Injectables & Fillers in Mountain View, CA

At The Menkes Clinic, we provide services that align with our belief that everyone can and deserves to have healthy, beautiful skin. One of the ways that we help patients achieve this is to address the common signs of aging using proven techniques. Injectables have become a cornerstone of cosmetic dermatology and are frequently used in our Mountain View office. These treatments can dramatically improve the youthfulness of the face, its balance and harmony, and its character. We are proud to offer injectable treatments to address a wide variety of concerns.

What are Injectable Treatments?

Injectable treatments are characterized by their delivery techniques. Each of the products that are used may work in slightly different ways, but they reach their target tissue via injections into the skin or superficial muscle tissue. For example, injectable neuromodulators smooth dynamic lines by temporarily softening muscle contractions in target muscles. Dermal fillers, other popular injectables, smooth areas where creases have formed due to changes in the volume of the skin. Some dermal fillers and other injectables are volumizers, working to build contours in areas like the lips, cheeks, and jawline.

Injectables represent the most common non-surgical approach to correcting the signs of facial aging. Many of the products that have gained FDA approval through the years can achieve immediate results, while others take a few days or weeks to reach maximum effect. Adults of all ages can receive injectable treatments with no major preparation and virtually no downtime outside of some mild swelling and redness.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Injectables?

Cosmetic injectables offer some type of benefit to nearly every adult who has developed some of the common signs of aging. The ideal candidate for injectable treatment is an adult who is aware of the scope and limitations of these treatments. For example, patients understand that the results achieved with injectables are temporary and that treatment will need to be repeated to maintain a more youthful appearance. Candidates also have realistic expectations regarding how much improvement can be achieved with injectables, and that there are risks involved even though the procedure does not involve surgery. Injectables are not approved for women who are pregnant or nursing, and should not be performed on an area of skin affected by an active infection.

What Can Injectables Treat?

A number of different injectables have been developed in the last two decades. This has been an exciting advancement in the field of aesthetic medicine because the variety of products allows us to quickly treat a broad range of concerns. Some of the conditions that injectables treat beautifully include:

• Horizontal forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Descending brow
• Crow's feet
• Undereye bags or dark circles
• Flat cheeks
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Thin or deflated lips
• Jowls
• Hollow cheeks
• Downturned mouth corners
• Horizontal neck bands
• Double chin
• Acne scars and other scarring
• Aging hands

Injectables & Fillers Offered at The Menkes Clinic

Belotero®

Belotero Balance is a soft tissue filler comprised of hyaluronic acid particles. It works by binding to water molecules beneath lines and creases or areas of tissue volume loss. The results of treatment can last six months or longer.

BOTOX®

BOTOX is the most well-known injectable treatment. Rightfully so, because it was the first. This neuromodulator reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that contribute to them. Results build over five to seven days and can last four to six months.

Dysport®

Like BOTOX, Dysport is an FDA-approved neuromodulator. This drug is injected into muscle tissue to prevent the transmission of nerve signals. As a result, the muscle cannot contract strongly and the overlying skin smoothes out. Results of Dysport injections build over two to five days and can last three to five months.

Jeuveau™

The most recent neuromodulator to become available, Jeuveau is made of purified botulinum protein. This substance binds to nerve receptors in the muscle to prevent contraction. The results of Jeuveau injections may start to develop after just a couple of days but may take up to five to peak. They can last three to six months.

Kybella®

Kybella injections are performed on the upper neck. Made of deoxycholic acid, Kybella's role in aesthetic medicine is to minimize localized fat. After injections, the deoxycholic acid weakens fat cells that make a double-chin. The body gradually flushes these cells, resulting in drastically improved facial contouring. Multiple appointments are needed to achieve the best results. After treatment, with healthy lifestyle habits, the results of Kybella could last indefinitely.

Radiesse®

Radiesse is a dermal filler and collagen stimulator. This FDA-approved injectable is made gel microspheres containing calcium hydroxyapatite. Calcium hydroxyapatite is a combination of calcium and phosphate, substances that occur naturally in the body.  Radiesse is often used to reduce creases around the mouth and nose. It is also a popular choice for hand rejuvenation and jaw or cheek contouring. Results of Radiesse injections can last 18 to 24 months.

Restylane®/JUVÉDERM®

Restylane and  Juvéderm are two different families of dermal fillers. Each is made with hyaluronic acid particles processed in very specific ways to sustain natural facial movements. The actions and properties of Restylane and  Juvéderm products are very similar. Results of treatment appear immediately and can last from six to 24 months depending on the formula selected. These HA dermal fillers have several different formulas, each manufactured to address specific concerns. For example,  Juvéderm Voluma XC and Restylane Lyft are each commonly used to enhance cheek contours.

Sculptra®

Sculptra Aesthetic is a subtle, long-term solution for facial creases and atrophy. Not your average dermal filler, Sculptra Aesthetic is designed to increase tissue fullness via poly-L-lactic acid particles. When injected into deeper layers of the skin, these particles stimulate collagen remodeling that, over time, rebuilds facial contour and smoothes lines like nasolabial folds. Multiple treatment sessions are needed and results build over time, as if the face is aging in reverse. Results can last up to two years.

Xeomin®

A proven neuromodulator, Xeomin works just like Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau. The primary difference between Xeomin and these other neuromodulators is that Xeomin contains only purified botulinum protein, no accessory proteins. The onset of results is 3 to 7 days and the longevity is three to six months. Xeomin is used to treat frown lines and other dynamic wrinkles.

RHA Fillers

We are proud to be an exclusive provider of the RHA Collection of designer fillers. These products are manufactured using special processes that preserve the natural structure of hyaluronic acid particles. The close resemblance of hyaluronic acid in the RHA filler and what is naturally made in the body makes the RHA Collection ideal for even the more dynamic areas of the face, such as around the mouth.