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October 6, 2011

Can Dr. Steinsapir dissolve the liquid silicone that was injected in my face in Mexico?

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery,Dr. Steinsapir,facial fillers,Restylane Injections,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:20 pm

Silicone oil has only one FDA-approved indication for use―repairing complex retinal detachments.  Liquid silicone, also called silicone oil, finds its way into off-label use as a medical-grade facial filler.  However, silicone oil has a number of side effects and it is not advisable for this use.  Dr. Steinsapir does not recommend getting liquid silicone injections, no matter how much more inexpensive the treatment may be, nor does he perform the procedure.  Fixing previous silicone injections is a complicated, involved process, and it is impossible to remove all of the oil.   Dr. Steinsapir has treated many patients damaged by these treatments but each situation is unique and a personal assessment is essential to learn what methods might improve your situation.

The perils of liquid silicone

Receiving silicone oil injections in Mexico ( or in the United States at “pumping parties” or from unscrupulous injectors) is a dangerous decision for several reasons.  Non-medical injectors are known to use liquid silicone illegally on the black market.  Although medical professionals using liquid silicone in an off-label fashion use medical grade material, on the black market the silicone is often not medical grade but rather industrial silicone oil, which was never intended for the human body.  There have been deaths from these types of illegal treatments.

Technically, since physicians may use FDA-approved products for non-approved uses, you can legally receive silicone oil treatments as a facial filler; but that doesn’t make it a good idea.  Injecting silicone oil into the face and other parts of the body like the buttocks is not a case of careful and thoughtful use.  It violates the very oath that every doctor takes to do no harm.  Unfortunately a few non-physicians and even physicians continue to use silicone oils this way.

Deaths related to silicone oil injections have been reported. Even small facial treatments into the lip and nasolabial fold over time can result permanent and irreparable facial disfigurement.

Don’t be fooled by the price

When it comes to financing cosmetic procedures, here is the bottom line: if you can’t afford safe, quality treatment from an actual physician (not an assistant, technician, traveling person with unspecified qualifications, the black market, or your own hand), then you are better off without any treatment.  Silicone oil injections have too many associated complications, including migration and permanent disfigurement

Instead of automatically assuming you cannot afford legitimate, trustworthy, FDA-approved fillers, consult a bona-fide, fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon to learn about the cost and payment options for a safe, dependable filler.  Silicone oil injections are cheap for a reason.  Anyone who tells you they are a good cosmetic option is misleading you and omitting the facts.

Fixing facial fillers

Unfortunately, silicone oil is a poor alternative to real hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® or Perlane® because it cannot easily be modified after the treatment.  The first step in addressing and removing unwanted silicone is to identify the exact source of the injected silicone.

  • Was it medical grade or industrial silicone oil?
  • What is the lot number and expiration date?
  • Where was it manufactured?
  • Did the injector take precautions and use sterile technique?

Removing silicone is difficult, which is why Dr. Steinsapir believes that it should not be used as a filler material.  Once you have identified the above information, the next step is to decide if surgery or some other approach is needed.  Silicone oil is permanent and can’t be dissolved so removing it may require invasive surgery.  The type and extent of your surgery will depend heavily on the location of the original injections, the type of silicone used, and the amount.  The benefit of removing the material must be weighed against the potential complications that might be caused by surgery.

It is important to choose an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon to perform your surgery.  Find someone you can trust and who will work with you to find a treatment plan that works for you and your individual situation.  Unfortunately, a decision to receive silicone oil in Mexico, or any other black market injector often results in a greater expense in order to have the foreseeable complications addressed.   In too many cases, there are no good options.  Dr. Steinsapir strongly encourages anyone considering a black market cosmetic treatment of any kind to take into account the fact that while the initial treatment may be less expensive than a proper visit to a cosmetic surgeon and paying full price for your procedure, the long-term costs of a decision like this far out-weigh the short-term savings.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon.  He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery.  He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions.  He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago.  He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage.  He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally.  He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.  His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities.  Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for his expert care.

To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialized Restylane treatments, please contact us today.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

December 17, 2010

Could I be allergic to Restylane?

Filed under: facial fillers,hyaluronic acid fillers,lip fillers,Restylane,restylane in los angeles,Restylane Injections — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 8:52 am

Restylane is one of the most popular facial fillers and rightly so, because it is safe, has proven results, and is easy to adjust in case your treatment needs this for any reason.  However, please remember that even the safest medical treatments come with some risk, and there is a very small chance you could be allergic to Restylane.  The key to your positive treatment experience will be in finding the best cosmetic surgeon for you who is a specialist in facial fillers.  Be completely open and honest about your medical history with him or her, and together you can make treatment decisions that minimize your risk.

What is Restylane?
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler that is often used to improve deficiencies in facial tissue and dark circles under the eyes.  Technically speaking, hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate polymer (or in lay terms, a sugar gel) already found throughout our bodies in the fluid of our joints.
Restylane is a sugar gel that is cross-linked to make it last much longer in the body, which is why you can see benefits for about a year.  Restylane is usually the top choice for correcting undereye circles, facial wrinkles, and volume problems in the nasolabial fold and lips.

Reactions Are Rare But Possible
It is rare to have an allergy to a hyaluronic filler, but it is possible.  Fortunately, the incidence of an allergic reaction to Restylane is so unusual that no testing is recommended before your treatment.  It is your responsibility to be completely open about your medical history, any current conditions you may have, and allergies in your family.  There are a few cases in which you should be very cautious; for example, if you’ve had a reaction to something that has some shared components of Restylane, be sure to let your cosmetic surgeon know.

Also be mindful that having no allergic reaction to one hyaluronic filler does not guarantee that you’ll have no reaction to another hyaluronic filler, such as Juvederm.  These are related products but not identical, so consider the risk individually.  However, if you have already shown an allergic reaction to one hyaluronic filler, you will likely be allergic to another.  Given how rare the incidence of these allergies are, it’s considered safe to predict that you’ll have no allergy, but please take responsibility in recognizing the small risk exists.

Obtaining the Safest Treatment
If you are dissatisfied with certain aspects of your facial features, find out if Restylane is right for you.  Treatment with safe Restylane injections improves the appearance and confidence of countless people everyday, and if you have concerns like dark circles, wrinkles, or lack of facial volume, Restylane may help.

Dr. Steinsapir is a leading Restylane provider and experienced cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, where he specializes in facial fillers and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments to improve your facial aesthetic.  He is the inventor of Deepfill Restylane, a world-renowned method of correcting dark circles under the eyes, and he has also served as a physician consultant to the manufacturer of Restylane and Perlane.  To learn more about how Dr. Steinsapir can custom-tailor a treatment to your unique needs, please contact us today.

December 13, 2010

Could I be allergic to Juvederm?

Filed under: Beverly Hills Restylane,facial fillers,Juvederm,Restylane,Restylane Injections,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 12:07 pm

Just as it’s possible but rare to have an allergic reaction to Restylane as we recently discussed, it is also possible but rare to have an allergic reaction to Juvederm.  Why do we mention both Restylane and Juvederm here?  These facial fillers are each hyaluronic acid fillers, so they share properties that make them both very safe; however, in the unlikely event that you are allergic to one, then you are probably allergic to the other.  Whenever you consider undergoing any medical procedure, you should be mindful that there is always some degree of risk involved.  This is why it’s especially important to have an open conversation with your doctor about your circumstances and medical history to best determine whether you are one of the many people who can benefit from facial fillers.

If you have a history of any of the following, carefully discuss them with your doctor, as they indicate that Juvederm is probably not right for you, and instead you should consider one of other safe treatment options.  According to the Juvederm webpage, you should not use Juvederm injectable gel if you have:

•    Severe allergies with anaphylaxis
•    Allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins
•    Allergies to lidocaine

Allergic reactions to Juvederm are so rare that no testing is recommended prior to treatment, but remember rare events do happen.  The best thing to do is consider the benefits against your personal risk factors.  The good news is, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm are safe for the overwhelming majority of people.

Thinking about the Best Filler for You
Juvederm was the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler to be approved by the FDA for addressing facial folds, lines, and volume deficiencies.  It remains an excellent product to this day.  However, we’ve found that Restylane’s flow characteristics usually make it more suitable for certain facial treatments such as treating dark circles under the eyes.  This is because Restylane’s higher viscosity (basically its “thickness”) helps to keep the filler correctly placed around the undereye area.  Both Juvederm and Restylane are readily adjustable by your cosmetic surgeon, both last about the same amount of time, and both are considered safe products.  The key is in determining which cosmetic approach is best for your individual needs and then receiving a customized treatment.

Expert Consulting in Facial Fillers
If you are seeking to improve your looks and build confidence by treating facial concerns like wrinkles, hollowness, folds, and dark circles, consider how treatment with a hyaluronic acid filler or another procedure like the midface lift may help.  The only way to find out what is the best and safest treatment for you is to consult with a highly experienced and qualified doctor who can go over your medical history and current needs with you in detail, then custom-plan a treatment approach that meets your goals.  Dr. Steinsapir is a world leader in facial filler treatments, with an emphasis on minimally invasive technique that look completely natural.  To start thinking about the best way to achieve you desired aesthetic, contact us today for your no-risk consultation.

November 19, 2010

What happens to my facial fat grafts when I gain weight?

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,beverly hills facelift,Beverly Hills Restylane,facial fillers,fat grafting,Juvederm,Restylane,restylane in los angeles,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 2:21 pm

Overview

Facial filler treatments and fat grafting can be excellent ways to soften the facial features by correcting imbalances and deficiencies in facial fat distribution.  Your decision to pursue fat grafting treatment is one you should carefully consider with your doctor, as there are multiple options for achieving your desired look, and the solution that’s best for you will depend on variables like your medical history, present condition, and treatment goals.  Like other treatment options available today, fat grafting is particularly suited for some individual’s needs, while for others there may be other more suitable options.

Fat Grafts and Changes in Weight

If your weight changes just a little, you probably won’t notice much difference in your treatment results.  If you have significant changes in weight, though, you could see some differences in the form of increased facial volume.  This is important to consider before opting for fat grafts.  While you probably aren’t planning on gaining weight, you and your doctor should take into account the likelihood of weight fluctuations given your medical history and current lifestyle.

So what can you expect with changes in weight?  This depends on the individual, but with small changes in weight there is generally little change in the fat graft volume.  However, with an increased weight and body fat, the grafts also increase in volume like the fat compartment from which they were removed.  For example, when the body fat increases 10% or more, the grafted fat also significantly increases in volume.

While the effects of most facial cosmetic surgery eventually diminish over time, it’s important to recognize that fat grafting does yield long-term results.  This is a great benefit for those who seek long-term change, but there are also times when the nature of this treatment can result in an unsatisfactory result even years after the original fat grafting procedure.

Achieving the Best Long-Term Results

In an ideal world we will all of course adopt a healthy, active lifestyle that includes good nutrition and keeps your weight at a stable place where your body works best.  But the reality is that most Americans gain about one pound of weight per year.  While most qualified cosmetic surgeons can comfortably adjust and even reverse treatments with Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers, correcting the facial contour after fat grafting is not so simple or straightforward.

These tendencies lead many cosmetic surgeons to favor the new facial fillers—like undereye Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm—for most patients.  These fillers do not last as long as fat grafts, but they are very popular and effective because they are safe, provide benefit without the necessity of surgery, can be adjusted with the enzyme hyaluronidase, and have science-based, proven results.

Does this mean that fat grafting is wrong for you?  Not necessarily—fat grafting is an excellent option for certain situations on a person-to-person basis, just as facial fillers and other procedures like the facelift work well for many individuals.  You will need to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon before making a final decision that is right for you.

Experience Counts; Consult with the Best

Dr. Steinsapir is a leader in cosmetic facial fillers and other cosmetic facial treatments and surgeries.  In fact, he has served as a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc. (Perlane’s and Restylane’s distributor).  He has developed Deepfill Restylane, the world-renowned method of treating dark circles under the eyes.  His practice emphasizes minimally invasive treatment methods that are customized for the individual’s unique situational needs, with the aim of fast healing time and natural results.  For more information on how Dr. Steinsapir can help you determine your best treatment options, contact us today.

November 2, 2010

I’ve heard that the enzyme that erases Restylane wrecks the skin. Is that true?

Filed under: Beverly Hills Restylane,eyelid filler,facial fillers,hyaluronic acid fillers,Juvederm,Perlane,Restylane,Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 8:42 pm

One reason why fillers like Restylane and Juvederm have been so successful is because these treatments can be adjusted using an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase, an egg-based enzyme that works as a sort of “erasure” to modify lumps and bumps that may occur as a result of facial filler treatment.   Individuals with a history of allergies to egg based vaccines should inform their physician prior to treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers.

Some people are nervous about seeking treatment because they’re not sure if they will like their new look and they want to have the option of reversing any undesirable results, or they simply wish to be able to change their mind later.  Still others may be concerned that if they are dissatisfied with a filler treatment that they’ve already had, will they make things even worse by seeking a correction?  These are understandable fears, but fortunately they are largely unfounded.  There is no reason to believe that hyaluronidase will ruin your skin or make matters worse.  Routinely, hyaluronidase is used to adjust hyaluronic acid filler treatments.  While every medical procedure comes with a risk, and while it is possible that you are one of the rare individuals who could experience an allergic reaction, this is not likely.  A reputable cosmetic surgeon can safely make adjustments, and in the unlikely event of a complication, your physician will know what to do.

How did the rumors about hyaluronidase get started?

At first when Juvederm and Restylane were being introduced as valuable cosmetic products, some dermatologists were concerned that some people could potentially have an allergic reaction to the enzyme.  However, as time went on hyaluronidase benefited numerous treatment recipients who sought adjustment, it became clear that this enzyme is a safe way to make sure that treatments with hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm achieve the best results.

Eye plastic surgeons are some of the professionals who use hyaluronidase the most, and they have found the enzyme to be reliable.  Dr. Steinsapir has used this product for over 20 years, and hasn’t seen an allergic reaction yet.  While there is always a chance of a negative response in the body, oculofacial surgeons have integrated the enzyme with hyaluronic acid filler product treatment as if it’s an eraser to modify a treatment after the fact.  Since adjusting filler treatment with hyaluronidase is truly an art form, some less experienced providers are not comfortable with this practice.  It is important to seek treatment from someone whose forte is facial fillers and cosmetic eye treatments.   These days the core specialists in hyaluronic acid are quite comfortable using the enzyme to adjust overfill.

How will I look after my hyaluronidase adjustment?

This depends on your goals and the extent of the adjustment.  In most cases, you’ll want your physician to adjust a highlight, or an area of fullness that detracts from the overall treatment effect to obtain an overall treatment effect.  He or she can do this comfortably and with a high degree of accuracy.  The enzyme can be used essentially until the original filler disappears from the face, so it’s also possible to have the filler broken down completely.  If for any reason you choose to go this route, you can expect to look the same as you always have after giving your body some time to completely heal and for any accompanying swelling to subside.  Generally Dr. Steinsapir does not advocate flooding an area to “erase all the product.”  Instead it is best to sculpt the product and make the most of what has already been placed.  Adjusting the work of other injectors is a reason than many new clients seek out Dr. Steinsapir.

You should never accept filler treatment that is touted as permanent or semipermanent.  This will make it difficult to make adjustments, and it doesn’t account for the changes in the face over time.  Later in life, exactly where and how you need help will change.

If you’ve already been treated with Restylane, Perlane, or Juvederm and feel that your treatment can benefit from some adjustment, don’t simply wait for the product to wear off.  You may have to live with you unsatisfactory results for a full year or more, and after that you will likely be nervous about seeking further help.  Have your treatment adjusted right away so you can see the real and safe benefits of cosmetic facial fillers and realize the benefits of your treatment.

Seeking the Best Filler Treatment Available

If you have already received hyaluronic acid filler injections and seek modification, in most cases you can talk with your treatment provider about revisions.  If you aren’t confident in your doctor’s abilities or do not have a positive relationship with him or her, seek a second opinion from an acclaimed expert in facial fillers with natural results.

Dr. Steinsapir is a world-renowned fillers expert and has served as a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc., the distributor of Restylane and Perlane.  He also invented Deepfill method for placing Restylane, a proven method for correcting dark circles under the eyes.  Those who seek treatment with Dr. Steinsapir are almost always very happy with their initial treatment, but in the event that your filler needs adjustment, Dr. Steinsapir can also provide the service of safely and comfortably adjusting your treatment with confidence.  Contact us today to learn more about how Dr. Steinsapir can assure that your treatment results are natural and customizable to your goals.

September 21, 2010

Are the Current Fillers Better Than Collagen?

Filed under: collagen,eyelid filler,facial fillers,lip augmentation,lip fillers,lip injections — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 10:03 am

Collagen was the original facial filler and, for much time, it was the only viable filler available.  It was offered as Zyderm I, Zyderm II, and Zyplast.  The Zyderm benefits did not last very long, and the Zyplast effects only lasted a couple months.  While these proved to be great products for treating problems in facial deficiencies like the edge of the lips, their relatively short life span made them a solution essentially only viable for the wealthy who could afford frequent treatment.  Today collagen products have largely been replaced by the hyaluronic acid fillers called Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm.  Since both of these types of facial fillers can successfully improve the facial contours, let’s examine the hyaluronic fillers further before drawing any conclusions.

What Is the Difference between Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that works as the primary building block to hold together our tissues.  As the original injectable facial filler, it’s typically derived from bovine, porcine, or human materials.  In the example of bovine-derived collagen, the collagen is extracted from cows raised in a controlled environment free of disease and closely monitored.  Allergan, Inc. creates Zyderm and Zyplast from a highly purified collagen taken from a closed bovine herd, ensuring that their product is safe and high quality.  You do need to obtain an allergy test before receiving bovine collagen filler because there is a three to eight percent chance that of an allergic reaction.  The other collagen fillers like Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm come from cultured human cells, and you do not need an allergy test before treatment.   These later products have replaced the original bovine Zyderm and Zyplast products.  Finally, Evolence is the newer collagen product that is derived from porcine and has a longer life than other forms of collagen.

While the amount of time that collagen lasts depends on the individual, it generally does not last nearly as long as the hyaluronic acids.  Both collagen and hyaluronic acid injections are effective in treating concerns like fine lines, deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, brow wrinkles, and frown lines.  Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the human body as well, and it is an important part of the processes that regulate cell renewal and growth.  When we put hyaluronic acid into the body, it is non-immunogenic, meaning that it is not seen as a foreign substance by the body.  Therefore, while it is possible you could be allergic to a hyaluronic acid filler, the chances are minimal and unlike collagen products usually no allergy tests are recommended before treatment.  Furthermore, hyaluronic acid fillers last longer, and they are easily and comfortably adjusted with the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Is Collagen or Hyaluronic Acid Better?

The filler that’s right for you will depend on many individual circumstances.  Your doctor will consider your goals, the site(s) of treatment, your health and medical background, and many other factors when helping you to choose the best treatment plan for you.  For example, if you are getting a lip filler, both collagen and hyaluronic acid fillers can work well, with the results of hyaluronic fillers like Restylane lasting longer and being more easily adjustable.  If you are seeking a filler for under eye hollows, then under eye Restylane is usually the best choice.  If you have nasolabial folds, Juvederm may be a suitable filler.  The top choice will really depend on your consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic facial fillers, although in most cases the modern hyaluronic acids will be recommended.

Seek Advice from a Doctor Who Cares

Dr. Steinsapir specializes in minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures and is a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc., who distributes Restylane and Perlane.  He has developed a highly effective undereye treatment method called DeepFill Restylane, which is widely used by other cosmetic surgeons and world-acclaimed.  As a board certified ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in both cosmetic and eye plastic surgery, Dr. Steinsapir strives for natural results that achieve complete facial balance and fast healing times.  To speak with a doctor who listens, and to learn more about how a facial filler might help you, contact us today to set up your risk-free consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.

August 10, 2010

Can open syringes of fillers be stored for later use?

Filed under: facial fillers — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:54 pm

Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, and we certainly do not blame you for doing so.  However, when it comes to your health, taking shortcuts is not the answer to getting the results you need at a lower cost.  Safety should always come first in any medical procedure, so while we sympathize when patients ask us if we can store open syringes, we do not believe it is good practice to do so.  Generally facial fillers syringes are meant for one-time use, and the volume of units contained in each syringe is small enough for this to be an economical practice.

Restylane Before and After Photos

Restylane Before and After Photo

Is it safe to save used syringes?

One small study concluded that the storage of open, partially used syringes of filler was safe for nine months after injection.  However, this study also reported that bacteria were found in approximately 10% of these open syringes.  Handling open syringes in anything other than the highly controlled environments maintained by the drug manufactures and certain pharmacies for this purposes, risks contamination with bacteria. We know that unopened syringes are safely manufactured, packaged, and stored, but leaving a used open syringe of filler in storage for months seems to be asking for the risk of contamination.  Why take chances?

Syringes with fillers like Restylane are meant to be fully used at one time and then discarded, as the distributor recommends.  If you are seeking facial filling through a treatment like Restylane injections, but you are concerned that you will not be able to afford subsequent treatments and thus try to convince your doctor to hold onto used syringes for you for later use, you may want to reconsider your treatment plans.  Cosmetic facial treatment with a qualified facial plastic surgeon is not cheap, and if treatment causes you undue financial hardship to the point where you want to cut corners and take risks, then you will unlikely be able to pay for an emergency should it arise, be it car troubles or a true medical need.  While you may greatly benefit from aesthetic facial improvement from your Restylane results, we strongly advise you to wait until you are in a better position to have safe treatment.

How can I find a doctor who will store used syringes for me?

Yes, there are some physicians who will store used syringes of fillers for you, and if you ask enough doctors you will probably be able to find one willing to do this.  However, we question the ethics of anyone willing to provide unproven and potentially unsafe services when your health is at risk, and such a provider is probably not the most skilled specialist to begin with.  Most cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles where we practice as well as all across the world will not store used syringes for your own safety.  This is to ensure quality of care and to make sure your treatments are all safe, sanitary, and provide reliable results.

The Worthwhile Benefits of Restylane

Restylane is minimally invasive, nonsurgical cosmetic treatment that is proven effective for dark under eye circles treatment and other deficiencies in facial volume.  The effects of Restylane are long-lasting and yet not permanent, meaning that this is a low-risk treatment that you can reverse in the unlikely case that you are not pleased with your outcome.  Restylane can safely and easily be removed with a hyaluronidase injection, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acids like Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm®.  Restylane is an ideal facial filler because it “hides” well under the sensitive skin of the face and provides natural results that can take years off of your appearance.

Choose a Caring Expert in Facial Fillers

Dr. Steinsapir is a leader in minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures and oculofacial plastic surgery in Los Angeles.  He is the creator of Deepfill Restylane, a patent-pending technique that places Restylane deep along the orbital rim beneath the eye for remarkable results that dramatically improve dark circles.  Everyone who seeks treatment from Dr. Steinsapir receives a completely individualized plan, with all treatments personally performed by Dr. Steinsapir, rather than an assistant.  When you are seeking expertise, Dr. Steinsapir can offer you the skill, experience, and aesthetic vision needed to make your experience ideal.  Call us today for your risk-free consultation to learn more about the best approach for you.

January 6, 2010

Can I Use Off-Label Silicone Oil As a Facial Filler?

Filed under: Cosmetic Facial Fillers — Tags: , — admin @ 8:24 pm

The more important question is, should you use off-label silicone oil as a facial filler? You can certainly find someone, somewhere, willing to inject you with any substance for pay, but there is only one U.S. FDA-approved use of silicone oil injected into the human body, and that is to repair complex retinal detachments. This is a medically necessary case that prevents the recipient from going blind.

Technically, since physicians may use FDA-approved products for non-approved uses, you can legally receive silicone oil treatments as a facial filler; but that doesn’t make it a good idea. According to the 1997 amendment to the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act 6, “Nothing in (FD&C Act) shall be construed to limit or interfere with the authority of a health care practitioner to prescribe or administer any legally marketed device to a patient for any condition or disease within a legitimate health care practitioner-patient relationship.” In other words, since silicone oil is legally and rightly marketed to correct retinal detachments, a doctor can apply his or her best professional judgment to use silicone oil along with any other legally marketed product if he or she believes it can help you. This is called off-label use. This important amendment allows doctors the flexibility needed to provide the best care possible, and as such, ethical doctors are extremely careful and thoughtful when using a product for a non-approved purpose.

Injecting silicone oil into the face and other parts of the body like the buttocks is not a case of careful and thoughtful use. Unfortunately a few non-physicians and even physicians continue to use silicone oils this way, and the FDA has aggressively pursued them. There are lay injectors who travel to hair salons and other unsupervised settings to “treat” those who are ignorant of its proper application and associated complications.

But What If Silicone Oil Is the Only Filler I Can Afford?

First, it is a misnomer to call silicone oil a filler because this is not an approved use. It is instead a bogus treatment that gives good fillers an unjustified bad reputation. When it comes to financing cosmetic procedures, here is the bottom line: if you can’t afford safe, quality treatment from an actual physician (not an assistant, technician, traveling person with unspecified qualifications, the black market, or your own hand), then you are better off without any treatment. Silicone oil injections have too many associated complications, including migration and permanent disfigurement, and a number of people have died from these treatments including, recently, a woman in Florida who died from receiving silicone oil injections in her buttocks. Many black market procedures use industrial silicone oil, which is absolutely not intended for the human body in any circumstance. Black market providers are dishonest by definition, so it is foolish to trust them if they assure you their silicone oil is medical grade – of course they will lie to make a sale, especially if they are outside the walls of a licensed medical office.

Instead of automatically assuming you cannot afford legitimate, trustworthy, FDA-approved fillers, consult a bona fide, fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon to learn about the cost and payment options for a safe, dependable filler. Silicone oil injections are cheap for a reason. Anyone who tells you they are a good cosmetic option is misleading you and omitting the facts. Perhaps they actually believe it what they are doing—they are deluding themselves. If they insist that this is an approved treatment, they are again misleading you, as silicone oil injections are only approved for treatment of retinal detachments. The FDA explicitly discourages their use as a cosmetic filler.

If you are certain you cannot afford treatment, then how will you afford to correct complications, should they arise? The complications are very common. You may know someone who is happy with his or her silicone oil treatment, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe or that you will experience your friend’s luck.

Finding a Safe Alternative

The good news is that several other fillers on the market work better than silicone oil anyway, and a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles like Dr. Steinsapir who specializes in noninvasive filling techniques can help you find an appropriate solution. As a physician who cares, Dr. Steinsapir does not believe it is ethical to inject silicone oil as a cosmetic filler. Contact us today for a personal consultation during which Dr. Steinsapir can tell you which facial filler or other treatment is best for you. Dr. Steinsapir only uses the highest quality products with proven effectiveness and FDA sanctioning and never treats anyone with an unsafe product and instead uses reliable, safe fillers like Restylane, Perlane and others. The best filler for you depends on your individual concerns. Contact us now if you have additional questions about silicone injections and how to find a more suitable option for your unique needs.