Juvéderm XC, Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC
Voluma XC
Bellafill is a unique, injectable filler that gives immediate results and also builds your own collagen over time, giving the longest lasting results of any filler. Bellafill has been proven to be very safe and has been shown to last a minimum of 5 years.
The filler contains 20% uniform polymethylmethacrylate microspheres which stimulate collagen production, suspended in a matrix of 80% collagen gel, so that when it is injected, the gel gives immediate results, and then your body gradually takes away the injected gel and replaces it with your own collagen!
If you have never been injected with Bellafill before, a skin test is given prior to treatment to insure that you will not have a reaction to the injected collagen gel. This is a safety precaution, however reactions to the filler are exceedingly rare.
Bellafill is one of Dr. Cross' favorite fillers since it is essentially permanent, so it can be added gradually over time and you never have to go back to square one, re-treating the same areas repeatedly, as is necessary with other fillers.
The Juvéderm family of fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is in the form of a clear gel, and is a compound which is already present in your body (in skin, connective tissue and in synovial fluid).
It is therefore extremely compatible with your tissues when injected. "XC" indicates that there is lidocaine in the product, so it is more comfortable upon injection.
Many different types of hyaluronic acid-based fillers are available currently, and small variations in structure will determine how thick they are and how long they last, but otherwise, they are relatively similar.
Juvéderm generally lasts approximately 9-12 months, depending upon the site injected and individual patient.
Many patients who have not used dermal fillers frequently, feel more comfortable using temporary and reversible fillers until they have gained some experience. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved by the injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Dr. Cross carries hyaluronidase in the office, as she is an expert at correcting sub-optimal results caused by less experienced injectors.
Voluma is typically used for cheekbone enhancement. Voluma XC is in the same family as Juvéderm, but is thicker, allowing the injector to volumize and round cheeks that have lost volume with age. It is also a hyhyaluronic acid, and like Juvéderm, is reversible if needed. Voluma XC typically lasts 18-24 months and can be used in any area of the face needing additional volume or support. Like all "XC" products, it contains lidocaine for your comfort.
Comprehensive Approach
Dr. Cross approaches facial fillers and injectables differently than other aesthetic physicians. She assesses the face as a whole and works in an artistic yet systematic manner to address all of the subtle changes in the face that can occur over time. By using such a comprehensive approach, the results are far more natural and youthful, and never appear artificial or overfilled. Dr. Cross expertly uses a variety of different fillers in different locations based upon your needs. She will take the time to educate you on why certain fillers are better in certain areas and on which combination of fillers is best for you.
Dr. Cross will give you her recommendations, but never wants you to feel pressured in any way. Therefore, for your education, Dr. Cross has put together a table comparing the myriad of fillers available on the market today. If you would like to review this information prior to your visit, click here. Although Dr. Cross will fully explain all of this to you, some patients prefer to review it before their appointment to better understand the dermal filler options.
Injectables/Fillers
Volbella XC
Bellafill
Neuromodulators (Botox/Jeuveau)
Kybella
Sculptra
Radiesse
Belotero
Rather than being a traditional filler, SCULPTRA® is strictly a collagen building product, creating volume by prompting your tissues to build collagen wherever the product is placed. Derived from fruit acids, the main ingredient of Sculptra is a biocompatible (does not harm the body), biodegradable (broken down or metabolised by the body) material known as poly-L-lactic acid. Sculptra arrives as a powder and is reconstituted by the doctor with sterile water plus lidocaine for comfort. Because of the way it is reconstituted, it is the only volumizer that can be injected with a water consistency and is, therefore, the best product for smooth, seamless "field-effect" recontouring.
Sculptra is injected over 2-4 sessions 4 weeks apart. After the first session, the amount of collagen response you have had is assessed by Dr. Cross, and the amount of Sculptra you will need for the second session is determined at that time. Usually less product is required for later sessions, but this depends upon how much volume loss was present at the start, and how well your body responds to the stimulus. Because the collagen you grow is your own, the results are very natural. The effects of Sculptra can easily last 2-5 years. Your body gradually removes the product, but the effects can be sustained by doing a "booster session" every 2-3 years. At that time, Dr. Cross can also address any new changes that have occurred due to the aging process, and tailor your treatment appropriately. This gives stable long-lasting results, without the waxing and waning effect seen as the more temporary fillers wear off completely and have to be reinjected.
Radiesse is a filler in the form of a white gel containing tiny microspheres of smooth calcium hydroxylapatite. Calcium hydroxylapatite has been used for years in neurosurgery, dentistry, and ophthalmology, and Radiesse has been shown in numerous clinical trials to be both safe and long-lasting.
When used for cosmetic purposes, Radiesse provides immediate volume, but then also stimulates collagen growth for a longer-lasting and very natural feeling effect. It is a thicker filler, and is therefore most commonly used for deeper wrinkles and folds and for volumizing cheeks and recontouring the face.
Radiesse typically lasts approximately 18 months.
BELOTERO® is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable filler that completely integrates into the skin tissue. While some fillers are designed to rebuild facial volume and structure, Belotero is thinner and is used more superficially in the skin. Belotero is a smooth flexilble clear gel that specifically treats moderate-to-severe etched-in lines and wrinkles such as vertical lip lines above and around the lips and other areas.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance found in the body's connective tissues, which dwindles with advancing age. Belotero is therefore is a very safe product. Injections of Belotero Balance or other hyaluronic acid-based fillers can increase superficial volume, creating a more youthful appearance. Belotero is an excellent complement to the other currently available hyaluronic acid fillers due to its unique ability to treat superficial or fine lines.
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Neuromodulators such as Botox and Jeuveau (Xeomin and Dysport) are the treatments of choice for wrinkles caused by excessive muscle movement. Areas frequently treated are furrows between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet. Dr. Cross also offers other advanced techniques such as brow lift, under eye "jelly-roll" treatment, lifting the corners of the mouth, platysmal bands on the neck, "gummy smile," "bunny lines", advanced lip techniques, and individualized treatments for asymmetry due to Bell's Palsy and previous stroke.
Results of Botox and Jeuveau typically last about 3 months. Repeated treatments result in further improvement.
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that is used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called, “double chin.”
The fat pad under the chin is injected with Kybella. For the next few days, there is usually some swelling and discomfort which is treated easily at home with cold packs as needed. Gradually, the Kybella shrinks the size of the fatty tissue. The treatment may be repeated once a month until the desired effect is achieved, typically 2-4 sessions are required. When injected into the fat under your chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.
Volbella, the newest product of the Juvéderm family, is a thinner filler. It comes in a smaller size syringe (0.55cc) which makes it perfect for a subtle, soft plumping of the lips. Volbella lasts about a year. Volbella is also an "XC" product, which means it contains lidocaine to make the injections easier during treatment. However, for the lip area, Dr. Cross offers a numbing technique (dental block, that lasts throughout treatment and about an hour afterward) so that you have zero discomfort or pain during treatment.