Filler vs. Facelift

On a web site limited to dermatologists there were photos posted of a woman from Florida who had approximately 15 1.3 cc syringes of Radiesse placed in her face. The photos have not been authorized to show to the public, so you'll have to take my word that the results were dramatic, comparable to those seen with a good MACS Lift or facelift. The patient's neck was not shown on the photos, so it's very possible that the results on the neck were not comparable to those that would result from surgery.

At the bargain price of $800 per syringe, that would work out to $12,000, and the results would not last nearly as long as those of a surgical procedure. What this does show is that much of the aging changes are due to the loss of deep tissue (fat, connective tissue, bone and even teeth). Replacing this tissue, even in part, can be very effective. That is what makes facial sculpting such a successful and, in our practice, such a popular procedure.

These photos, of a European patient treated with Sculptra, give an idea of the results that can be achieved with filler. Unfortunately cost and longevity currently are stumbling blocks.

We have stopped using Sculptra, due to associated side effects, but other fillers will work as well.

Gerald N. Bock MD
California Skin & Laser Center
Stockton & Lodi, CA