Injectable Fillers

Vertical lip lines have a few potential treatment options, depending upon the severity of the lines as well as your skin type and preference. One option is Botox to soften the muscle activity that causes the lines. Another option is filler to fill in specific lines. Finally, one may consider skin resurfacing (chemical peel or laser resurfacing) to achieve a smoother appearance to the skin.

Asymmetry is a challenge in facial plastic surgery. It is very difficult to achieve symmetry. That said, injectable filler with hyaluronic acid can address thin lips and may improve upon the asymmetry as well.

Injectable filler may result in bruising and/or swelling. If these occur, it may take approximately 3 days to resolve.

Yes, there can be some limitations when performing rhinoplasty on African Americans. First, the nasal skin is typically thicker and more sebaceous, thus limiting the amount of refinement of the nasal tip. Second, the nasal base is typically wider. In order to address this and flared nostrils, an excision is performed; however, there may be a risk of keloid formation. Third, there is typically a paucity of septal cartilage for structuring the nose in rhinoplasty; therefore, alternative sources of cartilage might be needed (ear or rib).

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I do not recommend silicone injections to the lips. Rather, I prefer a hyaluronic acid filler to achieve more shape to the lips.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The chin implant I use is composed of silicone. It is well tolerated. For the individual who is hesitant to have an implant, you may consider an injectable filler, such as Radiesse, to provide chin augmentation.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I recommend addressing your allergies first. You may find that the lower eyelids respond nicely to proper allergy treatment. If you still have hollowness of lower eyelids after proper allergy treatment, then you may benefit from injectable filler in the hollow areas to provide a smoother transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The most common complications associated with fillers include bruising and swelling. Certain medications can increase bruising, such as ibuprofen-containing products and aspirin. Therefore, we recommend patients stop these medicines approximately 10 days prior to injections. Also, some homeopathic medicines can increase bruising and swelling, such as Gingko Biloba. There are certain homeopathic medicines that minimize bruising, such as Arnica Montanta; we recommend patients consider this in an effort to decrease risk of bruising. If bruising and swelling occur, it is temporary. Other potential complications include a bumpy contour irregularity following injection. Massage usually alleviates the contour irregularity. However, if this "bump" persists and a hyaluronic acid filler was used (such as Juvederm), then I can inject an enzyme into that bump and it usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Puffiness in the hollow tear troughs is a potential complication following injection of either Juvederm or Restylane. We minimize this risk by injecting a small amount of filler material within the tear trough. In doing so, we are able to improve the hollowness while significantly decreasing the puffy appearance. If you do experience puffiness following injection of hyaluronic acid in the hollow tear troughs, this is easily corrected with hyaluronidase.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The temple region is an area that may lose volume over time, thus giving a sunken-in appearance to the temples. Radiesse is an excellent filler and I use it for a variety of purposes. However, I prefer a hyaluronic acid for the temples as this product is softer and, I believe, gives a more natural result in the temples.