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Fillers are materials that are placed
into deeper lines and wrinkles. Filler agents typically are used
for those wrinkles that are too deep to be treated with lasers.
Most commonly filler agents are used for smile lines wrinkles,
between the eyebrows, sagging cheekbones or to enhance the
appearance of upper and lower lips. Acne, chicken pox and other
depressed scars can also be improved.
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What Are The Available Cosmetic Fillers? |
Over the years a variety of filler
agents have been successfully used. Each filler is a different
material and the duration of filling may vary between the
different substances.
Bovine collagen (Zyderm® and Zyplast®) was approved by the FDA
2 decades ago. It was the first filler agent to become very
popular in the US . Typically it is used for smile lines and
other wrinkles, lip enhancement and scar correction. Because
bovine collagen is derived from cow collagen, skin tests on
the arm are required in an attempt to determine collagen
allergy. Results, after treatment, typically last 2-6 months.
Human collagen (Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast®) is used much like
bovine collagen. Typically human collagen is used for smile
lines and other wrinkles, lip enhancement and scar correction.
These materials are among the more popular filler agents for
lip enhancement or for the patient who likes collagen, but
prefers not to have bovine collagen. In contrast to bovine
collagen, human collagen treatment does not require skin
tests. Results typically last 2-6 months.
Among the newer filler agents are those containing hyaluronic
acid . This sugar like material is highly popular in Europe
and Canada . Recent FDA studies have been led to the
availability of 2 different hyaluronic acids (Restylane® and
Hylaform®). Generally skin tests are not required. The
material is soft and is very popular for the treatment of
smile lines. Results typically last 3-8 months.
Radiance® (also called Radiesse®) is a filler agent made up of
a calcium material called calcium hydroxylapatite. This
material is approved by the FDA for vocal cord injections and
has also been used for the treatment of wrinkles. It is unique
among fillers in that results can last up to 2 years. This
agent is very popular for those patients with deeper smile
lines who want longer lasting results.
Sculptra ® is included in the
category of fillers, but is better called a skin volume
enhancer. The injected substance is poly L-lactic acid. The
material is used to treat sunken cheeks that result from the
aging process. A series of injections over several months is
required and the final improvement will take up to six months.
The clinical benefit can also last up to 2 years.
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What Kind Of
Reactions Can Occur After Cosmetic Filler Injections? |
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Reactions to filler agents are rare
and generally resolve with time. Some common injection-related
reactions might occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching,
discoloration and tenderness at the implant site. They typically
resolve spontaneously within several days after injection into the
skin. Other types of reactions are very rare, but occasional
patients do experience localized reactions thought to be of a
hypersensitivity nature. These have usually consisted of swelling
at the implant site, sometimes affecting the surrounding tissues.
Redness, tenderness and rarely acne-like formations can be seen.
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What Can I Do To
Optimize Cosmetic Fillers Results? |
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Filler agents are ideally combined
with BOTOX® injections that are used for wrinkles caused by too
much muscle tone. Wrinkles such as frown lines, crow's feet,
marionette lines and vertical lip lines are better treated with
BOTOX® than a filler agent.
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The following is borrowed in full from: Skin & Laser Surgery Specialists
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