Introduction

Facial contour improvement is a sought - after cosmetic and reconstructive goal for many individuals in New York City. Whether it's to correct age - related changes, address congenital or post - injury deformities, or simply enhance one's natural features, the use of prosthesis filling plays a crucial role. In this article, we will delve into the top options for prosthesis filling for facial contour improvement in NYC, taking into account various factors such as effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction.

Understanding Facial Prosthesis and Filling

What is Facial Prosthesis?

Facial prosthesis refers to artificial devices used to replace or enhance missing or damaged facial structures. This can include prosthetic eyes, ears, noses, or mid - facial prostheses for more extensive defects. A study in the Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that in the last 10 years, especially between 2016 and 2021, there has been significant development in facial prostheses, thanks to progress in biocompatible materials, digital technology, and three - dimensional printing technology (Li et al., 2023).

Role of Filling in Facial Contour Improvement

Filling substances are used to add volume, smooth out contours, and correct depressions in the face. Dermal fillers, for example, are non - surgical options that can provide facial contour, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and restore facial volume loss (Green, 2023). They are a popular choice due to their relatively low invasiveness and quick recovery time.

Top Providers of Prosthesis and Filling in New York City

Prosthetic Service Providers

Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinics for Filling

Dr. Michele Green's Clinic

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board - certified cosmetic dermatologist. Her clinic offers a variety of dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Belotero. These fillers are used to target different signs of aging and enhance facial features. For example, Juvederm Voluma is used to enhance contour and replace volume loss in the cheekbones and malar area, while Sculptra stimulates collagen production for long - lasting volume restoration (Green, 2023).

Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is well - known for jawline contouring. He uses either Radiesse or Voluma for injectable treatments to camouflage jowling and restore a more crisp, angular appearance. The treatment is visible immediately and finalizes within one week, lasting up to six to nine months (Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, 2023).

Gotham Plastic Surgery

This clinic offers a wide range of facial shaping procedures, both surgical and non - surgical. Non - surgical options include liquid facelifts, dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane®, and neuromodulators like Botox®. Surgical options range from rhinoplasty to blepharoplasty. Their g.i. jaw™ technique is unique for men seeking a stronger, square jaw (Gotham Plastic Surgery, 2023).

Types of Prosthesis and Filling Materials

Prosthesis Materials

Silicone

Silicone is commonly used for facial prostheses such as ocular, orbital, auricular, nasal, and mid - facial prostheses. It can be custom - painted to simulate human skin, eyes, and intraoral tissues. However, it's important to note that silicone is not FDA - approved as a cosmetic injectable for facial enhancement, as it has potential health risks such as skin discoloration, scarring, and the formation of granulomas (Green, 2023).

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

PMMA can be used in the fabrication of facial prosthesis substructures. For example, a modified technique to fabricate a hollow light - weight facial prosthesis for lateral midfacial defect uses heat - polymerizing PMMA to support a silicone facial prosthesis. This technique allows for a structurally durable and light - weight prosthesis (Patil, 2010).

Filling Materials

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body. HA fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero are popular. They bind with water in the skin, providing a lifting and plumping effect. Restylane Contour, for instance, is used to contour the mid - face and enhance cheekbones, while Juvederm Ultra Plus is suitable for treating deep wrinkles in the mid and lower face (Green, 2023).

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)

Radiesse is an injectable filler that replenishes lost collagen under the skin and promotes natural collagen production. It can be used for pan - facial rejuvenation and can last up to a year (Green, 2023).

Poly - L - Lactic Acid (Sculptra)

Sculptra stimulates the production of new collagen in the skin. It is an excellent choice for long - term improvement in lines of the lower face, such as smile lines and nasolabial folds. The cosmetic effects can last up to two years after an initial series of injections (Green, 2023).

Procedure Considerations

Prosthesis Placement

For facial prostheses, the placement process is often complex and may involve multiple steps. For example, in the case of an intraoral - extraoral combination prosthesis for a midfacial defect, an intraoral obturator prosthesis is fabricated first, followed by the extraoral facial prosthesis. Magnets may be used for mutual retention between the two parts. Precise impression - taking, framework fabrication, and wax contouring are essential steps in the process (Patil, 2010).

Filling Injections

When it comes to dermal filler injections, a consultation with a board - certified professional is crucial. The treatment area is usually numbed with a topical lidocaine cream. After cleaning and sterilizing the skin, the filler is artfully injected according to a customized plan. Ice packs are applied immediately after the injection to reduce swelling. Results may be visible immediately or take several weeks to develop, and most patients require regular follow - up sessions to maintain the results (Green, 2023).

Benefits and Risks

Benefits

Improved Aesthetics

Both prosthesis and filling can significantly improve facial aesthetics. Prostheses can replace missing facial parts, restoring a natural appearance, while fillers can enhance facial contours, reduce wrinkles, and add volume, giving a more youthful look (Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, 2023; Green, 2023).

Function Restoration

Prostheses, especially intraoral ones, can restore functions such as speech, swallowing, and chewing. For example, a surgical obturator prosthesis can cover the palate after maxillary surgery, facilitating these functions (Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2023).

Risks

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions can occur to fillers or prosthesis materials. For example, Bellafill contains bovine collagen, so skin tests are required to ensure the patient is not allergic. Allergic reactions to injectable fillers may include nodule formation, asymmetric fullness, or persistent tenderness and swelling (Green, 2023).

Infection and Complications

There is a risk of infection at the injection or implantation site. In the case of prosthesis, issues such as delamination of silicone from the base material or poor marginal integrity can occur. For fillers, improper injection can lead to lumps or bulges in the face (Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, 2023; Patil, 2010).

Cost and Insurance Considerations

The cost of facial prosthesis and filling can vary widely depending on the type of procedure, the materials used, and the provider. Prostheses for complex facial defects may be more expensive due to the specialized materials and labor - intensive fabrication process. Dermal filler treatments are typically priced per syringe, and the total cost depends on the number of syringes used. Insurance coverage also varies. Some prosthetic treatments for medical reasons, such as those related to congenital disorders or post - cancer surgery, may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic filler treatments are usually not covered.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are numerous options for prosthesis filling for facial contour improvement. From established prosthetic service providers to leading dermatology and plastic surgery clinics, patients have a wide range of choices. Different types of prosthesis materials and filling substances offer unique benefits for both aesthetic enhancement and function restoration. However, it's important for patients to be well - informed about the procedures, benefits, risks, and costs.

If you're considering facial prosthesis or filling, we encourage you to consult with a board - certified professional. Do your research, read patient reviews, and ask questions to ensure you make the best decision for your facial contour improvement goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about facial contouring options in New York City!