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Category Archives: Dermal Fillers

What Makes Sculptra® Different from Other Dermal Fillers?

A woman smiling with her hand on her chin, showing the results of Sculptra injectionsWith so many dermal fillers available today, choosing the right one for your facial rejuvenation needs can be difficult. Among these options, Sculptra® stands out for its unique approach to restoring youthful volume and smoothness. 

At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Centerwe offer Sculptra injections under the direction of Dr. Robert M. Kimmel, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Find out more about what makes this filler unique below.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a cutting-edge dermal filler. It restores facial volume by encouraging collagen growth. 

Instead of temporarily filling lines or wrinkles, Sculptra works below the surface of your skin to promote collagen production over time. This leads to a more youthful and natural look as your skin gradually becomes firmer and smoother.

Sculptra is especially effective for treating areas like hollow cheeks, temples, and smile lines. As collagen production increases, it provides a fuller appearance.

How Sculptra Differs from Traditional Fillers

Traditional fillers are made from substances like hyaluronic acid. However, Sculptra’s main ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). This biocompatible material works with your body to deliver long-term results.

Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid provide immediate results by adding volume to the treated areas. Sculptra takes a different approach.

The gradual stimulation of collagen results in subtle improvements over time. This makes Sculptra ideal for individuals who want a natural enhancement without the noticeable “overnight” change that some fillers provide.

Additionally, Sculptra offers one of the longest-lasting results in the world of cosmetic fillers.

Patients can expect their rejuvenated look to last up to two years or more with proper care. On the other hand, most other fillers last between 6 and 18 months. This makes Sculptra a more cost-effective option for long-term facial rejuvenation.

Schedule a Consultation in Pottsville or Hazleton

Do you want to find out if Sculptra is the right treatment for your goals? Schedule a consultation today with Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center. Our expert team can help determine the best strategy to restore your natural beauty.

Call our Pottsville office at 570.622.2900 or our Hazleton office at 570.455.4252. You can also submit our online contact form.

Dermal Fillers for Men: What You Should Know

Men and women can receive dermal fillers, but the injection technique differs to accommodate the facial anatomy of males. 
Although dermal fillers are predominantly marketed toward women, men can also benefit from their restorative and rejuvenating effects. Fillers for men are the exact same as the ones used for women; the difference lies in the treatment area and injection method.

Because men’s facial anatomy is different from women’s, additional care must be taken to avoid overfilling or creating undesirable results.

Men Are Now Using More Fillers

In the past, cosmetic surgery as a whole was largely dominated by female patients. However, in recent years, more men have shown an increase in both preventative and restorative cosmetic procedures.

Fillers like Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Belotero® are all popular fillers for men. And, of course, BOTOX®, the neurotoxin injectable, is also frequently used.

It is important to mention that BOTOX is not classified as a filler as it does not restore any lost volume to the face; instead, it immobilizes muscles in treatment areas to provide smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including migraines and lazy eye.

If you are looking to boost plumpness and fill in specific areas on the face, filler is the go-to solution.

Anatomical Differences Matter With Injections

The facial anatomy of men and women differ in many ways; it’s vital that you work with a surgeon who offers men’s treatment. For example, when it comes to filling tear troughs, men have a flatter median cheek, which can lead to more pronounced hollowness as they age and lose fat in the face.

In order to avoid puffiness, the surgeon must make sure to select the best candidates and the right filler for their concerns. An ideal candidate for tear trough filler will have good skin thickness and elasticity. Furthermore, a filler with a thinner consistency is advised to prevent imbalance and an uneven contour.

Find the Right Fillers for Men in Pottsville and Hazleton, PA

At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Robert M. Kimmel offers filler and other cosmetic treatments for men in a state-of-the-art surgical center. With double board certification and decades in practice, he offers comprehensive care with an expert touch.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Pottsville location at 570-622-2900, or Hazleton at 570-455-4252. You can also submit a contact form, and a member of the staff will be happy to assist you.

How Do Juvéderm and Sculptra Stack Up?

Dermal FillersThe vast majority of cosmetic treatments performed today involve injectables. Most injectable treatments are intended for wrinkle-reduction. Botox, perhaps the most well-known injectable, reduces wrinkles that are caused by muscle movements in the upper-face region. Dermal fillers like Juvéderm reduce wrinkles and other problems caused by a loss of volume in the deeper tissues of the skin. And then there is Sculptra. This product sits in a class of its own. The problem is no unique class has been established, so Sculptra is bulked with all other dermal fillers. Here, we compare how two popular products, Juvéderm and Sculptra, compare.

About Juvéderm

Juvéderm is referred to as a dermal filler, which is correct. However, we must clarify that there is not a single Juvéderm product; it’s an entire line of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers under one brand name. All Juvéderm fillers are made of the same base ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring chemical that the body uses to lock in moisture in important structures, including the joints, eyes, and skin. As a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid traps water molecules in a target area. The addition of water plumps the skin to eradicate lines and creases or build volume to rejuvenate facial contours. Juvéderm products are used to plump the lips, reduce nasolabial folds, augment the cheeks, eliminate undereye bags, and more. Results are immediate and can last from a few months to 2 years.

About Sculptra

We call Sculptra a dermal filler but it does not act like other fillers. When a person receives Sculptra, they do not see immediate results. That’s not the intent. Rather than immediately fill lines and wrinkles, Sculptra is administered to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein that supports tissue firmness and suppleness. The decline in collagen can result in gaunt or hollow areas. Common uses of Sculptra include volume restoration in the temple and cheek areas. This restoration occurs gradually, so no one knows you’ve had injectables. While a series of 2 to 3 Sculptra sessions are scheduled to achieve optimal results, studies suggest that benefits can last two or more years.

There is no “perfect” dermal filler. This is why we have so many options. Within those, we can find the perfect injectable for you. Call our Hazleton or Pottsville office today to schedule your consultation and treatment.

What is a Lip Lift and How Does it Compare to Fillers?

For centuries, we humans have perceived full, defined lips as one of the hallmarks of youthful beauty. It is no secret that lip augmentation is one of the trendiest treatments at the moment.  In fact, over 30,000 patients had lift lip augmentation surgery in 2018 (up by 66 percent since 2000). Each year, more than 2 million nonsurgical lip enhancing treatments are performed using dermal fillers. Because both methods of lip enhancement are popular, we find it beneficial to discuss how they compare.

Lip Fillers

Many people lean toward nonsurgical treatments, especially for facial rejuvenation. At first glance, injectable look like they offer a lot. They can, but not for every person. Soft tissue fillers work by increasing volume. The lip fillers that are commonly used are made with hyaluronic acid. This organic substance increases the plumpness of the lips by drawing water molecules into the tissue. Hyaluronic acid then traps these molecules and holds them in place for several months. To improve symmetry, fullness, and definition, lip fillers are administered into the deeper layers of the skin in a procedure that takes only about 15 minutes. From this time, results typically last up to 12 months.

Lip Lift Treatment

A lip lift requires an incision and a few stitches. It requires a local anesthetic and may also include a mild sedative, but no general anesthesia. For this reason, the procedure is referred to as lip lift surgery. However, the treatment takes place in the office and does not involve nearly the same commitment to recovery as most surgical procedures.

The purpose of a lip lift differs from dermal fillers. Ultimately, the goal is to restore the youthful, sensual shape of the lips. However, the process through which this is achieved is different. During a lip lift, an incision is made at the base of the nose. When the incision heals, a barely perceptible scar may remain in the center column of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through this tiny incision, the superficial tissue and skin between the nose and the upper lip are carefully repositioned. The excess is trimmed and the incision is closed with one or more sutures.

Lip lift treatment may be ideal for people who have 1.5 centimeters or more of excess skin between their nose and mouth. The procedure can correct thin lips, an elongated upper lip, and may also improve the position of the corners of the mouth so they do not turn downward. After treatment, the definition and shape of the upper lift are improved, which can create the illusion of fullness.

Filler or Lift: Which is Right for You?

If you know you want to improve the appearance of your lips but aren’t sure which technique is right for you, we can help. Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office today to schedule your consultation for lip enhancement.

I’m Not Angry, That’s Just My Face!

Fillers Hazleton, PAIf you’ve never had to explain your neutral facial expression, you can count yourself as one of the lucky ones. In recent years, a common term has been developed to describe certain facial characteristics: “resting bitch face.” As many jokes that have been made about the face that looks angry or unfriendly, this can be a real problem in a society that places a great deal of value on looking happy and approachable.

The Science of Facial Analysis

Numerous studies have been conducted to observe how humans perceive one another based on appearance. You may be able to look through your own life and recognize all the times you’ve based an immediate perception of another person on appearance alone. What research has suggested is that certain character traits are associated with facial characteristics. For example:

  • A person with thin lips is thought to be stern, strict, or mean.
  • A downturned mouth is a type of scowl, making a person appear harsh, unfriendly, and unapproachable.
  • Closed-off, squinty eyes create the impression of boredom, disinterest, fatigue.
  • Frown lines make a person appear angry and stern.
  • Flat eyebrows give the impression of fatigue and stress.
  • Eyebrows that slant toward the center make a person seem judgmental.
  • Eyebrows that slant toward the side of the face make a person seem sad or worried.

The Science of Facial Expression

Researchers have discovered some interesting interplay between facial movements and the way a person may feel. We inherently assume that emotions show on the face; when you’re angry, you frown or purse your lips. What studies have found is that, when people routinely make certain facial expressions, such as frowning to see their computer screen, their emotions eventually follow that expression. Basically, you are less likely to feel happy emotions if your face if perpetually turned downward.

As you may know, the face takes a sharp decline with age; it will naturally start to turn downward, causing an angry, unfriendly appearance in many people. Here in our offices near Philadelphia, we have come to realize that it isn’t necessarily the desire for a younger-looking face that leads people to seek surgical or non-surgical facial rejuvenation, it is a longing to have their outward appearance match their inner emotional state.

Your face should reflect how you feel on the inside. For help turning your frown upside down, schedule a visit with our Hazleton or Pottsville team.

Is the Facelift Outdated?

Injectable Fillers Hazleton, PAOne cannot argue the fact that aesthetic medicine has evolved by leaps and bounds in the past two decades alone. Before the development of injectables and energy-therapies like radiofrequency, the way to treat lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging was through surgery. For the sheer fact that the surgical facelift has been around so long, we have all had the opportunity to see this technique go too far.

Some of our favorite celebrities look very different from their norm due to surgical lifting. These cases are few and far between, and yet they are what get our attention – and what creates apprehension about facelift surgery. When we couple exaggerated examples of bad plastic surgery with the immediate availability of injectable treatments, we may easily form the opinion that the facelift is outdated and unnecessary. Here, we want to explore the validity of this theory.

Injectables for Facial Rejuvenation

There are so many injectables on the market today that we can correct a much wider range of concerns than was possible twenty years ago. Botox can smooth those frown lines and crow’s feet, and can even lift the sagging brow. Where Botox leaves off, we’ve got dermal fillers to pick up the slack. Products like Juvederm Voluma have become the go-to for facial contouring, from the jowls to the cheeks and even to the nose. Why wouldn’t this be enough for every person?

Surgical Lifting Has Value

The surgical facelift may be necessary for some situations. This procedure moves tissue into a position that reinstates the youthful contours of the face. In so doing, the surgical facelift achieves longer lasting and more noticeable results. Through refined technique, the facelift of today is much gentler, much more subtle and natural-looking, than those that may have been common just a decade ago. This procedure intends to lift tissue and skin in a conservative manner that complements the bone structure of the face.

Ultimately, our job is to meet your needs and preferences. Beautiful rejuvenating results can be attained with facelift surgery and, in many cases, with injectables or radiofrequency. The final decision is all yours to make; we’re here to provide you with the details you need to feel confident in that decision.

To learn more about surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, call our Pottsville or Hazleton office.

Have You Heard Of Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra Aesthetic treatmentAging and the ubiquitous, disheartening visible signs that accompany it seem to be inevitable. You can’t escape growing older, but there are some things that you can do to ease the process and rejuvenate your facial skin. The perfect treatment for shallow and deep facial folds, lines and wrinkles is the FDA-approved injectable Sculptra Aesthetic.

Sculptra helps gradually replace lost collagen – one of the foremost causes of visible aging. Would you like to know more? Read on:

Sculptra is an injectable, however, not all injectables are created the same. Each is formulated differently, each targets different areas, each produces different results. What makes Sculptra unique is that it contains a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid, which is a bio-compatible, bio-degradable substance that is naturally and gradually absorbed by the body to help rebuild lost collagen.

•Injectable fillers are either gels or liquids that help reduce fine lines by pushing the dermis space up beneath existing lines, wrinkles and creases. Results appear immediately and can last up to several months.

•Toxins minimize fine lines by temporarily weakening facial muscles, typically in the forehead and near the eyes. Results appear within a few days and can last several months.

•Collagen creams purport to deliver absorbable collagen. However, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. In truth, collagen creams include vitamins and hold moisture, which makes them suitable moisturizers that can briefly improve the skin’s appearance.

•Collagen stimulators can diminish facial wrinkles by helping to restore the deep, underlying structure of the skin. Results appear gradually over multiple injections – usually three injections space three months apart. Results can last up to two years.

As collagen stimulator, Sculptra is different. It works deep within the dermis, rather than topically. As Sculptra’s micro-particles are absorbed, they work to stimulate collagen production. The rebuilt collagen strands then gradually begin to help restore your facial structure and volume and create fullness to existing wrinkles and folds.

Fall is the perfect time for a Sculptra Aesthetic treatment. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kimmel, today.

What If I Can’t Have a Facelift?

There’s no denying how wonderful your skin can appear naturally refreshed and rejuvenated after a facelift procedure here at our Hazleton plastic surgery practice. However, there are some cases wherein a face lift may not be the best option for some patients such as those with existing chronic medical conditions (the likes of diabetes and high blood pressure).

We have even encountered patients who simply can’t have a major surgical procedure due to history of extreme sensitivity to anesthesia, pain medications, or antibiotics. In some cases, there are patients looking for other options apart from a face lift because either they can’t afford the costs at present or do not have the luxury of longer recovery times. 

If you find yourself in either of the patients’ shoes mentioned above, Dr. Kimmel offers other face lift alternatives at the Keystone Surgery Center that are still geared towards helping you achieve and maintain that naturally youthful look. So what are these alternatives? Read on below!

Botox

Botox is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure to date and is effective in reducing the appearance of crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eye area) and the horizontal creases in one’s forehead (also known as frown lines). This popular injectable works by controlling or reducing muscle contractions underneath the skin which in turn results to the appearance of wrinkles.

The procedure itself is quick and can last between 15 to 30 minutes and results will be immediately noticeable within the first few days following the injection. Results can last between 3 to 6 months and repeated injections may be necessary to maintain the effects.

Dermal Fillers

Alongside Botox, dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to improving facial skin that has been ravaged with aging — from adding volume to sunken cheeks and thinning lips to filling in deep lines, wrinkles, and creases. There are wide variety of dermal fillers out there, targeting specific aging problems. Like Botox, fillers are injected into the targeted areas and results may be noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

You can actually choose to have Botox and a dermal filler at the same time, depending on the outcomes you want to achieve. If you’d like to learn how these non-surgical alternatives can help you look younger and refreshed, an initial consultation with Dr. Kimmel should be in order!

Call us at (570)622-2900 or fill out this contact form to schedule an initial consultation today. We look forward to your visit!

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