Fillers
Compounds injected into and under the skin surface to fill in wrinkles, lines, scars or plump lips are known as dermal fillers. This technique/procedure is used to assist in reversing the effects of aging by returning the skins surface to its more youthful state. Fillers help to reduce wrinkles, fill in scars and replace soft tissue that has been depleted by general aging and breakdown of collagen; they are also used to enhance lips or lip lines.
Fillers are easily administered and are able to produce an excellent cosmetic result time after time. The treatment is usually simple to perform with immediate results. Most often in gel form, a very fine needle is inserted under the skin and the gel is then injected into the lines or lips causing the area to be plumped and ‘filled in’. Once in the skin the results will last for a significant period of time, from several months to several years. The actual procedure time can take from 10-60 minutes depending on the tolerance of the patient and the amount of correction needed. Some patients require a topical anesthetic applied to their skin prior to the treatment for more comfort.
Several varieties of dermal fillers are available for line correction and soft tissue depletion--Collagen based, Hyaluronic acid based, or Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite. Collagen based fillers have the shortest duration, lasting from 3-6 months. Also a skin test is required if the form of collagen based filler has an animal base such as ArteFill. Hyaluronic acid based fillers will last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Hyaluronic acid is found in the human body, so no skin test is required and chances of allergic reaction are very slim. Two popular examples of this type of filler are Restylane or Hylaform. Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite, such as Radiesse, are fillers that are reported to last in excess of 3 years.
Fat transfer is yet another form of dermal filler. Areas of fat are removed from the body where fat is tightly packed by either liposuction or with a needle and syringe. This fat is then injected into wrinkles or lips to re-contour the face or other areas of the body. Sometimes called micro-lipo injection or autologus fat transplantation, this form of dermal filler does not need a skin test and will never cause an allergic reaction. Initial injections of fat can last up to 6 months, however to achieve longer results, lasting years, the fat will need to be re-injected into the areas 3-4 times over a period of 6 months.
With any of the dermal fillers, the results will always last longer in areas of non-movement.
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