Injectable Fillers
Patients wishing to reverse the effects of aging and sun damage have been visiting Dr. Evdokimow to receive a variety of treatments such as injectable collagen fillers. The use of injectable collagen solutions for the filling out of depressed facial scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancement of other facial structures has been successfully done for the past twenty years. While they are highly effective however, they are not permanent and require common retreatment. Today hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar, has essentially replaced collagen as the preferred injectable material. Numerous formulations of hyaluronic acid exist (e.g. Restylane, Juvaderm) and are widely used around the world. They are longer lasting (4 - 6 months) and are associated with fewer risks of sensitivity to the material. Particulated fillers (e.g., Radiesse, ArteFill) are now also available and offer longer lasting effects due to the non-absorbable particles which remain behind after the injection carrier has gone away. However, they require bigger needles for injection and are not appropriate for some facial areas (e.g., lips) due to the potential for irregularities and clumping.