Question:
Does fraxel repair eliminate fine facial lines better than an injectable filler?
Answer:
Fraxel repair and and injectable fillers are usually utilized for different facial lines or in conjuction with each other for the best results. Fillers are best for lines around the mouth or to fill in areas of facial volume loss. Fraxel repair can also be used to improve the lines around your mouth, but is also very useful for improving fine lines around your eyes and forehead. It really depends more upon what your goals are and less upon comparing techniques. The best solution is to come in for a consultation and develop a complete treatment plan that is best for you.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
How does an injectable filler of hyaluronic acid differ from collagen?
Answer:
Hyaluronic acid is a big linked sugar molecule known as a mucopolysaccarhide. It is a naturally occurring molecule in your body including skin and joint fluid. The molecule is not species specific and therefore does not have allergic potential. The most commonly used hyaluronic acid fillers are made from a process of bacterial fermentation to generate the product. Collagen is a complex molecule that is part of the skin. It is species specific. Bovine (cow) collagen is utilized in some products even today. These products require a skin test to see if the person is sensitive prior to injection. Collagen products are not widely used as an injectable filler now that hyaluronic acid is available.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Is an endoscopic forehead lift a less invasive procedure than a normal forehead lift?
Answer:
That is somewhat a matter of opinion. My opinion is yes. A “normal” forehead lift is usually one in which an open incision is created either in the middle of the forehead, at the hairline or behind the hairline. In each of those procedures there is a longer scar and in the latter two there is numbness created behind the scar. In the endoscopic approach the incisions are oriented vertically and are separated from one another. This does not create numbness, usually, and has less risk of visible scarring. The other forehead lifting procedures are still a good option for some patients, but we prefer the endoscopic approach.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
How do you decide which brand of facial filler would be best for me?
Answer:
We choose the best facial filler for a patient at the time of their consultation. We utilize hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm. We also use Radiesse and Sculptra. Depending which area of your face you are interested in treating and your expected longevity we would choose a filler to match your wishes. Part of the initial consult is explaining the different fillers and which one would be best for you.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I know there are lots of different types of facelifts, but what on earth is a threadlift?
Answer:
A threadlift is a procedure in which barbed threads are inserted into the skin and used to lift the face. It is also a procedure that does not work. Studies have been performed showing no improvement after 3 months. Some physicians are using barbed sutures as an aide to a more traditional facelift which is fine, but has never been shown to improve the results.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
