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Phone 512.401.2500 | Fax 512.401.2501
2745 Bee Caves Road, Suite 101
Austin,
Texas
78746
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Question:
I’d like to have a fat transfer to the area under my eyes. How long is the fat supposed to last? Is this something that needs to be repeated regularly like injectable fillers?
Answer:
Fat transfer requires that the grafted cells become vascularized to the new location; in this case the under eye area. Because some of the grafted cells will not survive, you have to over-fill the area to some extent during the procedure. The cells that do become vascularized and therefore graft to the new location will be there for years. They do not behave like other injectable fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane,which last anywhere from 9-12 months or Sculptra which lasts 3-5 years.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I’m embarrassed of my ugly thin lips and I’d like to get something done to make them look better. What can be done to give my lips a sexier and healthier look?
Answer:
The usual treatment for thin lips is injecting of hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. This is an easy procedure and patients love the results, but they will wear off with time, 6-12 months. Surgical implants can also be used which provides a permanent result through the use of a very simple in-office procedure. The results look natural, but the implant can be felt if the lip is grasped with the thumb and index finger. Other surgical lip lifts may also be used, but scarring may prevent this from being the procedure of choice.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
My cheeks droop a little bit. Pictures of me make me appear older than I am. Is fat grafting involved in fixing a problem like mine or are non-surgical procedures used?
Answer:
Usually the aged appearance of the cheek is improved through volume enhancement. This can be achieved with autologous fat or through the use of fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse or Sculptra. A consultation with assessment of your particular situation will aide in deciding which procedure is most appropriate.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
How does Juvederm compare to Restylane for lip augmentation?
Answer:
Juvederm has a slightly higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than Restylane. It therefore tends to draw more water into the lip and produces a slightly softer result. We prefer Juvederm in the lips for this reason. Contrary to that, we prefer Restylane around the eyes. Since these injections tend to be deep, we prefer the more firm feel of Restylane. Juvederm more often causes excessive swelling around the eyes as well.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Is Juvederm used for the same problems that Botox is used for, the wrinkles in the forehead? How does it compare to Botox in price and in length of effects in keeping the face smooth?
Answer:
Juvederm is a completely different product than Botox. Botox is a muscle relaxer and is used to decrease the wrinkles caused by muscle contraction. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler. It is used to fill in existing wrinkles and line. It is used primarily for lines and folds around the mouth, but can also be used for lines that are “etched” in to the forehead and glabella.
Question:
I feel as if fillers would be beneficial and enhance the appearance of my face. How often would I need to get this procedure repeated?
Answer:
The answer depends on what type of filler you choose and what area of the face to be injected. There are basically three different classes of filler available that are all temporary. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm will last about 6 months in the lips and over a year when used in the lower eyelid tear trough for example. The longevity of the area depends on how much that area moves. The mobile area of the mouth has less longevity than areas that are stable, such as the periorbital area. The second class of fillers is calcium hydroxyl appetite or Radiesse. Radiesse is not a good filler for lips, but can be used other places. Radiesse tends to last a little longer than HA fillers. The third major class of filler is poly-L lactic acid, Sculptra. Sculptra differs from the other types of fillers in that it does not cause filling of the tissue, but rather causes the body to deposit collagen over time leading to a filling result. Sculptra needs to be injected over several treatment sessions and allow the collagen to build up, but once the result is achieved it will last 2-5 years.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Can you explain what Juvederm is and what it’s best used for?
Answer:
Juvederm is one of the brands of hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the skin and joint fluid. Juvederm can be used to fill in fine lines and wrinkles or for augmenting larger areas of facial volume loss. It is a very versatile filler with many uses.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I have extremely deep marionette lines. I have heard of the hyaluronic acid filler, Juvederm, and would like to know if this is a good filler for my facial wrinkles. Are the effects seen immediately with this filler or does it take time?
Answer:
Juvederm is an excellent filler for marionette lines. To determine which filler would be most appropriate for you, a consult will be necessary. The effects from filler or immediate however there will be some associated swelling and so the final result will not be evident for a few days.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I am a 26-year-old woman interested in an injectable filler for my lips. Which one (Juvederm, Perlane, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra) would be the best option for me?
Answer:
Any of the hyaluronic acid fillers are appropriate for lips. Those would include Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane. We usually will utilize Juvederm for the lips however as it has a slightly softer feel and perhaps more longevity than the other fillers.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
My face has aged tremendously this year although I am only 46 years old. I have very pronounced smile lines and would like a facial filler to smooth them out. Is Juvederm recommended for these folds? How long will the procedure take and how long will the effects last?
Answer:
Any of the common facial fillers may be used for smile lines. Juvederm is certainly one of those fillers. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform and the effects will last between 9 months and one year in most patients.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
