Dermal Fillers

Restylane, Juvederm and Prevelle in Raleigh NC

How to Choose Your Nurse Injector

Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers are naturally-occurring injectable agent that is used for lip enhancement and to soften facial lines and creases. Hyaluronic acid fillers have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of lines and creases around the mouth and nose since 2003. Blue Water Spa/Michael Law MD has been using them exclusively for patients seeking temporary, reversible facial soft tissue enhancement for over 10 years. We have found this material to be very well tolerated, long lasting for most patients and have yet to encounter an allergic or inflammatory response to them.

A number of other products are available as soft tissue fillers, but many are inadequately tested, and others have been found in some cases to produce disastrous and permanently disfiguring results, such as injectable silicone. Remember, when considering the injection of a soft tissue filler, be sure that your nurse injector can explain to you what the substance is, why he or she has chosen it, and what side effects and potential complications can occur. Blue Water Spa/Michael Law MD has always preferred to use hyaluronic acid fillers.

Restylane injection, 1cc, upper and lower lips
Lower photos taken one day post-treatment

What Are The Name Brands the Dermal Fillers and What Are the Differences?

Not every dermal filler is created equal. It is important to have an expert injector assess your individual aesthetic needs so they can determine what filler will give you the best results.

Juvederm Ultra Plus XC and Juvederm Ultra XC are both typically used for low face volume loss and last up to one year or longer in patients. This dermal filler can be used in areas such nasolabial folds (creases from corner of the nose to angle of mouth), marionette lines (creases from angles of the mouth down to jawline) and lips. The “XC” in the product name stands for “extra comfort” due to the addition of lidocaine powder in the product for analgesic effect. Allergan’s research report showed 9 out of 10 patients had less pain. And the study showed the addition of lidocaine as a dry substance has no effect on the HA concentration, volume, degradation, or pH.

Voluma is typically used for mid face volumizing, temples and sometimes jawline. This product has a higher cross linked hyaluronic acid molecule which makes it optimal for volume in these specific areas. The product has been shown in Allergan’s research studies to last up to 2 years.

Belotero is typically used for vertical lip lines, philtrum columns, border around the lips and fine superficial creases of the lower face.

Restylane is a typically used for the lower face and is used for clients who are allergic to lidocaine or are not candidates of Juvederm.

What is a Dermal Filler Procedure Like?

The procedure itself is relatively pain free with the addition of lidocaine to the products. Your nurse injector will cleanse the area with alcohol and provide an ice pack. The procedure takes minutes and results are instant.

Why Blue Water Spa/Michael Law MD?

At Blue Water Spa/Michael Law MD we have surgeon-trained and supervised nurse injectors that are the ideal person to perform BOTOX® injection. The nurse injectors at Blue Water Spa/Michael Law, MD only inject BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers. It is what they do all day long, every day not just “occasionally” between other services. Our nurse injectors have injected over a quarter of a million units of BOTOX® to date and are among the top 1% providers of BOTOX® Cosmetic in the country. Our injectors have a “no pressure” approach and are skilled at providing the least amount of BOTOX® cosmetic possible to give optimal results. At Blue Water Spa/Michael Law MD you don’t have to worry about having a new nurse injector every 6 months. Melissa, Mari, and BJ have been with Blue Water Spa/Michael Law MD for years and have mastered the art of BOTOX® and dermal fillers. Our clients are continuously pleased with their performance.