plastic surgery Archives | The Aesthetic Clinique

Deceptive Practices Used in Before and After Photos

“A picture is worth a thousand words”. It’s true, seeing a great before and after speaks volumes for a certain physician’s or practitioner’s abilities. Unfortunately, there are some deceptive practices that can trick the eyes into believing results are better than they are really are. Instagram is a showcase for the aesthetic industry, but there is no oversight as to the claims made on the photos displayed. The bullet points below will help one to develop a critical eye to discern the truth from the “fictional results”.

Lightening must be the same in both pictures. A common misleading practice is to have a dark before picture and a light after picture. In the lighter picture, wrinkles and shadows are going to be less, and fool the observing into thinking these were related to the procedure.
Angle of the neck/head must be the same in both pictures. Take a look at the nose and jaw to see if the head is in the exact same position. If the head is tilted more upward in the after picture, the neck will appear to have less fullness, less wrinkles, and be firmer. This is particularly popular in the Kybella before and after photos.
The expression must be the same in both pictures. If a patients is partially smiling in the before and not in the after, the wrinkles around the mouth and cheek will appear falsely improved.
Sculptra pictures should have at least a 3-6 month interval. Sculptra is always mixed with water or saline for reconstitution. The immediate results after injection reflect merely the effects of the water/saline and not that of Sculptra. The collagen stimulation from Sculptra will take at least 3 months to appreciate, with 6-9 months being even a better gauge of results.
Using company photos or other physician’s photos without noting this or giving the appropriate credit on their websites or posts is also a common practice.
If make-up is used, it must be similar in both photos. Too often the before has none and the after has make-up.

Perfect before and after photos are very challenging. Even when results are extraordinaire, there are often difficulties trying to capture these changes with the camera. However, purposely trying to “enhance” photos with the practices above must be pointed out to the practitioners.

Introducing the Concept of “Age Freezing”

The nonsurgical aesthetic industry has finally hit an important milestone. Using a combination of techniques, cosmetic physicians are now able to halt, and even reverse, the age-related changes which occur to one’s face. In the past, technologies would allow for turning back time for a few years but eventually, the inevitable and undeniable signs of aging would occur. As lasers, radiofrequency (RF), filler and neuromodulator techniques have improved, the aging face is a thing of the past. The concept of “age freezing”, keeping ones looks for a decade or more, is not merely a dream, but reality. More importantly, this all can be done without surgery!

Not everyone is a candidate for “Age Freezing” unfortunately. The stipulations are:

Must be a nonsmoker – There are several significant skin and health issues associated with smoker which can’t be overcome. Many procedures require healing and collagen stimulation which are inhibited by smoking.
Free of chronic debilitating disease – There are tolls long term diseases take on the body which lead to premature aging, cellular changes.
Stable weight – As Katherine Deneuve once stated, at the age of 40, you must decide between your ass or your face. If you lose too much weight, fat is lost from your face. In most instances, this can be overcome but not always. However, in patients with significant weight gains, there can be some difficulties maintaining the same look one had in the years prior.
Alcohol consumption in moderation – Alcohol can take a toll on the body in the long run when taken in excess. 1-2 drinks per day is the recommended maximum intake that the author recommends.
Healthy lifestyle and diet – Although this topic overlaps some of the previously mentioned necessities, a good exercise regime is also required. The benefits of exercise on weight, hormones, circulation all benefit the facial appearance. Obviously, a well-rounded diet full of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients is beneficial too. There is research to support telomere lengthening with these measures as well.

The requisite procedures for “Age Freezing” are:

Neurotoxins on a regular basis. Relaxing the hyperdynamic muscles of the face with either Dysport or Botox needs to be performed at least 3 times per year. The regularity is needed to keep the muscles weak and prohibiting them from regaining strength.
Dermal Fillers for lost volume. Fillers are the epicenter of the whole “Age Freezing” concept. Beginning in the mid 30’s, at least a cc of volume is lost per year. This is the result of fat, bone, and muscle loss. Replacing and keeping up with this process is tantamount to looking young. Large volumes are best replaced with using Sculptra, a collagen stimulating filler. It is best to recreate the foundation with Sculptra. Superficial fine tuning is best performed with a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Restylane. New techniques using blunt cannulas permitted safer, less downtime procedures. A comprehensive understanding of the aging process has enlightened our specialty as to what needs to be corrected for accomplishing age reversal.
Skin Tightening to reverse gravity. The constant downward pull due to gravity leads to skin laxity, above and beyond what is attributable to volume loss. Devices that heat up the dermis will stimulate collagen and tissue contraction. Devices vary in their ability to tighten, often with a tradeoff of more downtime/discomfort/risk for more results. Ablative lasers, CO2 and Erbium, will give the most tightening for lasers. Radiofrequency can also be used, with the microneedling RF, such as Infini, giving the best results. A new procedure called JPlasma, looks like it may have promise in significant tightening, but does have about 14 days of downtime and a month of redness.
Skin Resurfacing to improve pigmentation, fine lines, and thicken the dermis. The aging process, primarily due to sun exposure, causes skin to thin with loss of collagen and elastin. Dyspigmentation, pigmentation problems, occurs as well. Renewing the surface of the skin can be accomplished using lasers, such as the Fraxel Dual, or chemical peels. Microneedling can thicken the skin by producing small injuries in the dermis with very little downtime or risks. There may be benefit to adding PRP, platelet rich plasma, to the skin, but the jury is still out.
Skin Care is essential to achieve the optimal results from any of the above mention procedures as well as to improve one’s skin health. Retin A or Retinol should be a staple in one’s nightly regime. These products stimulate skin turnover, reversal of pigmentation problems, better hydration with hyaluronic acid stimulation, and collagen production. Blemishes/Acne breakouts are improved with these products as well.
Oral Supplements are key to good, healthy skin. Oxidants are the source of disease, cancer, aging, and skin damage. To neutralize the oxidative stress, strong anti-oxidant supplement(s) are necessary. Examples include: superoxide dismutase, fish oils, resveratrol, Polypodium leucotomos, turmeric, and glutathione. In addition, the antiaging benefits of Metformin are hard to dismiss with the current research published. Lengthening one’s telomeres with TA65 is probably beneficial as well.

One must understand that the “Age Freezing” concept is a process. It is a lifestyle, a choice. It is not a “one and done” procedure. It consists of regular visits to an aesthetic physician. There are big steps and little steps along the way. The author has dozens of “Age Freezing” patients whom look younger and better, 10 or more years after initiating treatments. “Age Freezing” will eliminated the need for future cosmetic surgery.

Coolsculpting Update 2017 – Faster, More Comfortable, Better Results

Coolsculpting’s original FDA approval was in 2009 and it was initially cleared to cool skin prior to dermal procedures. It was later in 2010 that the FDA approved Coolsculpting for fat reduction in the flanks (love handles). Over the next several years, the procedure has been approved for abdomen, thighs – both inner and outer with various sized handpieces to treat every body type.

What’s new is that there are 2 new indications for Coolsculpting treatment. The submental fat (double chin) can now be treated with the Cool Mini handpiece. Depending on the needs of the patient, one or two applications are needed. Treatment times are 45 minutes. There is no downtime as is customary with all Coolsculpting procedures. A 2nd treatment is needed in some patients who need larger corrections. Another exciting area of recently approved treatment is the underarm area. This is where the new Cool Petite handpiece is used. Loose skin is not going to improve but that annoying “bat wing” can be reduced with these treatments.

In 2016, there was a significant change to the handpieces used for treatment called the CoolAdvantage Handpieces. (Not all practices have upgraded to these, so patients must inquire). The difference is that these handpieces are more shallow – the amount of suction witl therefore be less. The cooling plate is continuous rather than just the sides. The area treated is now more uniformly cooled than with the prior handpieces. These changes result in:

More comfortable treatments
Treatment times of 35 minutes vs the usual 60 minutes
Faster onset of results – as little as 3 weeks
Less bruising and post procedure pain

Soon after Coolsculpting’s approval it had been noted that manual massage post treatment led to improved results. About a couple years ago it was found that using the Zimmer Z Wave in place of the massage yielded even better results. It was found that adding the Z Wave increased the treatment efficacy by 68-100%. The Z Wave uses Acoustic Pulsed Technology, which sends shock waves through the skin and fat. It is a painless 5-10 minute procedure. These shock waves further injure the fat cells leading to a better result. After the Coolsculpting treatment, there are fat cells which are killed, some unaffected, and some which are “on the fence” as to whether they will survive or die. The Z Wave pushes some of these “undecided” cells over the brink. Z Wave has also been shown to lead to less post procedure discomfort.

“If one is good, two is better”. In some practices, a second Coolsculpting machine has been purchased. This allows for “DualSculpting”, treating 2 areas simultaneously. Treatment times are then cut in half using this technique.

Comparing the DualSculpting to treatments 1 year ago, two areas can now be treated in about one quarter of the time when adding the benefits of the CoolAdvantage Handpieces.

The Aesthetic Clinique has been one of the pioneers in Coolsculpting treatments. Its first machine was obtained in 2009, being one of the first 25 in the country, even before the formal FDA approval for fat reduction. All the latest handpieces are available including the CoolAdvantage, Cool Mini, and Cool Petite. The Zimmer Z Wave is a complementary service added to all Coolsculpting treatments. A second machine has just been purchased, so DualSculpting is now available at The Aesthetic Clinique.

Recent advances have made Coolsculpting significantly faster, more comfortable, and more effective. It is a great noninvasive procedure for reducing unwanted fat without downtime.

3 Year Experience with Infini – High Intensity Focused Radiofrequency

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It’s been a little over 3 years since the Infini was introduced in the United States in August, 2013 by Lutronic. It was developed in Korea, and had been used in the prior 2 years in Asia and Europe. Infini brought a significant evolutionary change to treating the skin with radiofrequency (RF). Although RF has an over 50 year history of medical uses, Lutronic’s Infini innovations has elevated the precision in which the RF energy is delivered to an entirely new level.

It been long established that heating skin causes an inflammatory response that results in collagen stimulation, tissue contraction, and skin rejuvenation. While 42-45 C (denaturing) has shown to be enough to create this cascade, 65-70 C (coagulation) has been shown to lead to maximum collagen deposition. Radiofrequency devices which push their energy through the skin without penetration are limited to temperatures of 45 C because of the risk of harming the skin surface (blisters/scarring). Bypassing the surface with microneedles, as Infini does, temperatures can go up to the coagulation point with very little risk. In addition, Infini can place this energy at the “sweet spot” of the skin, the mid to deep dermis. The depth of most of the predecessor RF devices was always in question, and was often too deep (fat necrosis risk).

Over the last several months, there have been significant treatment innovations with Infini. With diligent research and histological evaluations, optimal settings were further enhanced. These settings lead to larger zones of coagulation during each pulse. This translates into fewer pulses needed (shorter treatment times), and better results. In addition, the treatment tip was modified to allow for a more even distribution of energy, which also leads to better outcomes. The “price to pay” for these innovations is slightly more prolonged redness, possibly up to a week. Also, “microdots”, the grid-like white marks from the needle tips, might last for more than a couple weeks. These have always resolved without scarring or complications.

Dr. Weiner has performed approximately 1000 cases in the past 3 years with Infini. (Cases = areas treated, i.e face, neck, chest). A summary of his findings:

There have been no long term complications in his patients. There have been no incidences of scarring, unwanted fat loss, or pigmentation issues.
Infini is safe to use on all skin types.
Infini is the most effective device available for acne scarring when compared to ablative, non ablative lasers, and other RF devices.
Significant improvements can be established in the neck wrinkles, necklace lines, and creepy skin of the neck.
Superficial fine lines on the face are well treated.
Jawline and submental definition are improved in most cases. Purposeful fat loss is possible in these areas with deeper, more aggressive settings.
Infini is an option for axillary hyperhidrosis with proven long term results.
Infini can be safely used all over the body but the small footplate limits treatments on large surface areas.
Treatment of stretchmarks is only mildly effective. Further refinements in settings and combination therapies are still being researched.
Treatment of malar festoons (fat pads) is moderately effective with Infini (and will soon be even better with new protocols).
Over 95% of patients can be treated with only topical anesthesia. With the addition of the Superficial Skin Block, treatments are extremely well tolerated by the remaining patients.
For optimal results, some patients need volumization and Sculptra can be done simultaneously with Infini treatments.

Infini has already established itself as a low risk, low downtime, skin tightening procedure. Expect better results, less number of treatments needed, and new indications in the future. Significant resources at Lutronic will build upon the Infini platform to maintain its market dominance in the Aesthetic RF market.

Cellfina: Improving Cellulite Dimples For Years

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There have been hundreds of potions, lotions, and procedures claiming the end to cellulite. All have basically failed…until now. Finally, there is a way to cure those cellulite dimples on the buttocks and posterior/lateral thigh. The procedure is called Cellfina, and at the ASLMS in April, 2016, there was data presented showing 3 years of persistent improvements. One presenter suggested that the very early test subjects from 5 years ago had similarly persistent results.

Cellfina is done in the office using just local anesthesia. Start to finish, it takes about 1 1/4 hours, and patients are able to drive themselves home. There is very mild discomfort during the procedure (4/10) and is associated with the numbing of the areas to be treated. Afterwards, no pain medication is required, and some go back to work immediately afterwards. Most will take the remainder of the day off and head back to work the following day. Physical activity can resume after 1 or 2 days. Bruising is the most common side effect, but can be treated at the Aesthetic Clinique with the Excel V to cut down the duration to a couple days. There have been no long term side effects noted in any of the study patients.

The procedure starts with pictures and identification of the dimples that need treated. These are only able to be treated on the back part of the thighs and buttocks. After marking the sites, the patient lays prone on the table and the areas are cleaned/prepped. The Cellfina suction plate is placed over the marked areas and controlled injection of tumescent anesthetia is placed. After about 15 minutes, the same suction apparatus is placed on the sites again, and a motorized reciprocating needle-like device is inserted. This device releases the fibrous bands which are pulling the skin down. By releasing the bands, the skin elevates and viola… gone dimple. This process is continued until all the areas marked are treated. Pads are placed on the treated areas because there may be some leaking of the tumescent fluid for the next day or so.

Results begin to appear within a few days. Results are stable after a couple months for years to come.

With years of research behind Cellfina, it appears that there is finally a long term solution for correcting the nagging dimples associated with cellulite. With minimal side effects and downtime, it seems likely to be a very popular procedure, given that over 85% of females over adolescence have some degree of cellulite.

The Top 5 Procedures for a Youthful Appearance

There is so much information available on the internet that is becomes extremely confusing to the average person as to what is the right thing for them to do. While genetics, race, and lifestyle play a role in how one ages, there are many universal features of the aging face which are inescapable. While it is common to be asked “should I do this or that”, the best results are always a combination of several different procedures.

Wrinkles: Botox/Dysport relax hyperdynamic muscles which cause wrinkles with movement. There’s a reason this is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world. It is quick, extremely effective, very little downtime, minimally painful, and with a high satisfaction rate. Common areas treated are the “11’s” or frown lines, crows feet, and forehead lines. Duration of effect is about 3-4 months. Early preventative treatment is effective in delaying lines which appear at rest (etched in lines).
Loss of Volume: Volume loss is inevitable. The aging process in combination with sun exposure causes the face to lose fat, bone, muscle, and collagen. Starting at the age of about 32, a cc or 2 of volume is lost per year. It begins to become visible at about age 38-40. This is called the “tipping point” in women, about the time when fertility starts to drops off. Sun protection and darker skin types will delay this lost volume up to 10 or 15 years. Replacing lost volume is done with fillers. The most common fillers are made with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) which is a natural component of skin. Examples of HA fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, and Voluma. Longer lasting fillers are Sculptra and Bellafill.
Pigmentation/Redness: Inevitably, skin gets exposed to the sun and “sun damage” occurs. The sun is responsible for destroying collagen in the skin, causing it to thin, and lose elasticity and hydration. Another effect is causing vascular fragility leading to visible vessels and redness. Melanin is produced as the body makes an effort to protect the skin resulting in “sun spots” or hyperpigmentation. Lasers are effective in treating these conditions near painlessly. For reds, VBeam or Excel V Lasers are the gold standards. Up to 3 treatments might be needed. For a few small patches of pigment, a Q Switched Laser or Excel V is used. For more diffuse patches of pigmentation, laser resurfacing (Fraxel) or IPL are good options.
Skin Laxity/Sagging: The combination of gravity and loss of skin elasticity can result in the need for skin tightening. Surgery will give the most aggressive result for this. Alternative treatments with less downtime, less risks are Infini, Thermitight, or Ablative Lasers.
Fat Accumlation: Aging leads to changes in metabolism and fat storage. Patients develop fatty collections which become difficult to diminish despite aggressive workout routines and diets. There are now multiple noninvasive approaches to removing fat permanently with no downtime. Larger more diffuse areas require a technology called Vanquish ME. Smaller areas can be spot treated with either Coolsculpting, Sculpsure, Ultrashape, or Liposonix. In the submental area, fat can be reduced with an injection called Kybella, a new handpiece from Coolsculpting (CoolMini) or with Thermitight. Of course surgery including liposuction or tummy tuck has been the gold standard for decades and is the best option for those desiring the most aggressive approach.

Drum roll please….The top picks from the 5 categories (Dr. Weiner’s Choices):

Dysport, Sculptra, Excel V, Infini, Coolsculpting (CoolMini)

Smoking and Aesthetic Procedures Don’t Mix Well

Smoking is well known for its detrimental effects to one’s lungs and health. Lung cancer, heart disease, chronic lung disease, strokes are all sited to have much higher rates in those that smoke. It certainly is no leap of faith to imagine the harm smoking causes to the largest organ of the body, the skin.

There is one study which shows that moderate smokers (30 cigs/day) will show 14 more years of aging when they hit 70 then nonsmokers. They are more likely to have deeper crows feet and “smoker’s lines” above the lips. Telangiectasias, often called broken capillaries, are more common in smokers. The color and glow of the skin is changed. The circulation is decreased because the blood vessels are constricted (vasoconstriction), mainly due to nicotine, so the skin becomes dull, ashen, and loses it redness. Carbon monoxide levels become elevated in the blood stream, reducing the oxygen capacity of the blood. Hydration of the skin is reduced in smokers. Also, the vasoconstriction affects the hair by thinning it and causing premature graying.

Another study shows that smoker had about a 20% collagen reduction in response to a wound. Extracellular matrix turnover was also decrease. Smoking also depletes vital nutrients in the skin such as Vitamin B and Vitamin C (needed for collagen formation), and magnesium. Each cigarette generates million of free radicals, which causes an inflammatory response throughout the body.

Many of our aesthetic procedures rely on the body’s response to get optimal or for that matter, any outcome. A collagen response is needed in our collagen stimulating fillers such as Sculptra, Bellafill, and Radiesse. The longevity and volume afforded by these fillers is solely collagen related. These fillers should be reconsidered if they are planned to be used in a smoker.

A flap during surgery is when an area of skin is elevated from its normal position. This compromises the blood flow because part of the normal vasculature is cut. This is what occurs when performing a face lift, neck lift, rhinoplasty (nose job), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and breast surgery. A smokers outcome with these procedures is at significantly higher risk because of the vasoconstriction that nicotine causes. The flaps are at risk of necrosis (dying), prolonged edema, prolonged healing, scarring, need for reoperation and infection.

Laser resurfacing or RF (radiofrequency) procedures depend on the heat injury to cause an inflammatory response which ultimately leads to collagen stimulation and skin tightening. In a smoker, the blood supply in compromised to the skin so WOUND HEALING AND COLLAGEN FORMATION IS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIRED. Complications such as infection, prolonged healing, scarring, poor results are much higher with smokers. Most physicians will not perform ablative laser procedures on smokers because of these additional risks.

Many smokers say they will quit and use nicotine gum/patches or e-cigarettes. These solutions are just as detrimental as cigarettes to wound healing and collagen formation. There is still vascular constriction with these substitutes. Most surgeons require a window of at least 3 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after to be smoke free. Some require urine testing for nicotine and its by products to document compliance.

Smoking and aesthetic procedures aren’t a good combination. It is counterproductive to smoke while striving to look younger. If one is really concerned about their looks, smoking cessation is absolutely necessary. It will save your appearance and save your life too!

Vanquish ME Vs Coolsculpting for Fat Reduction

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Coolsculpting ushered in the era of non invasive fat reduction in 2009. Who would ever have believed that a one hour procedure could remove fat permanently, without incisions? Coolsculpting can produce reliable fat loss of approximately 20-25% with no downtime and minimal risk. It is clearly the market leader with over 2 million treatments. For a long time, Coolsculpting stood without competition, but over the past couple years, formidable competition has been developed. The differences between Coolsculpting and Vanquish ME will be elaborated below. (Dr. Weiner has experience with both technologies, adopting the Coolsculpting in 2009 and the Vanquish in 2014.)

Research has found that a fat cell’s survival is sensitive to both heat and cold. Coolsculpting takes advantage of cooling the fat tissue to a temperature that is safe for all other structures such as nerves, muscles, and skin. After the Coolsculpting treatment, the fat cells gradually die in a process called apoptosis over the next 6-8 weeks. Subsequent treatments in the same areas yield even better results.

Vanquish ME uses radiofrequency technology to heat up the fat tissue to a point where the fat cells undergo apoptosis as well. The more treatments an individual has, the better the outcomes will be.

From a cursory perspective, it appears that these technologies are interchangeable, but that is definitely not the case. These are where they differ:

One of the major differences between these 2 technologies is that Coolsculpting requires pinchable fat that can be suctioned into the handpiece. This is a major downside to this technology because patients that have fat that can’t be drawn into the handpiece, can’t be treated. On the other hand, Vanquish ME can treat all patients. This includes the moderate to severe obese patient, who is not a candidate for the Coolsculpting. It can also treat the very fit patient who has just a small bit of fat that doesn’t go away with exercise but is not enough to place in a Coolsculpting handpiece.

The treatment area of Vanquish ME is significantly larger than with a Coolsculpting application. This is important because there have been cases of Coolsculpting treatments leading to demarcations between the treated areas. Correction of this problem is difficult, and might require liposuction. This has not been found to occur with Vanquish ME due to the large treatment areas, multiple sessions, and feathering that occurs on the edges of the area treated.

Coolsculpting has been advocated for patients with BMI’s (body mass index) below 30. This limits the procedure to those patients which are mildly overweight. On the other hand, Vanquish ME can be performed on all body types. The problem with treating the higher BMI patient’s with Coolsculpting is that they are at higher risk to have the indentations and demarcations then the lower BMI patients.

Radiofrequency has long been used to help tighten skin. The heat causes collagen stimulation and remodeling. An advantage of the Vanquish ME over Coolsculpting is it’s ability to cause some skin contraction.

Potential side effects of Coolsculpting have been shown to be numbness, bruising, prolonged pain, and paradoxical fat enlargement. The potential side effects from Vanquish has only been superficial skin burns, but that risk has been minimized with changes in the administration of the treatments.

The areas treatable with the technologies are:

Abdomen and Flanks: Coolsculpting needs at least 4 different applications to treat abdomen and flanks (4 hours). This can be performed in one treatment with the Vanquish ME, but will require 4-6 visits (about 4-5 hours).
Inner and Outer Thighs: Coolsculpting 2 different applications each leg vs Vanquish ME’s one each leg but 4-6 treatments
Chin, Gynecomastia, Bra Fat: Only treatable with Coolsculpting
Arms (“batwings”): Treatable with both technologies

Zimmer’s Z Wave has been shown to increase the fat destruction after use of both the Vanquish ME and Coolsculpting. Studies have shown an average increase of about 68% fat loss (up to 100%) when the Z Wave is used. The Z Wave is a painless 5 minute procedure that is performed at the conclusion of the treatment. Technically, the Z Wave is described as “Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT)”, which causes a shock wave to go thru the fat. It pushes fat cells that are “undecided” as to whether they are going to survive the fat destroying treatment over the edge, leading to a more effective treatment.

Both Vanquish ME and Coolsculpting have proven technologies that treat unwanted fat permanently using noninvasive techniques. Coolsculpting can be used to treat some areas that Vanquish can not. Coolsculpting has more side effects, albeit usually minor. The clear winner for the larger patient is the Vanquish ME for its ability to treat larger surface areas without the risk of lines of demarcation or indentations. Patients with loose skin will be better served with the Vanquish ME.

Bellafill is a Unique, Safe, Long Lasting Filler

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Bellafill is a one of a kind dermal filler. What makes it unique is its longevity, composition, and FDA approved indications. Although FDA approved in 2006 for improving the nasolabial folds, there have been 2 recent studies that have expanding its indications. These are the use of Bellafill for acne scars and data which shows at least 5 years of correction from a Bellafill treatment. Both of these studies are ground breaking, with no other fillers able to make these claims.

Bellafill is a mixture of 20% PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) and 80% Bovine Collagen. PMMA has been used medically for over 50 years as an implant. The PMMA in Bellafill is uniform smooth spheres of 40 micron diameter. The spheres elicit an inflammatory response, which stimulates the body to create a collagen capsule around these spheres. The size of the spheres is important, because at 40 microns, the body is unable to phagocytize the PMMA (digest), leading to the prolonged longevity of the product. Being smooth, the inflammatory response is subdued, minimizing the uncontrolled inflammation found in granulomas. Prior to Bellafill injection, a dermal test is needed to see if the patient is allergic to the Bovine collagen and this takes 28 days to determine the results. The Bovine collagen in Bellafill provides a temporary correction for about 2-3 months, until the body’s own collagen is created.

Acne scarring causes significant psychosocial problems for millions of Americans. Isolation, depression, suicidal thoughts, and poor self-esteem are just some of the many issues these individuals suffer from. Bellafill is used to improve the appearance of the rolling type (scars that flatten when stretched) of acne scars. It is injected into the dermis, to elevate the scar. The results are immediate, but improvement is noted over the next 12 months. The FDA study showed that approximately 0.1cc was needed per scar, and most patients required 2 treatment sessions. There were no major complications noted and everyone was followed for 12 months. Satisfaction rated by the patients was over 90% at 12 months.

No filler on the market has published data showing persistent corrections at the 5 year mark. Bellafill studied 1008 patients for 5 years. Retention rate was 87%. Satisfaction rates at every year including the 5^th year was 80% or higher. The granuloma complication rate was 1.7%, which is comparable or better than all other fillers. With treatment, the granuloma rate was less than 1%. With corrections lasting at least 5 years, it is easy to see how Bellafill is actually a very economical filler as well.

Bellafill truly is unique amongst the dermal filler in regards to its longevity and use for acne scars. It is currently only available from a select group of physicians who have been trained by the company. Dr. Weiner is a physician trainer, lecturer, Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and on the physician advisory board for Bellafill. Dr. Weiner is actually a Bellafill patient as well, having been recently injected with 8 syringes of the product.

What Differentiates Dr. Weiner from the Majority of Other Filler and Botox/Dysport Providers

Dr. Weiner is Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and is an expert on the anatomy of the face. He trained, and was a faculty member, at the number one rated Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Department in the country at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He started injecting Botox in 1994. His initial uses for Botox were for spasms of the vocal cords and neck, as well as excessive muscle tension, particularly in the TMJ area. Even prior to FDA approval for cosmetic use, Dr. Weiner was using Botox for improving wrinkles around the crows feet and forehead in the late 90’s.
Dr. Weiner is a physician trainer for injections techniques of: Sculptra, Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Bellafill, and Dysport.
Dr. Weiner is a lecturer for Galderma (Restylane Family of Products, Sculptra, Dysport) and Suneva (Bellafill)
Multiple techniques (cooling, vibration, small needles) are used during the injections to minimize the discomfort without the use of “dental blocks”
Dr. Weiner is on the physician’s advisory board for Allergan (Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Kybella)
Dr. Weiner is a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Bellafill.
Dr. Weiner is the only one that injects neuromodulators and fillers at The Aesthetic Clinique
Dr. Weiner has experience with all the FDA approved neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Myobloc) and fillers (Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Juvederm, Voluma, Radiesse, Bellafill, Sculptra, Belotero, Prevelle Silk, Evolence (off market), and Cosmoderm (off market).
Dr. Weiner uses exclusively blunt tipped cannulas for his filler injections (except Restylane Silk in lips) since 2012. Cannulas are much safer and lead to less bruising, less discomfort, less complications, and less downtime. Less than 5% of providers use cannulas.
Fillers, neuromodulators, and lasers are all Dr. Weiner does at the Aesthetic Clinique for the past 10 years. He is completely focused on Aesthetic Medicine.
Dr. Weiner has participated in 2 clinical trials for Juvederm.
If there is bruising after treatment, Dr. Weiner offers complimentary laser treatment with the Excel V. This is a couple minute procedure that decreases the duration of bruising from up to 2 weeks, down to 1 or 2 days.
All patients are photographed with TouchMD, which allows for patients to see their own before and after photos either online or on a phone app.
3D photos are taken of all filler patients to show the volume improvements much more precisely than 2D photos.
There is an extensive library of videos on Dr. Weiner’s YouTube channel that shows his techniques so patients can learn what to expect during their visit. Gain confidence and trust even before the actual visit.
Dr. Weiner is a Presidential Champion Level for Galderma, the highest volume level for their products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Sculptra, and Dysport.
Dr. Weiner is a Platinum Plus Level for Allergan Products: Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma.