out facial lines, wrinkles, and scars as well as to plump pouty lips. The effects of collagen injections usually last from 2 to 3 months and can be repeated as necessary. Skin testing may be necessary as allergic reactions are possible. Although collagen largely has been replaced with injectable fillers like Restylane, it is still used for some people.

Fat

Dr. Lichten can take fat from one area of a patient's body, usually the buttocks, thigh, or abdomen, and use it to fill another. Fat injections can be used to fill in wrinkles and lines, create contours in the face, enhance lips, and fill in scars. While usually long lasting, fat injections may not be permanent.