Evolutions Event Recap: Dermal Fillers in Santa Barbara

Yesterday’s event at Evolutions Medical Spa in Santa Barbara was a treat for everyone. Our rep from Medicis (the company who makes Restylane, Perlane, and Dysport) delivered a thorough overview on dermal fillers and answered many questions from the audience.  After the presentation, guests were invited to watch Dr. Perkins perform a dermal filler treatment so that they could witness the immediate effects that fillers have!

Here is a recap of the evening’s presentation:

What is Restylane?
Restylane is a dermal filler that is made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in your skin that provides fullness and elasticity.  As we age, hyaluronic acid diminishes and the skin loses volume.  Hyaluronic acid recruits water to the skin to encourage fullness. Restylane, and Perlane (another dermal filler), are made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid so that it is not metabolized as fast as the hyaluronic acid that naturally occurs in the body and this gives clients a result that can last six months or more.

What can dermal fillers – Restylane and Perlane – do for me?
Restylane and Perlane can be used to to add volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.  Restylane can also be used for lip enhancement (for patients 21+ years). Restylane is a thinner product that is typically used for wrinkles, fine lines, and delicate areas. Perlane provides more structure and lift.  It is possible to use both products together. Which product you use is best determined by your clinician.  

Where can dermal fillers be used?
The areas treated by Restylane or Perlane are:

  • laugh lines
  • marionette lines
  • lipstick lines
  • corners of mouth
  • lips (Restylane only)
Restylane Filler Santa Barbara

 

How long do dermal fillers last for?
When you get a filler treatment, there is little to no downtime, and you will see results immediately.  Effects of the filler will last at least  six months. In a clinical study, 95% of patients who returned for a second treatment 4.5 to 9 months after initial treatment continued to see results for up to 18 months. For some patients, receiving a second treatment before the first treatment completely wears off is a better value because they may achieve the same results with less product. For instance, a patient who had 2 syringes done in the first treatment, may only need 1 syringe in the follow up. Of course this may vary by individual.

How safe are dermal fillers?
Restylane was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2005. It is composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid which means there is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to the proteins.  No allergy testing is required before use.  It is fully biocompatible.  Restylane is used in over 70 countries worldwide.

Are there side effects to Restylane or Perlane?
Some people may experience swelling at the injection site, redness, pain, tenderness or bruising up to about seven days after treatment.  Side effects vary depending on the individual. Some people will have no side effects. Any bruising is usually easily able to be covered by make-up.

How do I prepare for my filler treatment?
It is suggested that you stop the following medications and supplements one week prior to treatment: St. John’s Wart, high doses of Vitamin E, aspirin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (ibuprofen) as these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site.

Are there people that should not have a dermal filler treatment?
Treatment is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years of age, or have a bleeding disorder. If you suffer from cold sores, discuss this with the clinician before treatment.

I’d like to discuss this further before scheduling a treatment …
At Evolutions we always offer a complimentary consultation so that you may have your questions answered and feel confident in your decision.  Schedule a consultation by calling 805.687.0212 or completing our online consultation form.