Dermal Fillers

In recent years, injectables have become increasingly popular among both men and women. We have seen a dramatic rise in the use of injectable products for facial refinement and facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Rapaport offers a comprehensive variety of dermal filler products and brands to create the most effective, tailored treatment plan for each patient. In addition to HA fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, we also offer Sculptra® and Radiesse®.

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*Individual results may vary.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers

With our numerous dermal filler options, we can address many aesthetic concerns for each patient’s unique needs and goals. Dr. Rapaport commonly uses dermal fillers for: 

  • Lip augmentation
  • Restoring lost volume in the cheeks/midface and other areas of the face
  • Making the jowls appear less pronounced
  • Smoothing wrinkles and folds
  • Adjusting droopy mouth corners
  • Reducing nasolabial folds (folds around the nose)
  • Non-surgical rhinoplasty (to make the nose appear more narrow or more straight)
  • Non-surgical chin augmentation
  • Non-surgical blepharoplasty (reduce under-eye hollows or tear troughs)

Most patients seeking a simple, easy treatment to reduce signs of aging or enhance their appearance are good candidates for dermal fillers. Dermal filler candidates should be overall healthy, not pregnant or nursing, and not have any active infections or skin conditions in the treatment area.

Over the past several years, options for injectable fillers have become significantly refined. Most fillers used today are forms of hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in all mammals and has been successfully and safely cloned in the laboratory. This naturally-occuring substance has powerful hydrating benefits, and some patients may benefit from injectable HA skin boosters for softer, smoother skin. We also offer fillers made with calcium and poly-L-lactic acid.

Dr. Rapaport takes advantage of the subtle variations between the many dermal filler products to craft personalized treatments for each patient. Depending on the patient’s needs, he may use one or more of the following fillers:

  • Juvederm®, including Ultra, Voluma™, Volbella™, Vollure™, and Volux™
  • Restylane®, including Silk, Lyft, Refyne, Defyne, Kysse, and Contour
  • Belotero Balance®
  • Revanesse® Versa™
  • Sculptra®
  • Radiesse®
  • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Because the body would break down pure hyaluronic acid in about 24 hours, HA injectables have been modified to increase their stability over time by cross-linking. The different HA products differ in molecule size and the amount of cross-linking. These variations create unique characteristics, such as the “thickness” of the product and how long it remains in the body. 

Popular HA filler brands like Juvederm® and Restylane® have several formulas for specific uses. For example, Juvederm® Volbella™ XC and Restylane® Kysse are both lip fillers, while Restylane® Lyft contours the cheeks, Juvederm® Volux™ XC improves jawline definition, and so forth.

Belotero Balance® and Revanesse® Versa™ are also hyaluronic acid fillers. Revanesse® has a particularly high-quality, refined formula that may reduce side effects for some patients.

Radiesse®

Radiesse® is a calcium-based injectable filler. Calcium hydroxylapatite is biodegradable and is safely absorbed by the body over time. This filler can be used in many of the same areas of the face as HA fillers to correct age-related volume loss, enhance specific areas, and reduce facial wrinkles. Its unique characteristics also make it a go-to product for rejuvenating the back of the hands, where volume loss is very apparent as part of the aging process for many people.

Radiesse® also helps replenish the protein collagen, which occurs naturally in the human body and is slowly depleted over time. Collagen is responsible for the skin’s youthful glow and vitality; thus, working with Radiesse® is a way to return aesthetically to the suppleness and resilience of earlier years.

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is a unique form of injectable filler made with poly-L-lactic acid, which Dr. Rapaport has many years of experience using as a leading New York plastic surgeon. Its use began for increasing volume in the faces of HIV-positive patients whose treatments caused very significant facial wasting. Sculptra® gave many of these patients their lives back.

Sculptra® consists of microscopic particles dissolved in water and injected under the skin. These tiny particles are essentially micro-irritants, to which the body reacts by forming new collagen, creating volume and thickening the tissues. Sculptra® is ideal for reducing wrinkles and restoring youthful volume, especially in the midface.

After a thorough assessment and conversation about the patient’s goals, Dr. Rapaport will make his recommendations for improvement and determine a treatment plan. This is typically incremental, so improvements are gradual, natural, and well-controlled.

Depending on the amount of product being used, an injection procedure may last up to 45 minutes. The discomfort is minimal, with numbing ointments or ice used to reduce the discomfort of the pin-pricks. Music is usually played during the treatment based on patient preference, and relaxing photos are displayed for additional distraction. 

Dr. Rapaport and his assistant will apply gentle pressure to reduce any risk of bruising. In most cases, there is no bruising at all, and small bruises, when they occur, can be covered with makeup. We also offer laser treatment to reduce bruises more rapidly. It is worthwhile to avoid aspirin and similar blood-thinning products for three days before injections to minimize the risk of bruising. However, Dr. Rapaport has successfully performed injections on patients taking these medications.

Many patients return to work or social activities within hours of their injections. Lip enhancement is one exception since noticeable swelling may occur for one or two days. While discomfort is minimal with most dermal fillers, there are occasional side effects, such as red, swollen, or numb skin after the injection. These symptoms resolve naturally within a day and are no cause for alarm. Dr. Rapaport recommends ibuprofen and some ice to counter these reactions.

Protecting your skin from the sun is especially important after the injections, so wearing an appropriate sunscreen is advised. You can apply makeup after about two hours. You should avoid strenuous exercise, heat, and alcohol for 24 hours to prevent swelling.

Most dermal fillers yield immediate results. Radiesse® and HA fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® instantly improve volume. The results of Radiesse® tend to improve over time as the filler stimulates new collagen production. Sculptra® results are more gradual, with improvements seen in about a month and optimal results within six months.

The longevity of your results will depend on the filler, how much is used, and where it is injected. Sculptra® lasts longer than HA fillers since it increases collagen. Even among HA fillers, some last longer than others. Lip fillers tend to fade more quickly since there is a lot of movement in this area. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six to 18 months, Radiesse® approximately one year, and Sculptra® two years or more. Patients can return for maintenance injections as needed.

Take the Next Step

Every patient’s transformation journey at Rapaport Plastic Surgery begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Rapaport. To learn more about dermal fillers and determine if it’s the right choice for you, fill out the form below or call us at (212) 249-9955 to schedule an appointment. Our team is dedicated to providing the best plastic surgery NYC has to offer.

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