Injectable Fillers

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in injectable filler stop build up my brows and glabellar areas. My only concern is the risk of blindness when injecting the filler into the radix/glabella region. A few questions:

1) Would using a micro-cannula help mitigate these risks? 

2) Would using a thinner filler like Restylane be recommended, or is Voluma just as safe?

3) Could a small amount of botox help lift the ‘inner’ eyebrows so that they appear straighter? I’ve read that combining botox and fillers in this region helps the fillers last longer – is this true?

4) Finally, how many syringes of Voluma total for my cheeks and radix/glabella is needed?

Thank you for your time!

A: Injectable fillers for brow augmentation can be vert effective even if it is not permanent. I would recommend Volume to get the longest lasting effect. In answer to your questions:

I have used microcannulas exclusively for years to do all injectable fillers treatments. They not only reduce the risk of intravascular injection but also decrease/eliminatent the risk of bruising and make the procedure much more comfortable.
Voluma with a microcannula technique would be safe for brow injections.
Eliminating the muscle action from the brow muscles using Botox can only help the persistence of the filler.
I would recommend 3 syringes of Volume for the brow and cheek areas.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana