Derma Filler (Hyaluronic Acid)
Derma Filler
The use of derma fillers is an attractive option to patients who long for the rewards of
plastic surgery, yet are concerned about getting under the knife. The procedure
consists of the injection of polymeric materials of high viscosity, and is intended
primarily for cosmetic purposes. Derma fillers may be used to successfully contour
facial wrinkles and voluminise skin-folds. Results are instantaneous, and recovery
time is rapid.
Dermal Fillers are injected into the skin to replace Hyalurnic Acid that has dissipated over
time. Dermal fillers differ in consistency and the type is chosen by the medical professional
based on the area/areas being treated.
Temporary inject-able fillers such as bovine (cow) collagen and hyaluronic acid products are
the most commonly used soft tissue augmentation products.
They are used for wrinkles, and
deep folds such as the nasolabial area (lines that run from nose to mouth) and the glabellar
region (frown lines between the brows. They are also used for augmentation of the lips and
for filling out acne scars and other types of tissue deficiencies. They are also ideal for
"trying on" augmentation before undergoing a more permanent procedure.
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Your skin is made of two layers, with supporting columns holding them apart. The area
in-between includes the clear-jelly like substance Hyaluronic Acid. While young, the
Hyaluronic acid is in abundance. As you grow older, the acid between these layers diminishes,
and the skin somewhat caves, causing a wrinkle along the line. The wrinkle would be gone if
you filled that area back up with the Hyaluronic Acid jelly-like substance. That's where
Dermal fillers come in.
The fillers are injected into the skin with a very thin needle. It is injected into the area, and
restores the natural volumes underneath the wrinkle. The wrinkle is now lifted up and
smoothed out. All of this takes about 30 minutes, leaves no marks or scars, and the results can
be seen immediately. Time between injections is typically 6 to 12 months.
Facial lines and features that can be corrected using these hyaluronic acid fillers are:

Worry lines that run across the forehead (forehead lines)

Crow's feet at the corner of the eyes (periorbital lines)

Frown lines that run between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)

Smoker's lines which are vertical lines on the mouth (perioral lines)

Marionette lines at the corner of the mouth (oral commissures)

Deep smile lines that run from side of the nose to corners of the
mouth (nasolabial furrows)

Cheek depressions

Redefining lip border

Acne scars

Some facial scars
WHAT EXACTLY ARE DERMAL FILLERS MADE FROM?
Back in the 1890s doctors took fat from patients' arms and injected it into their faces
to plump up skin. From the early 20th century doctors used paraffin and then silicone
as a filler for wrinkles, although these were not widely used as they had a tendency to
migrate and clump, causing distressing deformities. By the 1980s a form of collagen
derived from cows had been discovered which was safe to use in humans.
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The most popular dermal fillers in use today are collagen, hyaluronic acid based
fillers such as Restylane and Hylaform, and a newer, longer lasting filler called
Radiesse.
Derma fillers may be broadly divided into biodegradable or nondegradable materials.
Biodegradable materials are not permanent, and are eventually broken down into
absorbable constituents. The most common biodegradable derma filler is collagen,
which is a polymeric material obtained from the skin and bones of cows (bovine),
pigs (porcine) or humans. Commercial products include: Zyderm (bovine), Fibrel
(porcine, isologen, cosmoderm, and cosmoplast (human). Another common
biodegradable derma filler is hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan, an important constituent
in skin and cartilage. Commercial products include Perlane and Restylane.
Hyaluronan production in the skin decreases upon excessive exposure to the sun, and
the consistency of this material also decreases with age. The injection of Hyaloronan
may therefore be considered a restorative process to reverse the effects of sun damage
and aging on the human skin.
RESTYLANE AND JUVEDERMTHE "NATURALS"
Restylane is made from hyaluronic acid. Before you panic about someone injecting
you with acid, your face is full of this stuff. Therefore Restylane is biocompatible
with your body, reducing the chance of allergic reaction to nil.
It's used for the same fine lines and wrinkles as Botox, but also to rejuvenate and
super-hydrate. Depending on use, it can last longer than Botox. For facial lines it can
last 6-12 months; for lip enhancement, 6 months and for rejuvenation and hydration
(after the initial 3 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart), 6 months. So, it can be more
cost effective in the long run.
The side effects are the same as with any injection: redness, swelling, itching and
bruising. If you plan on using Restylane for your lips avoid making your appointment
too close your family portrait, because your lips may be swollen and uneven for a few
days.
Anesthetic: No, although a numbing cream is applied before injection.
Allergy test: No.
Lasts: Approximately six months.
A patient's guide to derma fillers: Rewards, risks and costs
*Restylane is a synthetic biodegradable Hyaluronic acid in the form of a gel. It
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binds to water molecules, resulting in a plump look to the injected area. Synthetic is a
chemical process that mimics skins own Hyaluronic acid. Biodegradable means that it
will leave the body naturally overtime. They are not animal based so there is no risk
for disease and no tests are required
Perlane is from the same company as Restylane. The difference between these two
derma fillers are the size and density of the gel, and Perlane is injected deeper in the
dermis, whereas Restylane is injected in the middle of the dermis.
What are the advantages over traditional surgery?
1. No down-time:
Normal activities can be resumed directly after treatment.
2. No scarring.
3. Results are immediate.
4. Costs are significantly less (more about that later).
5. You still look like you, only younger.
6. Actual skin improvement:
Recent independent studies carried out by the University of Michigan have discovered
that not only does the procedure improve the appearance of the skin; the hyaluronic
acid actually stimulates more collagen production. Therefore treatments over time
may improve the condition of the skin.
Derma Filler Possible Side Effects
There are associated risks using derma fillers. For instance, African Americans may
experience a temporary darkening of the skin, and herpes victims can have a triggered
outbreak from Perlane. In addition, aspirin, vitamin E, and St. John's Wort cannot be
taken for up to two weeks before the derma filler treatment.
Derma Filler treatments may cause temporary bruising or redness at the injection site
may be visible and usually disappear after one or two days. This is common with any
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kind of surgery, but antibiotics are prescribed for severe swelling or other reactions.
Follow up treatment is usually needed after 9 to 12 months.
It is recommended that the first treatment be scheduled for the end of the day, so you
can see how your skin will react. Many patients then schedule additional
appointments during their lunch hour and return to work immediately.
Over time, the filler assimilates back into the body's tissues with no negative effects.
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