Help! Can dermal filler injections be reversed?

Yes, if the dermal filler is part of the hyaluronic acid filler family such as Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Prevelle, Hylaform, etc.

Hyaluronidase is a product used to correct, or reverse, the effects of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler should it be necessary. Hyaluronidase is FDA approved and made up of enzymes that will rapidly break down and decompose hyaluronic acid. It is important to note that it does not correct or have any effect on semi-permanent or permanent fillers, which are generally not recommended.

In The News: Dermal Filler Warning

Serious warnings have been issued regarding complications and adverse reactions as a result of dermal filler injections containing synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic fillers are the most popular form of injectable dermal fillers on the market, and to date the safest. These reports included Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Elevess, Revanesse, and Teosyal. The reported adverse reactions include pain, swelling, nodules, abscesses, pus/infections, skin discoloration, difficulty talking, swallowing or breathing. There was a disturbing report of gangrene and necrosis (death of tissue) of the lip after an injection of Restylane and another unsettling claim that reports a partial loss of vision after a treatment of Juvederm to the lower eyelid and cheek.

Allergan, the manufacturer of Juvederm, states that with its approval in 50 countries, and more than two million syringes distributed to doctors in North America since 2006, less than 0.27% of all treatments have resulted in adverse events. After reading all of the reports and responses from the companies in question we can offer one very solid piece of advice. Facial fillers, or any other injectables, should only be administered by doctors, or propertly trained medical specialists. Oh, yes, and one more thing . . . say no to botox and dermal filler home parties!

Restylane, Botox, Sculptra, Radiesse, Juvederm

Right before your very eyes . . . compliments of YOU TUBE

Liquid Face Lift

Can the signs of aging be erased with a needle instead of a surgical knife? Yes. The procedure is called the Liquid Face Lift. Juvederm has three different formulations, Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus. A creative mix of these three gels are injected at varying depths to instantly fill space, plump, and smooth the facial features to create a more youthful shape. Juvederm can fill in the lines around the eyes and under eye area while softening the contours downward toward the cheek. Injections will add definition to the cheekbones, plump up the nasolabial folds and replace volume. The lines above the lips can be gently filled in and add volume to the area. Juvederm will add definition to the jawline and deal with sagging skin by adding much needed volume. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Bruising is to be expected to last for approximately seven days. The great part? No incisions. The cost? Approximately $2,200 to $6,000 and will last for a year or so.

Can dermal filler injections be reversed?

Great question. Hyaluronidase is a product that is used to correct, or reverse, the effects of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, such as Restylane and Juvederm should it be necessary. Hyaluronidase is FDA approved and made up of enzymes that will rapidly break down and decompose hyaluronic acid. It is important to note that it does not correct or have any effect on semi-permanent or permanent fillers, which are generally not recommended.

How much does Juvederm cost?

Juvederm, as all dermal fillers, is sold by the syringe and ranges from $450 to $900. Why such a difference in price for the same product? Geography. The top end prices are charged in high profile cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Miami. The lower prices are paid in middle America and throughout smaller cities and towns across the country. It is reasonable to expect to buy more than one syringe, but it really depends on how much work needs to be done and what results are desired. Most treatment centers will discuss a discount the second syringe. A deal on dermal fillers? Sure, why not?

The most important decision is choosing the right physician who will inject the product properly to achieve the best possible results. As with any medical procedure, it is critical to check the physician's credentials, view a selection of before and after pictures of previous clients, and make sure a good rapport is established. Take the time during the consultation to have a clear and healthy discussion about your expectations to make sure you are both on the same page.

Note: It is a very good idea to bring a photo of yourself taken prior to the aging process to help record your natural facial alignment.

Dermal Fillers - Restylane vs Juvederm

According to the experts, Restylane and Juvederm rank well with one another. Is one better than the other? No. The choice of which product to use is better left to the professionals and greatly depends on the task at hand. Both dermal fillers are hyaluronc acid products that effectively fill in facial lines and wrinkles.

Restylane (Medicis) is a gel-like product that is thicker than Juvederm (Allergan) and may treat deeper lines more efficiently. Restylane is used for creating a fuller face because of its ability to plump the skin. Once 'molded' it tends to stay in place and not travel into other areas.

Juvederm, on the other hand, is a more syrup-like substance and produces smoother lines without too much manipulation, and as a result, may be better around the lips and mouth area. Juvederm produces less bruising. Both last for just under a year and can correct most of the issues around an aging face.

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm are the fastest growing sector of cosmetic enhancement procedures. These 'low risk' fillers help plump up areas of the face that lose volume during the aging process offering immediate visual results. They work well in adding volume to the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, the corners of the mouth, lips, and smoothing out those nasty wrinkles. They are made from Hyaluronic Acid, a non-animal substance, which offers comfort from the threat of allergies, or the concerns of disease transmission from animal sourced products. No skin testing is required.

During the treatment, a very thin needle is placed into the skin underneath the targeted area. The filler is injected in a slow, steady movement as the needle is being withdrawn. A jelly-like substance (the filler) is left adding fullness to the specific area. Since there is increased control with this type of procedure, the sculpted end result will offer a predictable desired effect, . . . dramatic or subtle. The results will last longer than collagen injections and can last from three months to three years, depending on the product used.

Redness and swelling will be noted at the injection site lasting for two to three days, but nothing that will require downtime. Lips can take more time to recover. Cold packs may be used, but refrain from using ice. The skin may feel a little lumpy at first, but this will smooth out as the swelling reduces. Gentle massage can be helpful. Avoid using aspirin, Vitamin E and other medications prior to the treatment as they may cause bruising. Pump up the volume!