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.