FACIAL FILLERS

The visible signs of facial aging occur over time as a result of sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle. One of the earliest signs of aging is a loss of facial fullness and the development of wrinkles. Softening of these facial lines and the restoration of volume and fullness in the face can often achieve non-surgically with injectable fillers.

Injectable Fillers Can:

  • Plump thin lips
  • Enhance shallow contours
  • Soften facial creases and wrinkles
  • Improve the appearance of scars, including acne scars.

Injectable fillers will not:

  • Stop the aging process
  • Change the elements of your face
  • Have the same results as a face lift

What are the different types of fillers?

  • Hyaluronic Acid:(some FDA approved brand names: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Hylaform, Captique)
    This acid exists naturally in all living organisims and is a natural component of connective tissue, including the skin. As a natural substance, allergic reactions are rare.
    Can last for 6 months to 1 year, but is patient dependent.
    Purpose: Soft tissue filler that adds volume and can correct moderately to severe wrinkles and folds.
    Possible Side Effects/Risks: Bruising, redness, swelling, itching and rarely allergic reaction.
  • Semi-permanent Fillers: (some FDA approved fillers: Radiese, Sculptra)
    These are either microspheres made from calcium hydro-xyl-apatite or microspheres of synthetic polylactic acids. Can last 1-2 years, but patient dependent.
    Possible side effects/risks: Lumping, nodules, redness, bruising, granulomas and allergic reactions.
  • Permanent Fillers: (FDA approved at this time is Artefill)
    Contains 20% non-resorbable, round, smooth microspheres & 80% purified bovine collagen gel. Skin test required.
    Purpose: Permanent support for existing wrinkles and may aid in preventing further wrinkles.
    Possible Side Effects/Risks: Skin test required, lumpiness, granulomas, persistent swelling or redness, increased sensitivity at injection site, rash, itching. Not for patients with known keloid formation.
  • Collagen: (Some FDA approved brand names: Cosmoderm & Cosmoplast (human), Zyderm & Zyplast (bovine).
    A natural protein that supports the skin. Bovine protein requires prior allergy testing. Results may last 2-4 months.
    Possible side effects/risks: Allergic reaction, bruising, swelling, itching.
  • Fat Injections: Involves taking fat from one part of the patient’s body and reinjecting it beneath the facial skin. Results are variable, but can be permanent. Allergic reaction is not a factor. There are side effects to consider.

Some uncommon general complications that may occur from fillers: Infection, asymmetry, bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness, rash, itching, swelling, migration, acne-like eruptions, clumping and necrosis.