Dr. Raul Rodriguez of Dallas Texas discusses the common uses of dermal fillers and the benefits of dermal fillers. He also reviews Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra fillers.

1. Dermal Filler
The FaceLift Alternative
We are now in the cosmetic revolution where the emphasis is on maximum natural looking results
with minimum downtime. Soft tissue dermal fillers (like Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra),
micro laser peels, non-surgical facelifts, and cosmetic mesotherapy skin rejuvenation are just some of
the options to be considered when deciding on cosmetic enhancement. Most people, though, are
confused and perplexed by the array of treatments and products. What is true is that most people
have a pretty good idea of how they want to look, but do not know how to get there. In this article, Dr.
Raul Rodriguez discusses, in detail, the common dermal fillers, and how they can help reverse the
signs of aging in one visit.
Can You Take 10 Years Off Your Face...
... In About An Hour?
The mouth and eyes are usually the first places that show you are aging. By using a precise
combination of Botox and the FDA approved Juvederm filler, in one visit Dr. Raul Rodriguez can
correct a down turned mouth, deep smile lines, shrunken lips, hollowed dark circles under the eyes,
crow's feet, horizontal lines and wrinkles across the forehead and vertical lines between the brows.
Best of all, Dr. Rodriguez can give you this transformation in about one hour with virtually no down
time and using his unique "No Pain" approach. Raúl P. Rodriguez, M.D. is widely recognized as one
of the most skilled and experienced aesthetic physicians in the country in the use of Botox and filler
combinations.
Why so Sad?
Are the corners of your mouth going south, making your mouth look sad or angry or stern?
Dr. Raul Rodriguez can restore a more pleasant, youthful look to your mouth area in about an hour.
The doctor uses advanced Botox techniques to relax the muscles that pull down on the corners of the
mouth and those that contribute to those vertical pucker lines in your upper lip. He then uses the
newest most effective, longest lasting FDA approved natural fillers-- Juvederm, Perlane, or Radiesse--
to smooth out lines, wrinkles and depressions that have resulted from volume loss and thinning of the
skin of the face. The result is a more youthful, pleasant, fresher appearance to your beautiful face
that begs compliments and will make you smile. Most importantly, the look will be natural and not
overdone.

2. Cosmetic Dermal Fillers
As the skin ages the framework of collagen and elastin begins to break down, and the skin gets
thinner, resulting in the development of lines and wrinkles. Dermal or cosmetic filler is a synthetically
produced product that is injected under lines and wrinkles, plumping up the skin and creating a lift
and firmness to the treated areas. The filler products can be used to immediately soften skin folds,
fine lines and facial irregularities and can be utilized to contour the face and add fullness to areas
such as cheek depressions, hollows under the eyes, and chin dimples, as well as depressed acne
scars and even cellulite dimples.
The most commonly used dermal and cosmetic products use a hylauronic acid gel. Hylauronic acid
that is a natural chemical constituent of the skin, and therefore, is less likely to cause an allergic
reaction. Collagen-based products, poly-acrylamide preparations, and calcium hydroxylapatite gels are
also available on the market with the exact type of filler product chosen dependent upon the area to
be treated and the result desired. Results typically last between 6-18 months, depending upon what
area is treated and the filler used. Results can also vary from person to person, as the filler is
gradually broken down and absorbed into the body, returning features to a pre-treatment look.
Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Areas for Treatment
Common areas that can be treated with dermal and cosmetic filler products include:
• Crows feet at the corner of the eyes
• Deep smile lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Lines that run across the forehead
• Smokers’ lines around the mouth and lip area
• Hollows under the eyes, in the cheeks, and at the temples
Less common specialized areas treated by Dr. Rodriguez include:
• Bony toes, hands, and feet
• Jowls and even jaw line
• Crooked noses
• Large cellulite dimples
Dermal and cosmetic fillers are also effective in redefining the lip line area, correcting the vertical
wrinkles above the lip, and creating fuller, plumper lips while improving the overall shape of the
mouth. Thicker fillers can be utilized to fill out acne scarring, as well as to with add volume to weak
chins and sunken or flattened cheekbones.
Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Procedure
Dr. Raul Rodriguez will prescribe an antiviral medication for you to start at least one day before the
procedure, if there is a history of cold sores or herpes, to prevent subsequent flare-up. The procedure
for injecting a dermal or cosmetic filler product is relatively simple and painless, since Dr. Rodriguez is
expert at anesthetic nerve blocks. Dependent upon the type of filler to be used, a skin test may be
required to ensure the patient does not have an allergic reaction to the product. In those cases, the
tested area is checked 2-3 days following the test injection and then again after a 4 week period. This
testing is most commonly required when using a product containing the less frequently used bovine
(cow) collagen. The majority of dermal fillers do not require a skin test.

3. An anesthetic cream may be applied to the area for treatment 20 minutes or so prior to the
procedure. Dr. Rodriguez also uses a small amount of dental block if the mouth area or central face
area is to be treated. This combination "No Pain" technique makes the procedure very comfortable.
The filler is delivered using a pre-filled sterile syringe equipped with a very fine needle that is inserted
into the deep dermal layer of the skin. The deeper the wrinkle, the deeper the product is injected into
the skin. Thicker filler product may be used for a deeper fold or depression. Different injection
techniques may be used depending on the type of filler and the area being treated. Dr. Rodriguez
uses a linear threading technique where the needle is inserted under the middle of the wrinkle or a
serial puncture technique where several injections are inserted obliquely under the length of the
wrinkle. This special injection technique stimulates your body's own collagen production in that area,
so that the wrinkle does not go back to its original depth, even after all of the filler has been
completely absorbed a year.
If an anesthetic dental nerve block is used, normal sensation returns to the area after about one
hour. You should not eat or drink anything hot until the full, normal sensation returns.
Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Recovery
The majority of patients can return to normal activity immediately following a dermal or cosmetic filler
treatment. The effects can be seen immediately, depending upon the area treated and the product
used. The results can last between nine and eighteen months. There may be a small amount of
swelling or bruising at the site of the injection that will generally settle down over the following 48
hours. Patients are advised not to touch the treated area any more than necessary. Some patients
feel better using a mild analgesic like Tylenol or Aleve or applying ice periodically during the first 24
hours.
Dermal and Cosmetic Filler Risks
Dermal and cosmetic filler products have been FDA tested before being allowed onto the market.
They are extremely safe with a low reported incidence of side effects, the most common being mild
bruising. Products containing animal products tend to present a higher risk of allergic reaction with
bovine collagen filler products not recommended for clients with conditions such as rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus or autoimmune disease. Areas of the skin that are irritated or possibly infected should
not be treated, including active acne and herpes. Any delayed reactions to the treatment, such as
blistering or a lumpy redness, or painful bruising or swelling should be reported to the doctor
immediately.
Dermal and Cosmetic Fillers Combined with Other Procedures
Dermal and cosmetic fillers can work very effectively when combined with
MesoLift (mesotherapy skin nutrient treatment), Botox, chemical peels,
laser treatments, and mini-facelifts. When combined with other non-
invasive treatments, dermal fillers can offer complete facial rejuvenation
quickly and with minor discomfort. Short acting fillers produce the best
results when combined with facelift surgery, while longer lasting fillers are
more effective when used in conjunction with treatments such as laser skin
tightening or mesotherapy skin nutrient tightening.

4. Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal and cosmetic fillers are improving continually with new products entering the cosmetic market
at a high rate, setting new standards for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles and restoration of
loss volume. Results are immediate, providing patients with a quick and easy solution to the
aggressions of ageing, sun damage and lifestyle. Dr. Rodriguez can modify and adjust your
subsequent filler procedures as your face changes over the years to keep you looking your best.
Through a simple injection, imperfections can be softened; gently creating a more relaxed, rested and
youthful appearance, all within the time it takes to eat lunch!
Common Dermal Fillers
Restylane
Restylane, which is made in Sweden, is one of the most popular and well known of the dermal and
cosmetic fillers, since it was one of the first to receive FDA approval in the USA. An estimated 4
million Restylane treatments have been carried out worldwide to date. Based on non-animal derived
hyaluronic acid, Restylane is utilized to smooth wrinkles and enhance lips instantly with no patient
pre-testing required. Between 50-80% of Restylane patients will have effects that remain after 6
months. The Restylane naturally integrates into the surrounding tissue and dissolves naturally with
time. Restylane has the ability to bind with the body’s own hyaluronic acid for a plumping effect,
making it ideal for lip enhancement. The product is available in varying gel sizes to treat different
areas of the face. Usage has been declining since the introduction of the longer lasting hyaluronic
acid filler, Juvederm.
Perlane
Perlane offers a natural, non-permanent dermal filler containing a man made version of the
hyaluronic acid gel. Perlane is a similar product to Restylane but is better suited for larger, deeper
dpressions. Similar to the body’s own naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, the filler binds water to itself
underneath the skin, causing a plumping action to occur, smoothing out and filling in the particular
wrinkle being treated. The duration of the Perlane effect will depend very much on the individual.
This product takes longer to dissipate than Restylane due to the larger particle size. If the Perlane
treatment is not topped off with an additional treatment, it simply biodegrades naturally and safely
into the skin, with the effects lasting twice as long as a collagen based filler.
Perlane is ideal for gently and instantly plumping the lips, diminishing fine lines around the mouth and
smoothing fine to moderate facial lines and wrinkles. Cost is comparable to or slightly higher than
Restylane, but Perlane does offer a longer lasting effect than Restylane. Slight reactions with Perlane
may occur at the local injection site including mild to moderate pain and swelling, but these are rare
and can be treated without incident.
Perlane and Restylane are often found together in certain cosmetic practices, with Perlane generally
recommended over Restylane for larger folds and wrinkles, whereas Restylane is better suited for
smaller wrinkles or to maintain the results of a previous Perlane injection.
Juvederm
Juvederm, which is made in France, offers a natural looking, longer lasting rejuvenation effect than
Restylane. Dr. Rodriguez was one of the first cosmetic surgeons to use this filler and has over nine
years of experience with the product. Juvederm sales have been bolstered by the fact that the

5. product lasts between 8 to 10 months before requiring a fresh injection, as opposed to four to six
months for most filler products. The manufacturers of Juvederm have made it as long lasting as
possible by concentrating the product and using a process that generates a dense network of bridge
type bonds between different molecules of hyaluronic acid, thus creating larger molecule clusters of
the acid gel. The resultant larger molecules are more resistant to breakdown, which accounts for the
longer lasting effect of Juvederm. The Juvederm product is manufactured using a bactericidal
fermentation process and does not contain any animal product. Therefore, no skin testing is required.
Juvederm dermal filler consists of three different sizes of hyaluronic acid gel, each used to treat
different problem areas:
Juvederm 18
Used to treat fine, superficial lines particularly around the mouth area (smokers lines) and lines
around the eyes, such as crow’s feet.
Juvederm 24 High Viscosity (HV)
When injected into the middle dermis, Juvederm 24 effectively fills forehead wrinkles, obvious mild to
moderate nasal furrows and highlights lip contours.
Juvederm 30
When injected into the middle or deep dermis, the densest version, Juvederm 30 fills deep wrinkles
and lines, sculpts cheeks and chin, and provides better definition for the facial outline.
The outcome of the Juvederm treatment can be optimized further with a follow up procedure a few
weeks after the initial procedure. Although it is not yet the most common brand of cosmetic or dermal
filler used with practitioners, it is growing in popularity due to its long lasting effects.
Juvederm Ultra
A highly cross-linked robust formulation for volumising and correction of deeper folds and wrinkles,
including enhancing volume in the cheeks and chin.
Radiesse or Radiance
Radiesse, which is also known by its original name, Radiance, is a dermal filler used primarily for
facial shaping and contouring and is designed to slowly dissolve away over an 12-18 months period.
Effective for treating deeper facial scarring such as acne scars and for filling shallow cheeks and chin
unevenness, Radiesse has been a safely used facial aesthetic product for over 20 years. The product
does not contain animal derived ingredients and is based upon a synthetic form of calcium suspended
in an aqueous gel. The product spheres containing calcium and phosphate ions that occur naturally in
the human body. Radiesse is well tolerated and does not produce an allergic reaction.
The particles or micro spheres contained in the Radiesse product work to fill the skin wrinkles on
depressions by creating a form of skin scaffolding into which the body’s own collagen grows. This is
the difference of Radiesse compared to other filler treatments, as it actually stimulates the body to
create new collagen and encourages tissue regeneration in the area. This, in turn, allows for the long-
term effect of the product and also creates the ability to treat larger facial areas. Radiesse is used
commonly in reconstructive plastic surgery or where facial wasting may have occurred due to illness.
Radiesse can also be used effectively to smooth down-turned lines and wrinkles at the mouth corners
and more severe folds such as the lines that extend from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the
nose known as nasolabial folds. Dr. Rodriguez is also expert at using this filler to correct baggy eyes
appearance without resorting to eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty). Periodic touch up injections will
help to maintain the effects of Radiesse, which will start to dissipate after 12 month to 18 months.

6. Sculptra
Sculptra, which was previously branded as New Fill in Europe, has been on the market since the year
2000 and is used more commonly as a sculpting product with a longer lasting result. The product is
manufactured from lactic acid, which is naturally occurring in the body and, therefore, is less likely to
cause an allergic reaction in patients. The injectable filler is designed primarily to restore lost facial
volume by gradually stimulating the body’s own natural collagen production. The treatment produces
a more gradual, less dramatic dermal filler result, working in the lower layers of the skin to achieve a
natural looking result over time. The final effects last longer than those of the fillers that cause
immediate plumping, like Juvederm or even Radiesse.
A series of 4 to 5 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, is recommended. The skin will gradually
become fuller over a 4-6 month period, giving a smoother and fuller appearance that may last for
several years. Radiesse is ideal for lifting the cheek, mouth and jowl areas and is particularly useful to
provide subtle facial fullness to very thin individuals with angular facial features. Dr. Rodriguez also
uses Sculptra to effectively fill hollows under the eyes and at the temples and to minimize the
formation of ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles around the eyes, often reducing the need for frequent Botox
treatments.
The number of Sculptra injections required is dependent upon various factors such as the age of the
patient, the area to be treated and the desired treatment result. Generally, the Sculptra procedure
will consist of three to five monthly treatments administered over consecutive months. Dr. Rodriguez
makes the procedure painless with an anesthetic block, and the procedure takes around 30 minutes
to perform. Following the initial treatments, Dr. Rodriguez will be able to advise whether any
subsequent follow-up or maintenance treatments are required and, if so, how many. The larger
number of treatments required is balanced by the fact that the Sculptra program results will last up to
three years and in some cases longer, depending on whether you are getting other rejuvenation
treatments such as MesoLift, mesotherapy skin nutrient treatment , or laser skin tightening.
Rodriguez Rave Reviews
“WOW Statement”
As a busy healthcare provider in the Dallas area, clinical expertise, downtime and competency
are critical to selecting a cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Rodriquez is an excellent provider that
significantly reduces recovery down time. His clinical expertise is remarkable and matched only
by professional manner. He takes the time to explain every issue surrounding the procedure and
the follow up course. He has been my choice for over six years and I look forward to another six
years. You will not be disappointed.”
“I have been working with Dr. Rodriguez for over 2 years and have seen a marked increase in the texture,
elasticity and overall look of my skin. I believe his non-invasive treatments have taken years off of my
face. Dr. Rodriguez and his assistant Yen are genius at suggesting the right treatment at the right time. I
would recommend them to anyone!”
View the interview on Botox & dermal filler video. Visit:
http://www.botox-restylane-dallas.com
To schedule your filler session with Dr. Raul Rodriguez:
Dallas/ Fort Worth area: Call 214-234-0413

8. About Dr. Raul Rodriguez
Dr. Rodriguez is known for the quality of his excellent work as well as the
personal care he provides to each patient. A native of Havana, Cuba,
Dr. Rodriguez grew up in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from St. Mark's
School of Texas and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane
University in New Orleans. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from
the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.
Dr. Rodriguez has been the featured expert in news coverage by CNN International and national and local
news stations. He has been a contributing editor of Surgery Alert Newsletter and other medical
publications. Working with Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson International), he provided
laparoscopic laser surgery training to surgeons in the U.S., the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan,
Malaysia, and Singapore.
Since 1996, Dr. Rodriguez has been specializing in cosmetic and laser procedures, and he has helped
thousands of patients experience the benefits of the latest surgical laser advances. He has served as
consultant and trainer for some of the country’s largest laser companies. Because of his continuing interest
in the most modern innovative non-invasive cosmetic procedures, he added mesotherapy to his list of
expert skills in 2002. Dr. Rodriguez and one of his patients were featured by Barbara Walters on ABC News
20/20 in 2003 for his pioneering work in mesotherapy. Always on the forefront of innovative fat removal
technology, in 2007, Dr. Rodriguez became the first doctor in Dallas to offer laser-assisted lipolysis,
commonly known as the Smartlipo procedure.
Dr. Rodriguez and his staff are committed to providing the highest quality medical care and exceptional
customer service, so that his patients look and feel better than ever.
Medical Disclaimer
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or
treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues
and consult your physician before purchasing any product that may affect your health. The information
contained in this online site is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer
understanding and knowledge of services or products offered. The information should not be considered
complete and should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or advice of your physician or other health
care provider. We do not recommend the self-management of health problems. Information obtained by using
our services is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their treatment.
Should you have any health care-related questions, please call or see your physician or other health care
provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you
have read here.