These are utilized to fill in facial defects created by the result of trauma, scarring or aging. Acne scarring is a common usage for injectable fillers. These fillers (collagen, fat, Restylin & Radience) can “plump out” depressed areas to camouflage them making the defect less noticeable. Another common usage is to fill in the lines around the mouth or between the eyebrows that deepen with aging. These fillers are usually placed after the patient has been given a local anesthetic.
Complications possible include swelling, bruising, under/over correction of the defect and infection. Discomfort usually is minimal and well tolerated. Unfortunately, most of the fillers (with the exception of Radience which lasts 3-5 years) dissolve away in 3-6 months. As such, patients need to be re-treated 2-3 times per year.
Implants
Synthetic implants can be placed to augment deficient cheeks, chins, jaw lines, noses and other bony defects. These are placed under the skin via small incisions, to correct larger defects. These implants are very well tolerated and could be permanent.
They can be placed with local anesthesia with or without IV sedation.
Complications possible include swelling, bruising, pain, infection, implant migration and implant rejection (very rare) necessitating removal of the implant.
