Injectable Fillers: Common Questions and Answers
Do you have more questions about injectable fillers? Call Perkins Van Natta at 317-575-0330 or 800-345-1962
Q: What are injectable fillers?
A: Injectable fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill facial wrinkles and deeper creases, in order to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. While fillers are often administered alone, they are also utilized to enhance certain facial cosmetic surgery procedures. The fillers we utilize at Perkin Van Natta include Radiesse, Restylane, Captique and collagen.
Q: Will I have significant bruising with my filler injection?
A: No, there is not normally significant bruising with filler injection. However, some of the injectables tend to promote bruising. If you are taking certain medications, however, these may increase the risk of bruising and, if possible, should be discontinued approximately 10 days prior to injection. This will minimize the chance of bruising. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, high doses of vitamin E and herbal medicines such as Gingko biloba and St. John’s Wort.
Q: Will I have significant swelling after my injection?
A: No. Following injection, we recommend the application of a cold wash cloth or bag of ice to the injection site in order to minimize swelling and dissipate the initial pink or redness.
Q: What should I expect after my injection?
A: You may experience some redness at the injection site, however, signigicant bruising and swelling is not usual. Soreness, which may persist for 2-5 days, is normal and nothing to worry about.
ArteFill
Q: What is ArteFill?
A: ArteFill is an injectable filler made of small polymethylmethacrylate beads, collagen and lidocaine.
Q: Where is ArteFill used?
A: ArteFill is used to fill the smile grooves around your mouth.
Q: How long will ArteFill last?
A: ArteFill is the first and only FDA-approved non-resorbable wrinkle filler for the correction of smile lines. One of the components of ArteFill (known as ArteFill microspheres), is not absorbed by the body. These microspheres provide the permanent support needed for long-lasting wrinkle correction.
Q: Is allergy testing required?
A: A skin test is required to make sure that you are not allergic to the bovine collagen contained in ArteFill. The skin test involves injection of a small amount of the collagen under the skin of the forearm and a waiting period of about 4-6 weeks to make sure there is no reaction.
Q: Is ArteFill safe to use?
A: Yes, ArteFill is FDA approved and has been used for more than a decade in Europe and Canada.
Radiesse
Q: What is Radiesse?
A: Radiesse is an injectable filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite - which is normally present in the human body.
Q: Where is Radiesse used?
A: Radiesse is used for deeper facial creases, such as the smile grooves around your mouth. It is not used for surface wrinkles.
Q: How long will Radiesse last?
A: Radiesse lasts up to one year.
Q: Is allergy testing required?
A: No Calcium hydroxylapatite is a substance normally found in our body. Therefore, allergy testing is not required.
Q: Is Radiesse safe to use?
A: Yes. Radiesse has been used safely and successfully in Europe to treat deep facial wrinkles for over 7 years.
Restylane
Q: What is Restylane?
A: Restylane is an injectable filler made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the body.
Q: Where is Restylane used?
A: Restylane is versatile. It can be used in both facial fine lines as will as deeper creases. Restylane can also be used for lip enhancement.
Q: Is Restylane painful when injected for lip enhancement?
A: We can deminister a dental block prior to lip enhancement in order to make this a nearly painless procedure.
Q: How long does Restylane last?
A: Restylane lasts approximately 6-8 months.
Q: Is allergy testing required?
A: No. Hyaluronic acid is a substance normally found in our body. Therefore, allergy testing is not required.
Q: Is Restylane FDA approved?
A: Yes, Restylane is FDA approved for treatment of facial wrinkles.
Collagen
Q: What is collagen?
A: Collagen is the most abundant natural protein found in the body. Collagen provides texture, resiliency and shape for the skin.
Q: Where is collagen used?
A: Collagen is used for fine facial wrinkles. It is also an excellent filler used to enhance the lip border.
Q: How long does collagen last?
A: Collagen fillers last approximately 4 months to sometimes 6 months.
Q: Is allergy testing required?
A: That depends upon the type of collagen used. Collagen injectable fillers made from bovine collagen do require allergy testing. The most frequently used collagen products at Perkin Van Natta, however, are human cadaveric based and DO NOT require allergy testing.
Q: Is collagen injection painful?
A: Most patients report that the injections are relatively painless. The collagen fillers contain lidocaine, an anesthetic which helps to temporarily numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort.
Collagen injections are less painful than Restylane or Radiesse injections.