FILLERS, PEELS & PRODUCTS

Fillers

Over time, the skin begins to lose elasticity, structure and volume, resulting in unwanted lines, folds, and wrinkles. Some of this loss is due to diminishing levels of collagen, elastic tissue and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Soft tissue augmentation with “fillers” temporarily replaces lost volume and restores a smoother appearance to the skin. Fillers are substances which are injected into the skin to improve expression lines, wrinkles and some types of scars and to enhance the lips.

Filler materials have been available for over 25 years in this country. The first, and still used, filler is bovine collagen, available as Zyplast and Zyderm collagen. A skin test to screen for allergy must be done prior to receiving bovine collagen. Human collagen (Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm) use does not require skin testing. More recently, hyaluronic acids fillers have been developed. Hyaluronic acid is a normal component of the skin as well as other tissues in the body. Hyaluronic acid fillers do not require skin testing. The most popular hyaluronic acid fillers currently available are Juvéderm and Restylane, which usually provide more long-lasting results than the collagen products. All of these fillers are temporary and the duration of improvement varies by product and area treated.

Peels

Light chemical peels offered in office include glycolic acid peels and Beta-Liftx salicylic acid peels. Light chemical peels result in softer, smoother, fresher appearing skin and improve acne, sun damage and some types of brown discoloration in the skin. No recovery period is needed and make-up may be applied immediately after the procedure. A series of peels is necessary for optimal results.

Skin Care Products

Specific skin care products can be used alone or in combination with many of the other procedures offered in the office to maximize skin rejuvenation. Are you confused about the myriad of products advertised in the media? Some skin care products are proven to be effective and backed by scientific data, while others are not. Many skin care lines offer multiple products and a several step program. Dr. Roberts’ philosophy is to keep it simple--- use the fewest products necessary to obtain the desired result. Vitamin A derivatives and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) have been shown to increase collagen and elastic tissue in the skin and to improve surface sun damage. Adding antioxidants to AHAs or vitamin A derivatives may improve the benefit. For individuals who would benefit from these products, Dr. Roberts recommends the Allergan MD Forte and Allergan Vivité lines which incorporate glycolic acid alone or in combination with antioxidants, vitamin A derivatives and other beneficial ingredients. SkinCeuticals offers topical vitamin C products and cosmetically elegant sunscreens. For more detailed information about these and other products available, please contact our office.

M.D. Forte Products

Skin Ceuticals

Vivité Products