Facial Aging

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho

Facial Fillers

Botulinum Type A Toxin (BOTOX® Cosmetic) and facial dermal fillers are minimally-invasive, non-surgical approaches to facial rejuvenation. The effect of these treatments can be subtle yet revitalizing, and recovery is very gentle.

BOTOX® and injectable fillers can be used as isolated facial rejuvenation treatments or in conjunction with other surgical procedures. Using BOTOX® and facial fillers together can have an additive rejuvenating result. The treatments can correct:

• Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”)
• Forehead lines and furrows
• Deep vertical creases between the eyes
• Deep smile lines around the mouth (nasolabial folds)
• Vertical lines around the lips (“lipstick lines”)
• Deep furrows and hollows throughout the face
• Depressed scars

They can also be used to enhance your features by:

• Plumping lips
• Defining cheeks

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved, naturally-derived, purified protein that is injected to temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The most common areas of treatment are forehead lines, deep creases between the brows, and crow’s feet around the eyes.

BOTOX® works by blocking the chemicals that cause muscle contraction. When the muscles cannot contract forcefully, the wrinkles and lines are smoothed out and do not progressively worsen over time. Results usually last between 3-4 months. Please see our BOTOX® Cosmetic page for more information.

Restylane®

Restylane® is a non-allergenic injectable filler made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a protein which is naturally occurring in our joints and tissues, and it dissipates slowly over time. Restylane® is not animal-based, but is manufactured synthetically, so there is no need for allergy testing prior to treatment. It is a clear gel soft-tissue filler which holds its shape and does not form lumps. Restylane® treatments can last up to six months or more.

Perlane®

Perlane® is another hyaluronic acid filler, similar to Restylane®, approved by the FDA in 2007.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm Ultra™ and Juvéderm Ultra Plus™ are hyaluronic acid fillers with more cross-linking than Restylane. This cross-linking may result in continued effect for up to one year. It is a smooth gel used to fill wrinkles and folds with very soft, natural looking results.

Evolence®

Evolence® is a porcine collagen-based filler approved by the U.S. FDA in 2008 that lasts up to 6 months or longer.

Radiesse®

Radiesse® (formerly known as Radiance), is calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a biocompatible gel. It is a long-lasting injectable filler used for soft tissue augmentation, and it is not readily absorbed by the body. Since it is made of the same mineral component found in our teeth and bones, it does not require allergy testing. Most of the treatment results can be expected to last for 1-2 years, requiring few touch-ups.

Sculptra®

Sculptra® can restore your youthful fullness and facial contours, filling in lines and sunken areas. It has received FDA approval for restorative procedures for HIV patients who experience lipoatrophy (loss of facial fat), but it is commonly used off-label in healthy individuals for cosmetic purposes. Sculptra® is made from poly-L-lactic acid, a bio-compatible, synthetic material which is not made from animal sources and does not require allergy testing, similar to that used in absorbable medical sutures. Results develop over the weeks following injection, and more than one treatment might be required to achieve the improvement you desire. Sculptra® results can last up to two years or longer.

BOTOX® Cosmetic and injectable facial fillers are a wonderful alternative if you desire the benefits of facial rejuvenation but do not want to undergo surgery. Recovery time is brief, and patients who are nervous about making permanent changes to their faces are often more comfortable with these minimally-invasive, temporary treatments. Most fillers result in 1-7 days of slight swelling, redness or bruising (depending on the filler and your body, diet and medication history). Multiple treatments may be required to achieve your goal.

Of course, if you like the results, you can simply have additional treatments. As your face naturally changes with time, we can keep up with those changes and maintain your youthful appearance.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your injectable filler consultation.

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