Fillers & Injectables

Fillers and injectables are non-surgical treatments often used to diminish lines on the face or restore volume and fullness to the face. As skin ages, it loses subcutaneous fat that results in the appearance of lines or the skin may look droopy. Fillers and injectables may plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours of the face, soften facial creases and wrinkles and improve the appearance of recessed scars.

Lip augmentation is a common type of cosmetic procedure that gives the appearance of fuller and plumper lips. Injectable dermal filler is most commonly used for this procedure. There are many types of fillers, but the most widely used include a substance similar to hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring, allergic reactions are very unlikely. The doctor will mark the lips where the injection will be made. Though recovery is faster than a surgical procedure, there may be bleeding, swelling, bruising and redness and tenderness at the injection site.

Botox is an injectable drug used to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. Derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, it is injected into the skin to reduce facial wrinkles and creases, crow’s feet and frown lines. It blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing them from contracting. Results last from three to 12 months with many patients opting for maintenance injections. The best candidates are healthy adults who do not have deep lines or creases etched into the skin.

Injectable fillers are soft tissue fillers injected into the skin to fill in facial lines, folds and wrinkles. Unlike Botox, injectable fillers rely on substances such as hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid or calcium hydro-xylapatite. The most popular brands include Restylane, Juvaderm, Radiesse and Sculptra. Most last between six months and two years, and require maintenance injections. They are often used in conjunction with other procedures such as facelifts and Botox injections.

To discuss a specific filler or injectable and determine if you are candidate, your physician will need to evaluate your skin type before proceeding. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and wrinkles and fatty deposits that cause puffiness from the eyelids. It reduces bags and dark circles under the eyes, and corrects droopiness of the lower eyelids.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals in good health who have realistic expectations about the outcome. They are usually at least 35 years old and, ideally, nonsmokers.

A typical eyelid surgery takes about two hours, when both the upper and lower eyelids are done. You’ll receive a local anesthetic and either oral or intravenous sedation. Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed first; incisions are made along the natural folds of the eyelids and the skin is separated so that excess fat, tissue and muscle can be removed. For the lower eyelids, an incision is usually made just below the lashes and excess fatty deposits are removed. In some cases, laser resurfacing may be recommended.

While eyelid surgery is a common procedure that thousands of people undergo every year without problems, there is always some risk involved with surgery. Possible complications include infection, hematoma, scarring, allergic reactions, an inability to completely close the eyes, loss of vision and dryness or irritation in the eyes. You’ll likely notice some swelling or bruising, and may experience blurry vision and a sensitivity to light.

Results are usually long lasting although continued aging can make forehead skin sag, resulting in the appearance of droopy eyelids again over time. Some patients choose additional surgery on the upper eyelids after a number of years. Repeat surgery on the lower eyelids is rarely necessary.

To discuss a specific procedure and determine if you are candidate, your surgeon will need to evaluate your bone structure and skin type before proceeding. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.

Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is a common type of cosmetic procedure that gives the appearance of fuller and plumper lips. Injectable dermal filler is most commonly used for this procedure. There are many types of fillers, but the most widely used include a substance similar to hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring, allergic reactions are very unlikely. The doctor will mark the lips where the injection will be made. Though recovery is faster than a surgical procedure, there may be bleeding, swelling, bruising and redness and tenderness at the injection site.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures and is used to repair or reshape the nose. Through this procedure, a surgeon can make the nose larger or smaller, straighten the bridge, reshape the tip, narrow the opening of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. It can also be used to correct defects resulting from trauma or birth and may be used to help individuals with breathing difficulties.

A rhinoplasty procedure can change the size, width and profile of your nose. It can smooth out depressions or bumps on the bridge and fix an imperfect nasal tip if it is too large, droopy or curves upward. Large or wide nostrils may be reshaped. Rhinoplasty is a common and safe procedure, but there are risks inherent with any surgery. These include infection, bleeding, pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, nasal asymmetry, skin contour irregularities and perforations in the nasal septum.

Surgery is performed using either a local or general anesthetic. It typically takes an hour or two, but the procedure may last longer when more complex restructuring is required. An incision is made, usually inside the nostrils, and the nose is either reduced or augmented using cartilage from other parts of the body. If a deviated septum needs to be corrected, it is straightened during the procedure. Once the nasal structure has been reshaped, the incisions are closed, a splint is place to help support the nose as it heals.

Most patients return home the same day although more complicated procedures may require a brief hospital stay. You’ll be asked to rest in bed immediately after the surgery, keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding. Dressings are usually removed after a week. You may experience puffiness in the face and minor bruising for a few days while you heal. Rhinoplasty usually offers permanent results though it may take up to a year for these to be fully noticeable.

To discuss a specific procedure and determine if you are candidate, your surgeon will need to evaluate your bone structure and skin type before proceeding. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.

Shot Clinic Hours

Our allergy shot clinic hours are

Monday – Thursday

8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Friday

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hours may vary, so please schedule your allergy shot appointment online or call 337-266-9820.
We require all patients to wait in our office for 10-20 minutes after each injection. This wait time ensures that if you experience an allergic reaction it can be treated immediately.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is the only long-term treatment for seasonal and indoor allergies. This treatment involves getting your body used to the allergen slowly, so after a while your body will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. This treatment is recommended for those whose symptoms are not well controlled through medication or anyone looking for long-term relief.

Allergy shots are the most common type of immunotherapy. The process contains two distinct phases, the buildup and the maintenance phase. The buildup phase requires visits to the clinic once a week for a few months. While there, you will receive an injection in your upper arm with a small amount of the allergen. Throughout this phase the dosage within the shots is gradually increased at every visit. The length of this phase depends on how well your body handles the shots.

Once you have reached the effective dose, the most your body can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased. This phase can last from three to five years.

Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to there are some risks involved. Swelling or redness typically develops at the site of injection but quickly goes away. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightening. The most severe reaction, anaphylaxis, rarely occurs. Shots are administered in a clinic setting. Patients are asked to stay in the clinic for 10-20 minutes after each injection in order to ensure if symptoms do develop, they can be treated quickly.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual Immunotherapy, or allergy drops, are a form of immunotherapy that does not require an injection. This method is currently only approved to treat environmental allergies, such as those to pollen, dander, mold and dust. The drops are specially formatted for each patient, depending on the results of their allergy tests. Unlike allergy shots, this treatment is administered in the comfort of your own home. Twice a day, seven days a week you will place a few drops under your tongue. This helps build up your immune system. Once you reach your effective dose you will enter the maintenance phase. The dosage of the drops will stay consistent and you will only need to visit the clinic once a year.

Medical Therapy

The most common medical treatment for allergy symptoms is antihistamines, decongestants, antileukotrienes and corticosteroids. Antihistamines block histamine, which causes redness, swelling and itching. This drug may cause drowsiness. Decongestants are used to relieve the feeling of pressure, congestion and redness as they reduce swelling of the blood vessels in the nose and eyes. This type of medication should only be used for a few days; continuous use can actually make symptoms worse. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, helping to prevent and treat nasal stuffiness, sneezing and running nose. Unlike other medications, corticosteroids must be taken regularly for up to two weeks before you’ll see any signs of improvement. Short-term use has been linked with weight gain, fluid retention and high blood pressure while long-term use can cause growth suppression, diabetes and muscle weakness. Antileukotrienes, like Singulair, help to decrease inflammation and the production of excess mucous that occurs when exposed to an allergen.

If you would like more information about the various treatment options or would like to sit down with one of our doctors to discuss which will work best for you, contact our office at 337-266-9820.