CONTACT: Alisa Gaudiosi
860.285.8458		   April 6, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INJECTION PERFECTION:
Medical Group Emphasizes Importance of Using Board Certified Aesthetic Physicians for New Cosmetic Facial Fillers

(RIDGEFIELD, CT)- With the recent Oscar Awards, many are so desperate to look like their favorite celebrities, that they are taking matters into their own hands…literally! Some cosmetic procedures have become so popular that people actually attempt to administer them at home parties. Botox®, Restylane™ and other facial injectables are a few of such treatments that Dr. Sohel Islam of Advanced Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in in Ridgefield warns may look simple, but actually require a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.

"These days, people have the perception that any shot is easy to administer," said Dr. Islam. "The difference is that when you are using potentially-harmful substances and applying them to the face, you're in a delicate zone as there are 40 different facial muscles and a wide variety of cosmetic fillers on the marketplace today. The average person does not know how to determine which treatment is right for them and more importantly, how to deal with an adverse reaction to that particular filler."

Dr. Islam emphasizes that differences in cosmetic filler substances, applications and benefits of each option help a physician determine the appropriate injectable for each patient on a case-by-case basis. Most widely used are:
  • Restylane is hyaluronic acid found in the human body that gives volume and fullness to skin, resulting in more youthful appearance. Injectable Restylane is biodegradable and since it is a non-animal, natural substance, does not require an advance skin patch test. Restylane is injected into small amounts under the skin to fill creases, lines, wrinkles or folds and also around the lip area to create volume.
  • Radiesse™ is a liquid injectable filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a common component in bone and teeth. Radiesse is slowly absorbed by the body, thus one treatment typically lasts for a couple of years and a skin patch test is not required. It is used to soften facial lines and wrinkles, restore volume and fullness to the skin, plump up lips and fill in scars.
  • Botox is not a filler. It is a natural, purified protein, which relaxes the overactive muscles that cause frown lines to form and temporarily smoothes the skin, helping patients look more relaxed and refreshed. Botox® is appropriate for people aged 18 to 65 and results last approximately four months.
  • Collagen is a natural protein that improves skin resiliency, shape and texture and is found throughout the body in skin, muscle, tendon and bone. Injectable collagen is purified bovine dermal collagen and benefits people who want to eliminate frown lines, lip lines, laugh lines, worry lines, crow's feet, deep smile lines and facial scars. Collagen is also used for fuller upper and lower lips and facial features. It requires a skin patch test and results last from 2 to 5 months.
  • Sculptra™ is a new filler made from materials similar to those found in sutures that plumps up areas of severe fat loss, such as hollow cheeks. It is currently approved by the FDA for use in treating HIV+ patients, but promises to hit mainstream market by year's end.
  • Fat Grafting is the process whereby a patient's natural fat deposits are removed from one area of the body and injected into the face to enhance facial features. Common solution to restore upper cheek fullness or as a permanent filler for deep creases.
Dr. Islam also notes that many dermatologists, gynecologists and other related health professionals are now offering cosmetic facial injectables. "The difference is that plastic surgeons have been trained to work with the face in three dimensions; the skin's surface as well as the underlying dynamic anatomy. Rather than taking a short course on facial injectables alone or reading a procedure manual, a typical plastic surgery residency requires 6 to 8 years to understand this complex connection between exterior and interior systems."

"The bottom line is that there are many options available and it takes a trained plastic surgeon to determine the best alternative given the patient's medical history, current lifestyle and desired result," adds Dr. Islam.

Advanced Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery is part of Advanced Specialty Care, a multi-specialty medical group that also consists of Head & Neck Surgery, Pediatric & General Surgery, Audiology & Hearing Aid Services, Hand Surgery and Allergy divisions. It is the largest cosmetic surgery group practice in Fairfield County with offices in Danbury, Ridgefield and Southbury. Most physicians are board-certified in their respective areas of expertise. Advanced Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery offers the newest methods and techniques for body contouring, including breast augmentation, reduction, reconstruction and lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks, gynecomastia correction, face lift, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, as well as facial injectables, including Botox, Restylane, Radiesse, collagen, among other surgical and non-surgical procedures. The group is affiliated with Danbury Hospital and is a member of both the American Medical Association and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
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