When searching for the fountain of
youth, it can be as simple as a trip to the doctor’s office — cosmetic doctor, that is.
Dr. Michael
Weinberg, a certified plastic surgeon, offers a range of noninvasive treatments to help his patients enhance
their looks with a more youthful appearance. At his two clinics — his main office in Mississauga and another
in Toronto’s Yorkville district — he uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm. The
injectable fillers are used to “erase” fine lines and wrinkles, as well as add volume to the skin.
“When people look less tired and more youthful, they tend to feel more energized. It has a positive effect on
their mood and outlook. People today tend to stay active, and they feel young inside. They want the outside
image to match how they feel inside,” says Weinberg.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is found in the human body. Cosmetic fillers that contain
hyaluronic acid help attract water molecules to the injected area, which can improve one’s appearance by
plumping up the skin tissue.
“Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers [such as] Juvéderm act to soften deep lines, and to restore lost
volume in the face. As we age, we tend to become more gaunt and facial skin starts to sag,” he says.
“Restylane restores a more youthful fullness and roundness to the face, making patients look less tired.”
In 2003, Restylane became the first hyaluronic acid filler to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for cosmetic injection. Juvéderm followed suit in 2006, when it became FDA-approved. One
of the medical benefits of the fillers is that the hyaluronic acid works together with the hyaluronic acid
found in the body, which significantly decreases the chances of developing a bad skin reaction to the filler
after the procedure.
The filler is most commonly injected in various areas of the face including cheeks, under the eyes, in the
lips, and folds around the nose, chin, and mouth. It can also be used along the jaw line, the brow line and
the temple area.
“Application with new techniques can cleverly hide the early development of jowls [the sagging of the lower
face and cheeks], and even achieve a lifting of the brow. These tricks can allow patients to postpone
facelift surgery, sometimes for years,” says Weinberg. “A lady came to see me thinking she needed a surgical
brow lift. A small amount of filler in her brow, and she feels like a new person, with no need for
surgery.”
The fillers can also be used in the hands, to make them appear smoother and less wrinkled, by plumping up the
appearance of skin. “Another one of our regular patients just hates her hands — she feels that her face isn’t
aging badly, but she is so self-conscious about her hands. She’s always holding them behind her back. She is
so happy with her Juvéderm treatment, she’s pulled out a gorgeous ring that’s been sitting in her jewelry box
and she’s wearing it again,” he says.
In Weinberg’s two clinics, his clientele is largely female-based — many working in a professional job
field.
“Some of our business executive patients tell us hyaluronic acid fillers help them stay competitive in a job
market that favours youth,” he says. “They want to look their best, and they are thrilled when they see their
results.” Aside from the physical benefits, the results of the filler can also help patients who may be
battling self-esteem issues to regain their self-confidence.
“One of our patients was going through a really traumatic time in her life, and was feeling really low. She
had Restylane under her eyes to treat the dark circles. When she came back a year later, she still looked
fantastic, and she told us how much it had meant to her to have those dark circles gone. It was a little
thing, but it made a big difference to how she felt,” Weinberg recalls.
Since the procedures are a lot less invasive compared to surgical treatments, the fillers can be applied to a
wide range of age groups. Weinberg’s clientele also includes younger women who are looking to plump their
lips with hyaluronic acid fillers. “They are delighted when they can get that beautiful, pouty look to their
lips, and can show off the latest colour of lip gloss. It’s just a fun and easy little pick-me-up, and makes
them feel young and pretty,” he says.
Each treatment can last from approximately six months up to 12 months, and requires little recovery time,
ranging from two to three days. Although it provides short-term results, the repeated use of hyaluronic acid
fillers has more advantages than semi-permanent and permanent fillers, according to Weinberg.
“They are very safe, do not require any testing beforehand, and are very seldom associated with any skin
reactions,” he says. “Both Restylane and Juvéderm also contain some lidocaine, a local freezing agent, which
makes them very comfortable for the patient. Another advantage of these products over some others is that the
results are immediate.”
When choosing a doctor for cosmetic procedures, Weinberg has some helpful tips. At his clinics, each patient
begins by meeting with a patient co-ordinator for a consultation. The patient then meets with Weinberg for a
consultation and discussion prior to the procedure. He says it’s important to choose a doctor who is
considered an “expert” in injectable fillers, with many doctors today being certified in the use of Restylane
and Juvéderm.
“We go through all the risks of all procedures carefully, so they know what is going to happen,” he says.
“Patients are usually very happy with the results. Restylane can achieve essentially a non- surgical face
lift, transforming someone who looks tired and aged, into a more rested, more youthful-looking person. While
the results can be a great improvement, the nice thing is they tend to look natural and not overdone, at
least when the product is used in the right hands.”
When it comes to ensuring the best possible results, Weinberg’s most sound advice relates to the patient’s
expectations.
“We tell [patients] they have to be realistic. They will look like themselves, but better. That less is more
— that natural is better.”
Dr. Michael J.
Weinberg, Plastic Surgeon, BSc, MSc, MD, FRCS(C) is the founder of the Mississauga Cosmetic Surgery and Laser
Clinic. For more information about Weinberg and his clinics, visit mississaugacosmeticsurgeryclinic.com. •
