Dermal Fillers For Wrinkles

There are many injectable substances available today to treat wrinkles. These dermal or soft tissue fillers can be used to treat

- deep wrinkles

- depression under the eyes

- lip enhancement

- Acne scars.

- Hollowed cheeks

There is no perfect or ideal dermal filler. The majority of the natural body fillers are temporary. The permanent fillers made from synthetic substances are permanent but have been associated with allergic reactions, pain and hardening of the substance

Fat injection: Fat tissue is usually obtained from the patients' own thigh or abdomen. It is injected into target wrinkles with needle and syringe. Fat is commonly used to treat deep wrinkles around the nose and mouth, folds in the forehead, and wrinkles on the hands.

There are no allergic or immune reaction because substance is patient's own fat.

The body eventually absorbs the fat, so multiple injections are needed. Some studies suggest that 70% of the fat may still be viable after at least a year.

Collagen implants. Collagen is the protein that forms the structures in the body (e.g., skin, bones, and cartilage).

The implant procedure uses bovine (cow) collagen. Various forms of human collagen are also available on the market.

All collagen material is injected into target wrinkles with needle and syringe. Several weeks after injection, the cow collagen breaks down and is replaced by newly created human collagen. When injected well, the wrinkles around the eyes and mouth most individuals have a younger looking face with full lips. The recovery from collagen injection is fast but most individuals require repeat treatments at least 1-2 times a year to maintain the wrinkle free face.

Rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur. Collagen injections are not used for injections in children, pregnant women, and individuals with a history of autoimmune disease.

Gore-Tex. This highly porous and inert (not chemically active) synthetic material is often used for permanent results. It does require surgery to insert the implant. The tiny patches are inserted under the skin to fill out wrinkles. Over time, the skin tissue penetrates the porous material, thus reducing the chance of developing an inflammatory reaction. Gore-Tex is often used to treat deep wrinkles and the material does not degrade in the body. Complications with the use of Gore-Tex include possible scarring from surgical procedure. Allergic reactions are rare but can occur even with chemically inactive materials.

Hyaluronic acid injections are now fast becoming the materials of choice for facial rejuvenation. The hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical with a soft consistency. Both HylaForm and Restylane are injected underneath the skin to treat deep wrinkles. There is a very low risk of allergic reactions and the substances last longer than bovine collagen.

Unfortunately, this is also a temporary filler and repeat injections are required in the future

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