Non Surgical: Dermal & SubDermal Fillers

Restylane® in Palo Alto

As we age, our ability to maintain the smoothness and elasticity of our skin diminishes, resulting in skin that becomes drier, thinner and less able to replenish itself. Our body's natural collagen and hyaluronic acid levels decrease as we age and our skin becomes looser. This leads to our skin wrinkling and appearing older than it needs to be. Restylane is a clear transparent gel composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body. Hyaluronic acid gives volume to your skin. NASHA, the hyaluronic acid found in Resytlane, is a patented, non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid in clear gel form, which is biosynthetically produced. As NASHA is non-animal-based, virtually eliminating the risk of allergic reaction, there is no need for skin tests and the risk of side effects is very low. The most common areas for treatment are mid to deep lines such as the glabellar lines (between the eyebrows) and the naso-labial folds (from the root of the nose to the angle of your mouth) and lip enhancement, restoring your natural, more youthful fullness.

Since no pre-testing is required, a Restylane treatment can be performed almost immediately. Avoidance of aspirin and all blood thinning agents is strongly recommended for 10 days prior to your procedure. Your procedure takes about 30 minutes depending on the type of correction you want. Most people tolerate the injections well, but at The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside, Dr. Papalian offers topical anesthetics or nerve blocks prior to your treatment if needed to ensure your comfort. You will be able to see the results as soon as your treatment is completed.

With its unique ability to bind with water, Restylane remains in your skin for many months. The average treatment results last six months or longer. The length of time the effects of a Restylane treatment lasts is very individual and depends on many factors, such as the structure of your skin, age, the degree of correction requested and the experience and skill of the injector. Experience indicates that touch-up and follow-up treatments will add to the duration. Most people choose to have a new treatment within a year after the treatment of wrinkles and folds and within 6 months after a lip enhancement. As with all filler treatments and Botox, having your procedure performed by Dr. Papalian, with 20 years of Plastic Surgery experience and a true understanding of facial dynamics, provides confidence that your procedure will meet your needs.

Perlane® in Palo Alto

Perlane® is a member of the Restylane family, but Perlane contains larger gel particles that help lift and fill deeper depressions. Perlane is a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel. When injected, the gel combines with existing water molecules in the skin to increase volume and fullness back to a more desired amount.

The decision of whether you are a better candidate for Restylane or Perlane is in part dependent on which facial lines or depressions you are trying to correct and best discussed together with Dr. Papalian. Perlane is particularly effective in treating deeper lines and wrinkles, as the particles are larger. While Perlane is not permanent, it is long lasting and safe. The effects of Perlane are visible immediately and usually last 6-8 months. The actual length of the result depends on the patient's skin and age, but tends to be longer than other dermal fillers.

You can only ensure that you are selecting the appropriate dermal filler by consulting with an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Having a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Papalian at The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside will ensure that you are going to have all the options presented in a thoughtful and experienced manner.

Radiesse® in Palo Alto

Radiesse® is a synthetic injectable filler that has been FDA-approved to reduce moderate to severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth by augmenting the skin's natural collagen supply. Radiesse can be used on many areas of the face and body. Numerous studies have shown Radiesse to be especially effective for filling and correcting smile lines, nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), and marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin) around the mouth and can also be used to treat depressed scars. As with all facial fillers, understanding which product best suits your needs in order to achieve the desired outcome is best discussed with Dr. Papalian. Making your treatment decisions together with Dr. Papalian will give you the information needed to reach the appropriate individualized plan.

Radiesse is composed of microspheres in a water-based gel. The microspheres, made of a substance called calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), stimulate the production of collagen to smooth lines and wrinkles and adds a more youthful softness to the face. Radiesse is made from minerals similar to what makes up our bones, so it carries little risk of allergic reaction and there is no need for pre-treatment allergy testing. Radiesse is absorbed naturally by the body over time. Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for up to a year or more. Touch-up treatments can prolong Radiesse's effects. Studies have shown that patients require fewer re-treatments with Radiesse than with other dermal fillers.

The treatment is office based and at The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside, Dr. Papalian offers topical anesthetics or nerve blocks to ensure your comfort during the treatment. While results are immediate, there can be some swelling and bruising after the procedure. Where appropriate, Radiesse can offer a longer duration of result than other fillers and this will be factored into your treatment plan developed together with Dr. Papalian.


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