ABOUT FILLERS
Dermal Fillers: Liquid Face Lift
An attractive youthful face is characterized by smooth, round contours, high cheekbones and a thin, well-defined jaw line. These features, together, comprise the ‘triangle of beauty’ or ‘heart of face’, with its base at the top and summit below.
As we age, facial fat, bone and collagen loss, gravity and loss of the skin’s natural elasticity lead to a reversal of this triangle’s composition, leading to a narrower, less youthful forehead and temple area, and a wider, heavier jawline. In experienced hands, dermal fillers are artfully used to sculpt the face and restore balance and proportions by subtly adding volume to areas where this is lacking. The result is a restoration of the triangle of youth back to its original form and a softer and more youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers can be divided into ‘passive fillers’ that are made from hyaluronic acid (Juvederm® and Restylane®) and restore volume without stimulating collagen production, and ‘active fillers’ such as Radiesse®, Sculptra® and Bellafill®. Active fillers replace lost volume and stimulate patient’s own collagen production. The longevity of each dermal filler depends on its composition and properties and area of placement.
Different fillers have specific qualities that make them ideal for different areas of the face. In the delicate eye area, dermal fillers can be a powerful rejuvenation tool to improve the appearance of eyelid bags and dark circles, drooping eyebrows or asymmetric appearance. Extensive experience with the use of dermal fillers in the eye area is required to achieve the best results and avoid complications.
You should always look for a physician injector with the best qualifications and experience. This will translate into better cosmetic results with the least risk of complications.
Dr. Levin uses all commercially available fillers in her practice. She is a physical trainer and member of the physician advisory council for Suneva, the manufacturer of Bellafill®. Her experience is used in education, training, and development of FDA research protocols.
What takes place during dermal filler injections
During the consultation, Dr. Levin will listen to your concerns, discuss your individual goals and design a treatment plan based on your needs and her examination. For some dermal fillers, treatment can be done on the same day (Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®) whereas for others (Sculptra® and Bellafill®), they may need to be scheduled on another day. A numbing cream is placed on the face for 15-20 minutes for comfort.
Many fillers include an anesthetic solution in them as well. After the numbing cream is removed, the face is cleaned with an antiseptic (anti-bacterial) solution. The areas to be injected may be marked with a skin marker. Dr. Levin uses a micro-cannula for most injections. This technique minimizes pain and bruising and can provide added safety. The injections can be completed in a matter of minutes. After the procedure, the markings are cleaned off and ice may be placed on the treated areas. You can resume normal activities right away and will receive post-procedure instructions pertaining to your specific treatment.
We discuss a number of dermal fillers in more detail below. If you would like to learn if you are a candidate for dermal fillers please contact us or call us today at (203) 557-6464.
To learn more about dermal fillers read this article, “11 things to know if you’re thinking about dermal fillers.”
What are the different types of dermal fillers?
Juvederm & Restylane:
Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Vollure XC
A new family of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers made by Allergan, the makers of the original Juvederm. These are temporary dermal fillers that last 12-24 months, depending on the specific type and site of injection.
- Juvederm Voluma is best suited for deeper placement in the cheek, temple and jaw area for volume restoration or augmentation.
- Juvederm Vollure is used in the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines around the chin.
- Juvederm Volbella is an idea for the lips, vertical lines around the mouth and the eye area.
Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refine, and Restylane Define
The newest members of the Restylane line of fillers by Galderma. These are temporary hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that last 12-18 months.
- Restylane Lyft is designed for use in the midface and lower facial areas, restoring volume loss associated with facial aging.
- We love Restylane Refine for the delicate area around the eyes. It produces minimal if any swelling and is long-lasting.
- Restylane Define is used in the area around the mouth and jaw to alleviate marionette lines and jowels.
Sculptra Aesthetic
An active filler used to restore facial volume gradually and naturally by promoting the body to produce collagen in response to the filler.
Bellafill
The longest-lasting dermal filler available on the market, lasting at least 5 years. It works by instantly improving lines, wrinkles and hollows and stimulating collagen production for the long-term effects.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Please call us today at (203) 557-6464 or request a consultation.
Dr. Levin is an excellent doctor. I received Botox injections and fillers under my eyes, cheeks and temples. She was very thorough and took her time explaining and answering all my questions. The wrinkles were smoothed and my entire face looks much more youthful and rested. I would absolutely without hesitation recommend Dr. Levin to all my friends. The results are amazing.
I had surgery with Dr. Levin for droopy eyelids. From the first to the last appointment I felt as if I was her only patient. She spent as much time with me as needed, answered all my questions and alleviated all my concerns. The surgery went very well, and I’m very happy with the results. Everything you would want from a doctor! Highly recommend.
Saw doctor Flora Levin for a Botox consultation. She took her time explaining everything to me, and was very thorough. I scheduled the procedure, and was very happy with the results! She followed up within a week after the procedure to check, and make sure i got the results that i expected. Would highly recommend!
Dr. Levin is extremely knowledgeable in the field of cosmetic surgery and cosmetic rehabilitation. Her diagnosis is astute and her hands are gentle. She is most generous with her time. It is the patient and not the clock that comes first. I have already recommended Dr. Flora Levin to a great many colleagues.
Dr. Levin is an outstanding surgeon. She somehow takes the time to fully understand a patient's goals and expectations. My procedure was over two years ago and I still cant believe how good I look and feel! I would highly recommend her to anyone! PS I was told I look more like the sister of the bride rather than her mom! Thank you, Dr Levin!!!
“Dr. Levin was amazing! She answered all my concerns and thoroughly explained everything to me prior to the procedure and even though I was awake, Dr. Levin’s calm and reassuring presence made me feel perfectly at ease during the relatively painless procedure. My recovery went quickly and smoothly and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the cosmetic result. The change in my look is subtle and natural looking. I am so pleased I chose Dr. Levin to do my surgery. I look refreshed and awake now and I wish I had it done sooner!”
“Dr. Flora Levin is the most caring, professional doctor I have ever encountered. She preformed eyelid surgery on me, and she is a true perfectionist. I am always told how beautiful my eyes are. Thank you Dr. Levin. I think you are wonderful!!!”
Significant "smoker's lines" (I've never smoked a day in my life!) and "elevens," both from a life of expressiveness now come back to haunt me! Met Dr. Levin at Yale and followed to her office in Bridgeport. She's a "doctor's doctor" in my opinion, with brilliant knowledge, wonderful manner, patience and finesse in her work. Absolutely worth it!
Dr. Levin operated on me. I am an R.N. working with plastic surgeons. I was very picky regarding my choice of cosmetic, oculoplastic surgeons. She was the right choice. I couldn't be happier. The office staff was very helpful as well. The atmosphere was welcoming and professional. I would highly recommend Dr. Levin.
I am in awe of the artistry of her work and am ecstatic with the results of my surgeries. I felt very comfortable during my office visits because she spent the time with me. I also felt very comfortable during my recoveries. My face used to be crooked and now it is symmetrical. My eyes are no longer hooded and she has given me a wider field of vision. An unintended consequence is that I look years younger and the results are very natural. I am a very happy patient and I highly recommend Dr. Flora Levin without reservation.