Facial Fillers
Description:
Facial fillers are injectables that can offer many different treatments to defy the aging process and relieve skin damage. There are many products available on the markets which provide different effects and uses.
ArteFill® is a gel filler consisting of millions and millions of synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) inside purified bovine (cow) collagen. ArteFill is a dual-acting injectable. First, ArteFill visibly corrects the wrinkle. Then, the microspheres within the ArteFill provide permanent support your skin needs for long lasting wrinkle correction. ArteFill is an FDA approved filler.
Botox® (medically known as Botulinum) disrupts the release of acetylcholine, which essentially paralyzes the muscle and stops the contraction. Botox typically reduces wrinkles by about 80% and is the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States.
Collagen makes up the main protein in our connective tissue. Collagen injections and fillers are some of the most popular facial procedures today. Soft-tissue filler made from purified cow skin used to fill lines, wrinkles, and scars on the face.
Fat Fillers consist of fat taken from the person’s body. Fat fillers can plump up hollow cheeks and can be used to give an improved appearance in the forehead and eyes.
Juvederm™ is a naturally occurring filler (biocompatible) that is used to correct small wrinkles and lines. Juvederm is a gel implant containing hyaluronic acid and is absorbed into the body in about six to nine months.
Restylane® is a natural sugar compound which is biodegradable. This soft-tissue filler adds volume to the skin. Used mostly around the mouth and eyes.
Sculptra® was recently introduced to the United States and is the first FDA approved injectable for the restoration of lost facial volume for people with HIV infection. This filler is a synthetic polylactic acid which lasts for about two years.
Captique® is another soft - tissue filler derived from hyaluronic acid. This filler is used to add volume around the mouth and the nose.
Procedure Length:
Injections take about ten to twenty minutes.
Side Effects:
Some of the most common side effects include, bruising and redness at injection site, numbness, swelling, pain and tenderness, discoloration, and allergic reaction.
Recovery:
Immediate. Although, sunlight and strenuous activities should be avoided after the procedure.
Risks:
With some fillers, you may get lumps or allergic reactions.
Results:
Most of these procedures are considered temporary (usually absorbed into the body within a year) with the exception of ArteFill® and Sculptra®.
Patient Status:
Outpatient.
Anesthesia:
Local if necessary.
