Losing weight is key for preventing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and many cancers. However, yo-yo dieting combined with vigourous exercice stretches the skin and if we are successful in losing weight, we look much older due to loss of fat in the face. Even without losing weight, as we get older, the fat in the face disintegrate and disappear leaving us looking much older. While we are all concerned about gaining fat in other parts of the body, fat is a key componet of facial beauty. Loss of fat converts beautiful youthful or baby looking hills (convex lines) in the face to old looking valleys (concave). Natural fat transfer (moving your own fat from say your hips to your face) or using artificial fillers, are methods to restore lost volume to the face. When we lose fat we get saggy necks, jowling and haggard looks. Injecting fillers is a quick way to restore volume to the face. Articole and other material like silicone can last for ever but so could its side effects and we caution against its use since it is not FDA approved and has been known to leave patients with lumpy lips like a worry bead. Several other long lasting products such as Polyachrelamide are not used at CosmeSurge^® for the same reasons. 

What is hyaluronic acid?

This substance is naturally present in the skin. It is manufactured and sold under different brand names (Theosyal, Perfecta, Jeuvederm, Perlane). It is not derived from animals and last only six to nine months making it very safe. Radiess is a filler that can last up to two years and is also FDA approved.

What are the side effects?

If placed too superficial it can feel lumpy to touch like a worry bee and if placed too deep it won't last but for a couple of weeks. I personally prefer to inject it a bit too superficial and perform a good manual massage to minimize lumpiness. The manufacturer recommends too deep of an injection. If it is absorbed too quickly which is even better as they are happy to sell more! 

What areas can be treated?

The most common application is lip augmentation and filling of the deep fold between the cheek and the upper lip (naso-labial fold). 

What to expect after the procedure…

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Bruising and swelling can last twenty four hours. There will be no change in sensation and no long term side effects. When healed, your lips or your skin over the fold will be soft to the touch and will feel normal. Local anesthetic creams are not enough to block the pain of the sensitive lips but special nerve blocks with a fine needle are much more effective but require special skills. There is no pain after the procedure but the lips are severely swollen for the following 12-24 hours. To minimize swelling we frequently recommend a shot of intra-muscular Voltaren unless you have a history of asthma.

How often do I have to redo it?

The temporary filling disappears gradually and the lips or fold returns to their original shape. You do not have to redo the procedure unless you want to. Radiess is a safe FDA approved filler that last 1-2 years.

We ferquently recommend combining volume restoration with fillers with other treatment such as chemical peels or Botulinium injections or laser skin tightening to get the maximum improvement. To get the most value out of your time and money, ask our physician for the recommended individualised treatment package.

What about fat transfer to give you a younger looking face?

Using your own fat to fill the facial folds can be done with the enhancement effects lasting several years. The short term swelling after the procedure can last 4-7 days. (See section on fat transfer).