Many types of facial fillers, also known as 'dermal fillers' and 'injectibles,' are now available to provide temporary to long-lasting wrinkle reduction or lip augmentation. Photo Credit: AFPJune 17, 2009, (Sawf News) - Want to get rid of wrinkly, sagging skin without investing thousands of dollars for a face lift?
Many types of facial fillers, also known as 'dermal fillers' and 'injectibles,' are now available to provide temporary to long-lasting wrinkle reduction or lip augmentation.
These innovative cosmetic procedures help in easing the ageing process by taking years off your face. However, choosing the right one that meets your specific requirements and addresses your concern can be a challenge.
The most common fillers are made up of a sugar substance called hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar manufactured in a way that makes it insoluble over a long period of time. The substance is non-immunogenic - the body doesn't consider it as a foreign substance - thereby minimizing the chance of an allergic reaction.
A common facial filler made of hyaluronic acid is Juvederm, which is designed to temporarily correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This is the thinnest hyaluronic acid filler that can be injected close to the skin surface. It also works in giving additional volume to already well defined lips.
An alternative filler used for correction of wrinkles and folds is the synthetic dermal filler Radiesse. This is a long lasting filler made of calcium hydroxyapatite.
A non-animal, biodegradable gel made from hyaluronic acid is Restylane. This is an injectable soft tissue filler that adds volume to the skin. Restylane can be used to reduce grooves between the upper lip and cheeks. However it does not work very well for the superficial lines around the mouth and should be injected very close to the skin surface. Restylane is approved by FDA to last for up to 18 months (with repeat injections)
According to Dr. Henry Sandel IV, MD, Perlane (a hyaluronic acid based filler) is one of the most beneficial fillers for lip augmentation. It is thicker than Juvederm and Restylane, and when injected into the Cupid’s bow, it helps in obtaining a well defined lip. Perlane is approved by FDA to last up to 6 months.
Botox (derivative of Botulinum toxic type A) helps in temporarily blocking muscle movement in the upper region of the face thereby reducing the appearance of unwanted signs of ageing.
Collagen is a soft tissue filler which is used to fill wrinkles, lines and scars on the face. As it is a naturally occurring protein, it eventually gets absorbed by the body.
Sculptra is the first FDA approved injectable for correction of lipoatrophy (restoration of lost facial volume) in people with HIV infection.
The biggest advantage of these fillers is that they do not require any invasive surgery and require little recovery time. These fillers are also less expensive ($ 800 per session) than the face lifts which can run into thousands of dollars. But as in case of any chemicals, these fillers also have a downside. They are temporary, bruising and swelling is common and some patients can also have allergic reactions.
Dr. Sherrell Ashton, a plastic surgeon, puts the treatment in perspective with the question - “Does it seem logical that one can repetitively put foreign substances in the delicate facial tissues and not have problems later?”
So before you go for your anti-ageing treatment, consult a certified physician who would help you understand which filler is best for your skin and body and also discuss the possible side effects of these dermal fillers with you.
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