incredible-marketing Arrow

Dermal Fillers

Facial makeovers do not have to be extreme. Facial injectables are an excellent treatment option that are administered under topical anesthesia with no downtime. Fillers are designed to fill in facial depressions, such as subtle lines and wrinkles, and restore facial volume that uncontrollably diminishes with age. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, is less hydrated, and loses elasticity. This leads to unwanted fine lines, wrinkles, and deep skin folds. We often see the appearance of lines around the lips and eyes. Hyaluronic fillers such as Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Belotero® and hydroxyapatite fillers such as Radiesse® are naturally occurring substances that are used to smooth out lines and folds, plump or add volume to the skin, giving the face a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

Dr. Kenneth Yu performs non-surgical fillers in his San Antonio, Texas office. The filler is gently injected into the treated area with a very fine needle. Minimal, if any, discomfort is experienced. In some cases, mild bruising and swelling occurs and tends to subside within one to two days. Cosmetic products, such as makeup, may be used to conceal any redness. There is no downtime and patients may return to work or social activities on the same day as treatment. Results are immediately visible and may last from several months to several years depending on the product used. Dr. Kenneth Yu is an expertly trained, double Board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience with soft tissue fillers. Dr. Kenneth Yu a San Antonio plastic surgeon will help you choose the appropriate dermal filler for your personalized needs.

 

Radiesse® in San Antonio, Texas

Radiesse® is comprised of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral found in our bones so the risks of an allergic reaction or other adverse side effects are minimal. The body slowly absorbs the mineral over several months from the site of injection. In addition to filling in facial lines and wrinkles, Radiesse® stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is an essential structure in the skin, but the body slows down production with age.

Radiesse® is most commonly used to treat smile lines around the outer portion of the lips and the area on either side of the chin,, and and restores volume in the cheeks and face. Radiesse® results are immediately visible and may last up to two years. In some cases, repeat injections are recommended for maintenance. San Antonio Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Yu, is an expert Radiesse® practitioner with extensive experience using this product.

Restylane® in San Antonio, Texas

Restylane® is a hyaluronic acid-based soft tissue dermal filler. It restores volume and fills in facial depressions, including scars, on the face. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the soft tissue of our bodies. Thus, the risk of an allergic reaction to patients is greatly minimized. Restylane® is commonly used to plump the lips, eyebrows and other areas of the face. It is an excellent treatment for facial volume restoration and fills in lines or depressions of the face. Restylane® results are visible within one week and may last up to six months.

Juvéderm® in San Antonio, Texas

Like Restylane®, Juvederm® is also a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler. Juvederm® comes in several different formulas, including Juvederm® Ultra and Juvederm® Ultra Plus, which vary in strength for treatment of mild, moderate, and severe facial wrinkles. Juvederm® delivers the outstanding results when it is used to treat nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and tear trough deformities. Juvederm® results are visible immediately. How long the results last depend on the formula used and varies with each individual.

Belotero® in San Antonio, Texas

Belotero® is the newest FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler for the treatment of superficial lines and moderate to severe wrinkles on the face. Belotero® differs in its properties from other hyaluronic acid fillers by the way the molecules are cross-linked. Belotero® is thinner and more lightweight than its counterparts. It has natural properties that allow it to be injected more superficially. Thus, it is ideal for fine lines of the face, specifically vertical lip lines, fine forehead wrinkles and the fine lines around the eyes.

As with any dermal filler, possible side effects include mild irritation, swelling, itching, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Other more serious side effects such as anaphylaxis, accidental injection into a blood vessel, or tissue necrosis are rare and should be discussed with Dr. Yu during your consultation appointment.

If you are using substances that reduce coagulation, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, fish oil, vitamin E, and other herbal vitamins you should discontinue use at least one week before injections to decrease the risk of bruising.

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kenneth Yu will help you decide which filler or combination of fillers is right for you. In addition to offering non-surgical facial fillers, Dr. Yu also provides surgical procedures such as facelift, rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery in his San Antonio practice.

*This content was reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Yu, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery (otolaryngology). His practice — Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — proudly serves the San Antonio and Austin communities.