Our skin loses its structural support as we age. This can lead to thinning, wrinkles and a loss of shape. Sun exposure and smoking also speed up the process. The lips, chin, cheeks, eyes, and corners of the mouth are the places where aging can be most easily seen.
Soft tissue augmentation treats aging skin. It involves the skin’s appearance by “plumping” up the tissue with dermal fillers. The dermal fillers replace subcutaneous fat and other tissues that are lost with age.
For example, a dermal filler can be used to fill out sunken cheeks or to add fullness to lips.
Commonly used dermal fillers include collagen, self-donated body fat (microlipoinjection), and brand names such as Restylane, Perlane,Juvederm, Hylaform, Sculptra, Radiesse, and Artefill.
The dermal fillers used in soft tissue augmentation are delivered as a series of injections under the skin, often with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort (especially around sensitive areas like the lips).Each treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with careful attention to provide smooth, even insertion of the filler.
The number of treatments will depend on how your skin responds. The results last about 3 to 12 months, depending on the dermal filler used.
Recovery from soft-tissue augmentation is usually quick and uncomplicated because there are no incisions or sutures. Side effects are minimal, but may include minor bruising and swelling, which resolve within a couple of days.
We will recommend a dermal filler based on the location to be treated, its history of safety and efficacy, it’s possible use with other treatments, and your personal preferences.