As we age, external factors take a toll on our bodies and cause wrinkles and lines to form after extended exposure. These factors include things like stress, the environment, repeated facial movement and sunlight. One of the basic types of wrinkles caused by these factors forms when the skin, muscle and fat of the face start to sag. This type of wrinkle is best corrected by the use of dermal fillers.
The earliest fillers used were bovine collagen, which unfortunately did not last very long and could elicit allergic reactions. Today, we have a variety of dermal fillers that are very safe and much longer lasting.* The most commonly used fillers these days by our San Francisco patients are made with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring material in the human body that acts like a soup that the cells of the body sit in. Allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid are almost non-existent so allergy testing for these treatments is not necessary.* Hyaluronic acid treatments such as JUVÉDERM®, Revanesse Versa® and Restylane® supplement the body’s own decreased hyaluronic acid to increase the volume of the skin and soften wrinkles or plump up lips.* JUVÉDERM® and BELOTERO® treatments typically last 12 months while JUVÉDERM® ULTRA PLUS lasts 14-18 months.* BELOTERO® is particularly effective in reducing etched-in or fine lines around the lips and mouth and on the forehead while JUVÉDERM® is ideal for filling deep wrinkles, laugh lines, and acne scars. It can also be effective in adding fullness to thin lips.* Another great option for deep lines like the smile lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth is RADIESSE®. This is a calcium based filler that lasts up to two years.*
All of these wrinkle treatments are safe and produce immediate results.* Although the results are temporary, they can safely be repeated as necessary.*
Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about how these wrinkle-reducing treatments can help you look and feel younger without surgery.*
