Dermal Fillers 101

Dermal fillers are gel-like materials that are injected into unwanted folds, creases and wrinkles or into areas where volume is needed to provide a more youthful appearance. Fillers can be used to enhance the lips and to rejuvenate the back of the hands or the earlobes where volume may have been lost from aging and/or sun damage. They also occasionally used to treat skin defects where volume has been lost such as pitted acne scarring or some traumatic scars.

The administration of a dermal filler is sometimes referred to as "soft tissue augmentation". Treatment with a dermal filler is often combined with other beauty-enhancing procedures, such as botulinum toxin (BotoxR), which can prolong their aesthetic effects.

Most dermal fillers used today are temporary fillers that are eventually absorbed naturally into the body. The major fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, hydroxylapatite and collagen products.

Hyaluronic acids (Juvederm^®, Restylane^®, Perlane^®) are natural, spongy materials found in human skin. They are the building blocks of collagen. They help provide support and thickness to the skin. Due to their softness and safety profile, hyaluronic fillers are the work horses of the filler world. They can be used almost in any area of the body to smooth lines, wrinkles and creases or provide volume in such areas as the cheeks or tear troughs. They are also the fillers that are used for lip augmentation. The cosmetic benefits of a hyaluronic acid filler can be seen for 4 months to one year depending on the type of filler used and its location with the effects in most areas treated lasting 8-12 months.

Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra^®) is made from absorbable suture material and is used for facial contouring and to smooth deep lines, hollows, and depressions. This is the filler that is most commonly used when a "liquid facelift" is being performed. This filler stimulates collagen production so multiple treatments (usually 3-6 treatments) spaced 4-6 weeks apart are necessary to see the full results. Once the full effect of the treatment is obtained, the results can last 2-5 years.

Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse^®) is made from microspheres of a synthetic version of the material found in bones and teeth. Once the spheres are injected into the skin, the body slowly produces collagen around them. This filler lasts for a year or longer. It is mainly used to smooth the deeper folds that form around the mouth and for filling out hollow cheeks.

Collagen is a natural protein found in human skin that degr a des with aging and sun exposure. Collagen injections have been used for many years to enhance lips and smooth out wrinkles. Originally, the collagen used for dermal fillers was derived from cattle and commonly triggered allergic reactions. This required allergy testing prior to treatment. They also only lasted 3-4 months. Due to their risks of possible allergic reactions and because of their short duration of effect, collagen injectables are used very rarely today.

Please call eŌs Dermatology & Med Spa to schedule a complimentary consultation (512) 482-9344.

Source: Vivacare

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