Restylane, Juvéderm & Sculptra

The term “soft-tissue fillers” refers to a group of injectable materials designed to safely add volume to areas of soft-tissue deficiency. Some of the many applications for soft-tissue fillers include adding fullness to the lips, treating the vertical lines present in the skin adjacent to the lips, and reducing the depth of several common facial wrinkles.

At Horizons Plastic Surgery, three distinct materials are used to increase facial volume. These include the popular hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, poly-L-lactic acid, and autologous fat.

Soft-tissue fillers that are approved by the FDA include the Galderma family of Restylane products and the Allergan family of Juvéderm and Voluma products. These materials all contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring component of healthy skin. When injected, they bind to water and provide volume to fill in the lips and larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. A patient notices an immediate plumping of the tissue in the treated areas. These materials are an excellent choice for the enlargement of the lips and management of the naso-labial fold, cheekbones, and lower eyelids.

Approved by the FDA in 2009, micro-particles of poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) are injected into facial tissue to correct contour deformities, deep and shallow smile lines and other facial wrinkles. Sculptra works by stimulating the growth of the patient’s own collagen and can be used to correct areas of soft tissue deficiency. This technique requires four to six sessions, four weeks apart and the effects usually last 12 to 24 months. Sculptra may also be combined with microneedling to improve the collagen content on facial skin.

During the complimentary consultation at Horizons Plastic Surgery, an individualized approach can be developed to address each patient’s unique goals. Although these filler materials are not a substitute for a surgical facelift, they can often provide temporary relief in the management of the aging process.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.