With so many exciting, new facial fillers (also known as dermal fillers) available, how do you know which is best for you?
Though there is some overlap in their use, the various treatments have different indications and actions. After a careful examination and discussion with you regarding your goals and expectations, Dr. Stern can recommend which best suits your needs.
In the past, fillers were only injected into facial creases and wrinkles, resulting in a softened appearance of the wrinkles.
More recently, these longer- lasting fillers are being used successfully for facial recontouring, to enhance the cheek, chin, nose and jaw line, as well the usual nasal folds, corners of the mouth and “lipstick lines.”
Lip Enhancement and Wrinkles
For lip enhancement and superficial wrinkles, Dr. Stern prefers Juvederm® Injectable Gel or Restylane®. Both of these fillers are composed of synthetic hyaluronic acid, a safe and smooth, natural component of connective tissue. The effect lasts about six months or longer.
Radiesse® is a synthetic compound comprised of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite. It is excellent for filling in deep facial creases and areas of atrophy or depression, including smile lines, and acne scars, as well as enhancing facial contours such as the cheeks, chin and even the nose. The effect lasts about 12- 18 mos. and the results are immediate and often dramatic.
Sculptra® is unique in that it stimulates your own collagen to fill in the wrinkle. It is extremely safe as it is composed of poly- lactic acid and is metabolized into water and glucose. Sculptra® is best for deep wrinkles, creases, pitted acne scars and facial atrophy. The effect has been shown to last approximately 2-3 years.
Why Choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Stern is an instructor of both the Radiesse® Medical Education Faculty and the Botox® Cosmetic National Education Faculty, and instructs other physicians from around the U.S. in the proper facial injection techniques of these products.
Dr. Stern was chosen by Allergan, Inc., the makers of Botox® and Juvederm®, as one of only a very few physicians in the Seattle Bellevue area to be able to offer Juvederm® several months prior to the general release of the product in 2007.
In addition, unlike many offices in the Seattle area, Dr. Stern performs all of the facial injections himself.
“Patients can go anywhere— even the mall-- for Botox and filler injection these days. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money, I believe you deserve to have the best, most experienced person perform your injection. That’s why in our office; I do all of the injections myself.”
