Laser and Skin Care Center of Gainesville, Florida >> Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what dermal filler product is best for me?
During your consultation, Dr. Carmichael will determine if you are a good candidate for rejuvenating procedures. At that time he will be able to recommend which product best suits your needs.

What causes wrinkles?
The way your skin looks is directly related to the way your skin is supported. Wrinkles form when the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid in your skin diminish during the course of aging. Other factors that cause wrinkles include exposure to the sun, disease, injury, heredity and lifestyle. Collagen provides structure to your skin while hyaluronic acid provides skin volume.

What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant natural protein found in the body and provides structural support to skin, muscle, tendons and bone. Fibers of collagen are woven together, like threads in fabric, to form a framework into which new cells can grow. In the skin, collagen provides texture, resiliency and shape.

What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to replenish the collagen layer, filling lines, wrinkles and scars from the inside out. Dermal fillers can temporarily restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can also be used to add definition to the lip border. Collagen dermal fillers have been proven safe and effective for more than 20 years.

What is Collagen Replacement Therapy®?
Collagen Replacement Therapy is a safe, non-surgical wrinkle correction treatment in which highly purified collagen is injected into the skin to replenish the skin's lost collagen, restoring skin structure.

Is Collagen Replacement Therapy safe?
Yes. Collagen products from INAMED Aesthetics are approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are tested for a variety of contaminants in accordance with strict FDA requirements. The end result of this stringent testing is a safe product, free from detectable viruses or contaminants.

How are collagen treatments different from Botox® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A)?
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein that is injected into muscles to relax them, smoothing lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements. In contrast, collagen is a dermal filler and is injected below a wrinkle, scar or depression in order to "fill" it in, smoothing the surface of the skin. A popular procedure today is to combine the use of Botox and fillers for optimal results.

Is it painful?
Most people report that the injections are relatively painless. To minimize discomfort, a topical or local anesthetic can be applied to the area prior to treatment. CosmoPlast contain an anesthetic, lidocaine, which helps to temporarily numb the treatment area.

Can I have more than one area treated at the same time?
Yes, more than one area can be injected at the same time.

How frequently will I need to have Collagen Replacement Therapy?
To maintain optimal correction, touch-up injections are usually needed two or three times a year. The amount of collagen used during follow-up treatments is usually less than that used in the initial treatment. Without ongoing treatments, the collagen is gradually absorbed by the body and your face returns to its original contours.

Are dermal fillers expensive?
For the same cost as a day at the beauty salon, a few rounds of golf or a night at a favourite hotel you will look and feel so much better.