Fillers for Facial Wrinkles according to Seattle Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder

HA fillers have revolutionized the treatment of facial aging. These fillers come under many names including Restylane, Prevelle, Juvederm, Perlane and others. They are all variations of the same stuff, hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is present throughout the body. For example, HA provides support and hydration of the skin and it lubricates joint spaces. No one is allergic to hyaluronic acid so there is no need for a skin test prior to injection.

Facial again involves many factors; gravity causing sags and bags, thinning of the skin and fat of the face causing deflation, and creases in the caused by sun damage or facial movement. Fillers can address all three of these problems and, to some extent and for some areas, are actually more effective than surgery. Fillers do not tighten or thin the face and well done filler injections look very, very natural which is really, really important is a city like Seattle. HA fillers have become my treatment of choice for some types of facial again and for lip enhancement.

Most HA fillers last at least 6 months although I have many, many patients who have had lasting results up to two years. The longevity of the filler depends on the type of filler and the location of the injection.

Almost all the fillers now have a local anesthetic incorporated into the HA and therefore most patients can be injected with either some icing of the area or a local anesthetic cream. Most patients can resume normal activities a day or two after injection.

One really great thing about the HA fillers is that they are fully and quickly reversible if the patient does not like the result. This is done by injecting an enzyme that dissolves the HA overnight. I have done thousands of injections and have used this reversal enzyme only twice, but it is nice for patients who are nervous about fillers to know that quick reversal is available.

Check out this blog entry on “Liquid Face Lift” with fillers.
Check out my photo gallery for some examples of filler injection.