Facelift Soft tissue fillers are used to add volume to the face, to treat deep folds and creases. Most fillers used today are made of hyaluronic acid (a naturally-occurring component of connective tissues). This includes Restylane®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, and Belotero®. These products produce immediate volume changes by filling in or adding to the tissues where they are injected. Sculptra® is a different kind of “filler” – rather than adding the injected volume of the product, Sculptra® stimulates your body’s own cells to make more collagen! The result is a longer-lasting revolumization, and a fresher, more youthful look.

Sculptra® is injectable poly-L-lactic acid, a material commonly used in absorbable sutures. This product is used throughout the face for a complete volume enhancement. Commonly treated areas include the temples, cheeks, jawline (including the chin), and nasolabial folds (the lines beside the mouth, sometimes called “parentheses”). For most patients, two or three treatment sessions give the best results. These are typically performed about 6 weeks apart. The treatment is done in the office, using a combination of topical numbing and local anesthesia. Injections are placed beneath the skin surface to stimulate the body’s collagen-producing cells. As the body generates these proteins, volume is added over a period of weeks. The improved contour and brighter appearance of the skin surface results in a more youthful face.

Dr. Ransom is skilled in the use of fillers of all types, including Sculptra®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, Belotero®, and Radiesse®. He uses each of these products according to patient preference. In addition, Dr. Ransom recommends the use of specific fillers in certain areas of the face due to the different thickness and durability of each formulation. For a complete facial revolumization, Sculptra® Aesthetic offers an excellent, longer-lasting alternative to more traditional fillers. Call to schedule your appointment for a consultation today!

Who is a candidate?

Anyone who is looking to add volume to the face or treat deep lines and folds is a candidate for soft tissue fillers. Depending on the areas you want to be treated, and the severity of the folds or devolumization, different filler products may be recommended. The only contraindications for filler injections are active infection in the area to be injected or a history of allergic reaction to the product. Dr. Ransom can discuss the details of filler treatments, facial volume restoration, and the “liquid lift”, during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How long does Sculptra® last?
Answer: Different fillers last for different amounts of time, and there is certainly some variability between patients. A full Sculptra® treatment generally lasts 18 to 24 months. Repeated treatments, however, can result in even longer (and sometimes permanent) revolumization. Scluptra® can be an excellent alternative to facial fat grafting. Variability depends on each person’s unique metabolism and other factors.
Question: Will the treatment hurt?
Answer: This is a common question for first-time patients. Dr. Ransom uses a specially formulated topical numbing cream before filler treatments to make the process as comfortable as possible. In addition, he uses fillers that have been pre-mixed with numbing medicine, so that each injection is accompanied by a small dose. Finally, for sensitive areas, Dr. Ransom will perform specific nerve blocks to make the procedure completely painless. Some patients opt to take a mild oral sedative prior to the treatment; this can be discussed at your consultation. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit!

Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.