Filler injections (usually called dermal fillers) are often utilized to replace lost facial volume. The face can lose volume for a variety of reasons, but age and significant weight loss are commonly to blame. The process works by injecting the filler under the skin to fill sunken or hollowed areas. Fillers are a great, nonsurgical alternative for individuals wanting to smooth fine lines, sagging skin, and/or wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can also be utilized to create facial balancing and be incorporated into other cosmetic procedures to provide the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery, the risk of scarring, and the required recovery that follows. There are a variety of fillers that may help meet the goals and expectations of each patient.

Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®, are injectable neuromodulators, also known as “toxins,” because they are made up of a protein called botulinum toxin-A. These products work by inhibiting the activity of muscles that cause facial animation. Over time, habitual facial animations result in lines in the upper portion of your face such as frown lines, crow’s feet and horizontal forehead lines. The goal of treatment is to soften facial expression, not to freeze your face.  Our Nurse Injectionists at Viva Med Aesthetics & Wellness are experts in the most up to date and innovative ways to combine neuromodulators with topical and cosmetic treatment modalities to achieve and maintain youthful, natural rejuvenation.

Neuromodulators can soften or erase:

• Crow’s feet
• Frown lines
• Forehead lines
• Upper-lip vertical wrinkles and lines
• Neck wrinkles
• Chin dimples
• Jaw (masseter) muscle contraction

Whether it’s from genetics, weight gain, or aging, no one likes a double chin. That’s where Kybella comes in. Kybella injections have been shown to eliminate or reduce the pocket of fat under the chin that we all dread, giving you a more youthful, trim appearance.

Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. Kybella injections are used to improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe fat below the chin, also called “submental fullness.” When injected into this area, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells, leading to a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin.

What causes submental fullness?

There are many causes of submental fullness, including aging, weight gain, genetics, and lifestyle factors. Unfortunately, submental fullness can be difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise alone. This is where Kybella comes in!

How does Kybella work?

Kybella works by destroying the fat cells that are responsible for submental fullness. Once these fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. This results in a reduction of fullness under the chin, and a more sculpted and defined appearance.

Is Kybella right for me?

KYBELLA may be right for you if:

• You’re bothered by fat under the chin, also known as a “double chin” or submental fullness
• You don’t want surgery
• You feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you actually are
• No matter how diligent you are with your diet and exercise, submental fullness does not go away

How many sessions will I need?

Your provider will help you determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals.

SKINVIVE by JUVÉDERM, is the first and only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) microdroplet injectable designed to enhance skin smoothness and provide a radiant, glowing complexion.

Specially formulated to improve skin quality, Skinvive™ employs a groundbreaking “microdroplet” approach. This technique involves injecting the product beneath the skin using multiple tiny injection points across the treatment area. As the filler diffuses within the skin, it works to enhance skin smoothness, hydration, and overall radiance. Often referred to as “skin boosters,” this new class of injectable treatments has been widely embraced to improve skin quality.

SKINVIVE™ vs. Traditional Fillers

While well-known filler products use cohesive gel formulas to augment and contour facial features or fill in deep wrinkles, Skinvive™ boasts a more water-like texture. This allows us to target fine lines, dull skin, volume loss, and mild skin laxity throughout the cheeks by improving the overall skin quality in the area.

Depending on your goals, Skinvive™ may serve as a compliment to procedures like laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, or other medical facial treatments because of its exceptional skin-smoothing effects, creating that “glassy-glow.”

Hyperdiluted Radiesse is simply Radiesse that has been thinned out with a mixture of saline solution and the numbing agent, lidocaine. This diluted mixture is injected into areas where the skin is lax. The calcium hydroxyapatite molecules in Radiesse then stimulate the body to build new collagen. This naturally firms and improves the area, restoring volume to the sagging area and improving the skin texture.

Radiesse is a dermal filler that has been in use since it was FDA-approved in 2006. It is often injected deep into the skin to smooth smile lines, lift sunken cheeks, plump hands, and strengthen jawlines. Recently, however, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have started using Radiesse in a unique way, by diluting (or when the ratio is 1:2 or higher, hyperdiluting) it with saline and lidocaine. It is then injected more superficially, to address concerns related to skin texture and laxity—think fine wrinkles, crepiness, acne scars, and cellulite as well as saggy skin. It can be used on the face, neck, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, and buttocks.

If you are looking for a solution to fine lines, crepiness and skin laxity, Hyperdilute Radiesse may be the answer. Hyperdilute Radiesse stimulates the production of collagen and elastin — two key proteins that control the skin’s hydration, resilience, and supple glow. It can help to firm, tighten, and restore sagging contours, as well as mitigate the onset of crepe-like skin that occurs with the aging process.

The skin rejuvenating effects of this innovative treatment are pronounced and visible, with collagen and elastin production starting as early as four weeks after the injections. This causes long-term skin tightening with ongoing dermal thickening.

How does Hyperdilute Radiesse work?

When Radiesse is diluted in this fashion and then injected into areas of laxity it triggers the body to produce new collagen. Hyperdilute Radiesse has been proven to stimulate the production of new Type I collagen and elastin yielding smoother, firmer skin. Multiple treatments may be needed followed by occasional maintenance every 1-2 years.

What can Hyperdilute Radiesse treat?

When Hyperdilute Radiesse is injected into an area, the calcium hydroxyapatite triggers the production of the new Type I collagen. These are the areas we’re having great success with:

• Face
• Neck
• Upper inner arms
• Buttocks
• Hands
• Decolletage
• Mid and lower face
• Abdomen
• Knees
• Cellulite
• Hands

Hyper-dilute Radiesse can also be used to treat cellulite. By injecting hyperdilute Radiesse into areas with moderate to severe cellulite, the skin is plumped out, reducing the appearance of dimpling.

How long does it take Hyperdilute Radiesse to work?

Results of collagen remodeling take time. With Hyperdilute Radiesse, new collagen and elastic production begins as early as 4 weeks, which means you will see very little, if anything, before one month’s time. Results typically peak four months after the injection, however stability is achieved after nine months.

Am I a candidate for Hyperdilute Radiesse?

If you have mild to moderate skin laxity and are interested in a safe, minimal downtime treatment for smoother skin, then Hyperdilute Radiesse might be a great addition to your other cosmetic treatments. This treatment is ideal for tackling the negative effects of aging on your skin, including sagging, and crepe-like skin.