A
number of facial fillers are currently available( Restylane,
Juvaderm, Perlane, Evolution, Revanesse, Revanesse Ultra,
Redexis, Redexis Ultra, Radiesse, Sculptura) for minimizing
wrinkles or fine lines in the face. These fillers are
most often used to treat forehead wrinkles, wrinkles
from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds), lip wrinkles
(lipstick lines) and enhance lip fullness. They may
be used in conjunction with other facial treatments
such as Botox, or they may be used alone. Options should
be discussed during your consultation to achieve the
best optimal results possible for you.
Fillers include various forms of collagen, hylauronic
acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, all of which soften
lines or wrinkles. The majority of these products are
not permanent and are FDA approved with the exception
of Redexis/Revaness family, which is semi-permanent
and is pending FDA approval in early 2009.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is a natural occurring protein found in the
dermis or the second layer of the skin. The Zyderm®
products (Zyderm® 1, Zyderm® 2 and Zyplast®) are purified
bovine (cow) collagen. This has been used as a treatment
of fine lines and has been approved by the FDA since
1981. There is also a newer product called Evolution.
Cosmaderm® is a fat from human sources. Because it resembles
fat already in the body, it produces a soft, natural
appearance. As a human or animal material, however,
it may cause allergic reaction in some individuals,
consisting of persistent redness, itching and/or firmness
at the treatment site.
Artecoll/Artefill® is a combination of bovine collagen
and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads. PMMA is in
inert plastic that has been used in medical devices.
The collagen acts as a vehicle enabling the physician
to inject the PMMA beads into facial deficiencies. While
the body will absorb the collagen, the PMMA beads remain
a permanent part of the body's tissues. Removal would
be difficult, if not impossible, should long-term problems
occur. The presence of collagen in Artecoll necessitates
an allergy skin test prior to performing the injection.
An allergy skin test must be performed prior to the
injection of collagen. The body quickly absorbs collagen
and its effects diminish in three to six months. This
material is injected using a fine needle during a short
office visit. The Zyderm® has an anesthetic with it
that minimizes pain.
These fillers are bio-degradable non-animal based clear
hyaluronic acid gel fillers. They are safe, organic
fillers ideal for smoothing out wrinkles and folds.
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and is
compatible with the body's chemistry. Both products
have no animal products thus eliminating the risk of
eliciting allergic reactions. Even people with food
sensitivities (eg. eggs, beef) can receive hyaluronic
acid treatment safely, without worry of adverse reactions
or the need for skin testing. The hyaluronic acid is
naturally integrated into the tissue and allows for
the passage of vital nutrients like oxygen and hormones.
As cells are also able to pass between fragments of
the gel your skin will look perfectly healthy and natural.
Hyaluronic acid smoothes out wrinkles and folds and
breaks down naturally in the body after 4-24 months
leaving no harmful byproducts; only water and carbon
dioxide are left which leave without a trace. Because
hyaluronic acid is a non-permanent filler, it allows
clients the opportunity to reassess their needs and
alters or continue their course of treatments as desired.
CALCIUM HYDROXYLAPATITE
- (RADIESSE)
Radiesse® is comprised of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite
(CaHA) in an inert, aqueous gel. A synthetic compound,
CaHA is identical to the chemical structure of calcium
naturally present in the body. Radiesse® has undergone
extensive safety testing, and CaHA has been used for
many years as an implant in dentistry and surgery. FDA
approval for facial implant is pending. It does not
produce allergic reaction, and no skin testing is required
prior to treatment. The Radiesse® formula is cream-like
in texture, and remains soft throughout its life. Following
injection, the body forms a tissue matrix around the
Radiesse® microspheres. In fact, your own tissues will
integrate with the Radiesse® microspheres as a natural
process of your body. Since your physician can control
the amount of Radiesse® injected, you can achieve the
exact amount of enhancement you desire. Radiesse® is
best used for deep lines and wrinkles. The body gradually
metabolizes Radiesse® after a two to three-year period.
RECOVERY
With soft tissue fillers, aftercare is minimal. There
may be some over correction of the area, some bruising
and some irregularities that resolve within 24 to 48
hours following treatment.
RISKS
Complications with non-animal based fillers are rare
and do not require skin test prior to treatment.
For more information about dermal fillers and a complimentary
consultation, please call us at (813) 341-2600.
A
number of facial fillers are currently available( Restylane,
Juvaderm, Perlane, Evolution, Revanesse, Revanesse Ultra,
Redexis, Redexis Ultra, Radiesse, Sculptura) for minimizing
wrinkles or fine lines in the face. These fillers are
most often used to treat forehead wrinkles, wrinkles
from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds), lip wrinkles
(lipstick lines) and enhance lip fullness. They may
be used in conjunction with other facial treatments
such as Botox, or they may be used alone. Options should
be discussed during your consultation to achieve the
best optimal results possible for you.