Q: Restylane under eyes and using swimming goggles

Q: One month ago you injected Restylane under my eyes and I would like to know if there could be any problems with wearing swimming goggles.  The goggles I have are fitted just under the eyes and are tight to keep the water out.  Could the Restylane move or get squashed and spread out if I wear the swimming goggles?  Perhaps it would be better to wear more of a scuba goggle (ones that fit around the cheekbone more than under the eyes).  Please advise me what your opinion and experience is on this. - C.A.

A: Thank you for writing. After about the first week the Restylane really cant migrate. Certainly at 21 to 28 days the collagen has encapsulated it. You should be fine wearing the goggles a month after injection. -

Q: Am interested in the liquid facelift. How many treatments do you recommend?

A: Sculptra, or the liquid facelift, works best if it is repeated at least twice. You'll see final results at 6 months after each treatment. It takes that long for the collagen stimulation to be complete. When we did the FDA study on Sculptra we found that some people continue to improve up to a year. Of course results may vary, and are based on age and facial condition. I would make a recommendation on how to proceed only after meeting with you, as each patient is unique.

Q: I came across your posting after reading on-line about Sculptra lumps.What causes this?

A: I did the FDA study on Sculptra and the only complication ever seen was the occurrence of small nodules. Usually there are three types. The first you see in the first few months and is due to a collection of the product in one area. Usually daily massage for the first two weeks after treatment twice a day will help prevent these. The second and classic nodule occurs at six months. This is usually a bit of a granulomatous reaction. This needs to be treated with subscision, kenalog and 5 FU..  A qualified doctor comfortable with this treatment can do this. The third is a delayed reaction that occurs at a year and a half. This is T cell mediated and needs to be treated with oral prednisone and doxycycline.

Q: Interested in the best processes and costs of reducing marionette lines.

A:  The easiest filler to use for marionette lines is a Hyauloronic acid. This is a temporary class of fillers (and a natural substance that your skin produces) that can be injected with no down time and can be reversed. The fillers in this class consist of Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane and others.
The cost is usually between $500-$600 but the manufacturer often offers a 20% discount, depending on which product you choose.


Thanks for contacting me with your question. Please give us a call at our new office and we would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation

Gail Humble MD

Q: New Vampire face lift, what is it, please explain.

A: The term Vampire face lift is used to describe a liquid face lift using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) which is derived from the patient’s own blood. The benefits of using PRP is that it is entirely natural and there is no potential for an allergic reaction and it is very cost effective.  It will significantly help with rejuvenation and or revolumization.  A simple blood draw is done and the blood sample centrifuged. The platelets are drawn off, an activator is added and then it is injected in the face to revolumize the same as with any other filler.

Q: Would you recommend combining any treatments for better results?

Fractional ablative lasers, such as the Erbium or the CO2 laser are known to be the gold standard in skin rejuvenation.  When combined with PRP, the results can be amazing.

The process is fairly simple: the patients own blood is drawn and centrifuged during the laser resurfacing procedure. Post laser the PRP is activated by mixing it with a calcium ion and the either sprayed or dropped over the treated skin. Because of the activation from the laser and the calcium extremely large amounts of tissue growth factors are released which speed the regeneration of new skin. The results are better and the recovery time is markedly shortened.  Together these processes can be used to achieve smoother, better texture, healthy and youthful skin in a safe rapid and reliable treatment.