Lipoatrophy
Facial lipoatrophy, or facial fat loss, is a condition that typically develops with age, weight loss and immunodeficiency diseases. Lipoatrophy is the loss of facial fat tissue, which is a key component for a youthful facial appearance. As we age, our natural collagen and connective skin tissues start to break down, causing a natural thinning of the face. Fortunately, dermal fillers can temporarily restore some of the facial volume that is needed to look younger.
Treatment Options
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are used to improve volume and treat wrinkles. The most common names of hyaluronic acid fillers are Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. These smooth gel fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, which lasts in the skin for roughly six months. Most hyaluronic acid gel fillers are mixed with lidocaine to improve discomfort. Ice and numbing cream may also be used to make the treatment more tolerable. Many patients come in for treatment and return to work the same day. There is always a risk of bruising with any injection, so stay away from aspirin and such anti-inflammatories as Motrin, Ibuprofen and Aleve prior to your treatment. These over-the-counter products can make you more prone to bleeding and bruising.
Calcium hydroxylapatite: This is a volumizing filler that uses a calcium-based product to improve volume and treat wrinkles. The common name for calcium hydroxylapatite is Radiesse. Radiesse is a gel comprised of calcium-based microspheres that is injected under the skin to create a scaffold and provide structure. It has been shown to stimulate collagen and typically lasts for up to one year. Lidocaine, a numbing medicine, is often mixed in the syringe to alleviate discomfort. Ice and topical numbing cream also can be used to make the treatment more tolerable. Many patients come in for treatment and return to work the same day. There is always a risk of bruising with any injection, so stay away from aspirin and such anti-inflammatories as Motrin, Ibuprofen and Aleve prior to your treatment. These over-the-counter products can make you more prone to bleeding and bruising.
Poly-l-lactic acid: This replaces collagen. The common name for poly-l-lactic acid is Sculptra. It is injected once a month, in a series of three to five treatments. Results are subtle, gradual and typically evident within four and six months, and last for two years. It was first FDA approved for HIV lipoatrophy in 2004 and later approved for cosmetic use in 2009. It can be used to correct smile lines and contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles. Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine to improve comfort. The fluid injected causes slight swelling, which subsides within 24 hours. It is important to massage the treated areas for five minutes five times a day for five days. There is always a risk of bruising with any injection, so stay away from aspirin and such anti-inflammatories as Motrin, Ibuprofen and Aleve prior to your treatment. These over-the-counter products can make you more prone to bleeding and bruising.
