A facelift was the solution. The concept was that round, plump lips are an indication of childhood and saggy, sunken lips are marked old.

To examine this concept, I did a random sample public transportation evaluation – I looked in the people sitting opposite me. Outcomes:

• At the end of the day, they looked tired.
• Those with plump lips were one of the most adorable, but maybe not the best looking.
• The most amazing was approximately six years old and his lips were plump as a granny smith apple.

If your mom always told you-you can get away with anything when you’ve got high cheekbones, I have bad news for you. This is exactly what happens when you age:

RELATED: IS CHEEK ENHANCEMENT THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR VOLUME LOSS?

Aging 101

Young faces possess a”triangle of childhood” — broadest aspect of this triangle is in the cheeks.

As we get older, lips deflate and surplus skin falls to the jawline, i.e., jowl line. The triangle moves, so the broadest aspect of this face is currently in the jaws.

Plump lips are at the news since the FDA has accepted Voluma, the very first and only hyaluronic acid (HA) filler from the United States to fix age-related volume reduction.

Despite the fact that you add volume into the cheeks, you soften and raise the folds from the mouth region.

If you are a skeptic like me, you might wonder what makes Voluma distinct from another HA injectable fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm.  How does Voluma allow you to get younger plumper cheeks?

RELATED: 4 REASONS WHY A FACELIFT MAY NOT BE THE ANSWER FOR YOU

What’s unique about Voluma:

• It’s specially formulated to revive volume shortages in the cheeks.
• It’s well-tolerated, has a potent lifting capacity and continues for a very long time – around  20 years.
• If you end up looking too glowing, there’s a different injectable, hyaluronidase, which will take you down to size.

Voluma was made to be recovered deep, not to skin or thin places. Appropriate shot of Voluma, taking care to prevent overfilling, returns really natural consequences minus the doughy, bloated appearance that may occur with additives not formulated especially for the lips.

Individuals with really thin skin, intense smoking or sun associated skin damage won’t find the best outcomes. Plumping achievement is contingent upon the level of your own skin, not your age!

PREPARED TO REJUVENATE YOUR CHEEKS?

Wondering if younger plumper cheeks may enable you to get the refreshed appearance you desire? To find out contact Dr. Sheffield, a board certified plastic surgeon, to discuss your questions and find out about all of your choices with a customized treatment plan –and that is precisely what you will receive through a cosmetic consultation at SB Aesthetics.  Call us at 805.318.3280 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

The post Does a Youthful Face Start With the Cheeks? appeared first on SB Aesthetics.

Plastic Surgery in Santa Barbara – Cosmetic, Dermal and Injectable Fillers Are Interchangeable, But They Are Not All the Same

Injectable fillers are popular minimally invasive procedures use to contour the face, fill in wrinkles and add volume. The most common areas treated with injectable fillers are the eye area, the mouth area, cheeks and the nose. Dermal fillers in Santa Barbara are very popular because they are highly cost-effective and can offer immediate results with minimum recovery time.

You should consider injectable fillers if you have intense lines and/or wrinkles around your eyes, forehead or mouth areas, if you would like to sculpt your facial structure, you want to enhance the volume of your jaws or cheeks or if you have scars from injury or acne.  In addition learning more about injectable fillers, choosing the right plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara is critical.

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1) TYPES OF DERMAL FILLERS

In the world of injectable fillers there are a number of choices. Which one your doctor chooses will depend on the specific application, your desired results, your budget and a number of other deciding factors. Before you choose which dermal filler in Santa Barbara is right for you, find out more about cosmetic fillers.  In general, here are the types of fillers available:

• Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra XC. This is a hyaluronic acid that is FDA approved. This injectable filler is for the fine lines of the face, including wrinkles. Juvederm also can add volume and can be injected into the lips. It works by absorbing water and plumping up the areas of the face. In general it will last anywhere from 6-months to up to one year. The XC version adds lidocaine within its composition and that can cut down on pain during injection.

Juvederm fillers for face before and after

juvederm-injectable fillers before and after

• Juvederm Voluma XC. This is another hyaluronic acid that is used to add volume and contour the cheek area. It absorbs water and changes the area that it is injected into. It can last up to two years post treatment.

Related: Will Restylane Under Eye Fillers Replace Blepharoplasty?

Voluma fillers for face before and after

voluma-injectable fillers before and after

 

• Radiesse. The main active ingredient is calcium hydroxylapatite. It is used to treat more severe wrinkles and folds, including the nasolabial area. It is able to replicate the collagen within the body and produces longer-lasting results. Typically it lasts up to about one year.

Radiesse fillers for face before and after

radiesse-injectable fillers before and after

• Sculptra. The main ingredient here is Poly-L-Lactic acid. It is used to build up the cheeks and can treat sunken areas or hollows. It encourages the formation of new collagen and effects are not immediate as a result. Usually more than one treatment is required to achieve desired results. Once treatment is completed, however, it can last up to 2 years.

Related: Will Dermal Fillers Ever Replace Surgical Procedures?

Sculptra fillers for face before and after

sculptra-injectable fillers before and after

• Restylane Silk/Restylane/Restylane Lyft. This is another injectable filler made of hyaluronic acid. It is used for lip enhancement, cheek volume, wrinkles and folds and has smaller particles within it. It is able to absorb water and thus make areas look plumper. It lasts up to about 6 months.

Restlyane fillers for face before and after

restylane-injectable fillers before and after

 

• Belotero Balance. This is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable filler best used in all areas of the face with superficial injections. Belotero helps to sill and smooth facial lines and wrinkles. This injectable filler works best for nasolabial folds, vertical lip lines, smile lines and chin wrinkles. Belotero lasts about 6 months until maintenance injections are needed and requires very little downtime.

Related: Causes Of Wrinkled Lips and Effective Treatment Options

Belotero fillers for face before and after

belotero-injectable fillers before and after

2) COMPARING TYPE OF DERMAL FILLERS

These are injectable fillers that are generally made of thicker substances such as poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable synthetic. This is a type of treatment appropriate for soft tissues of the face. They are used to soften deep lines around the mouth and lips.  The best types of injectable fillers in Santa Barbara for the face are:

• Bellafill. These include fillers made of PMMA, or polymethylmethacrylate, which is a microsphere that is not absorbed into the body. They contain collagen and are recommended for thicker-skinned areas such as the folds around the nose. An example of this is ArteFill (also Bellafill). It is not recommended for softer-skinned areas.

• There are quite a few soft-tissue-fill products on the market. Some of the most common ones you’ll hear about are Hyaluronic Acid-Based fillers such as Restylane LYFT and Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero and Hydrelle. Collagen-based fillers are Evolence, Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm. Some fillers are Radiesse and Sculptra.

• Restylane-versus-Juvederm. Both are FDA approved fillers that are hyaluronic acids. The difference is that Juvederm is less likely to show any “bumping” whereas Restylane may need to be molded after injection. A qualified and experience physician can work with both easily.

• Juvederm XC-versus-VS Voluma. The main differences between two can be broken down into three areas: 1) placement, 2) texture and 3) longevity. Voluma is designed for deep-tissue application and lays on top of the facial bones. The texture of Juvederm is a lot like Jell-O which can be perfect to appropriately fill areas within the skin. Voluma on the other hand, can last much longer than Juvederm.

• Sculptra-versus-Radiesse. In general Radiesse can last up to one year and is best for the nose, chin and flat cheek areas. Sculptra on the other hand can last up to two years and is most commonly used for facial volume.

Related: Will Restylane Under Eye Fillers Replace Blepharoplasty?

3) WHICH TYPES OF DERMAL FILLERS FOR WHICH TREATMENT AREA?

• Why are some types of dermal fillers are used and not others?

It is important to understand why some types of dermal fillers are appropriate for some areas and other are not. It is important to be aware of thin-skinned areas such as the areas around the mouth and in particular around the eyes. This skin is much more fragile and has to be carefully worked with.

• Why not use an injectable filler in specific areas?

There are dangers to using the inappropriate injectable filler for the wrong area. If you’re doing research on fillers, you likely have heard of horror stories about ill-informed doctors who not only failed to produce the look the client requested, but damaged them in the process. Some of the worst issues have been for patients who ended up with drastically unnatural results post-treatment. The results of using the incorrect types of dermal fillers can be visually damaging and even life-altering if not corrected immediately.  If you are looking for the best results from using injectable fillers in Santa Barbara be sure to consult a plastic surgeon.

Related: Can Frown Lines Can Ruin Your Beautiful Smile?

4) WHICH TYPES OF DERMAL FILLERS ARE USED WITH WHICH NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES?

 

As stated, it is important to use the appropriate dermal fillers in Santa Barbara in aesthetic medicine for the appropriate area. The most common areas treated and the injectable fillers most often used effectively to treat them:

• Facial Fillers (Marionettes lines and nasolabial folds). The marionette lines are the lines that extend from the corner of the mouth to the chin. The term can also include the nasolabial folds around the top portion of the mouth. Treatment for this area is with Restylane or Juvederm Ultra Plus. Because of the heavier tissues within this area and intense muscle activity, they require added support.

• Cheek Fillers. Many people experience loss of fullness as they age. This can be most prominent in the cheek area. Sculptra, commonly used because of how well it restores volume to the area. It can even create a filling effect for the temple-area and the jowl-area. Cheek fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Sculptra are often used in minimally invasive cheek enhancement procedures.

• Tear Trough Fillers (Under eye), injectable fillers under eyes and injectable fillers for tear trough.  This is one of those areas that is very delicate and requires special treatment tools. Because the skin is so thin, “lumping” can occur without care. The most common products used for this area in under eye treatments are Juvederm or Restylane. These fillers, made from hyaluronic acid gel, very closely resembles natural tissue of the skin and is biodegradable.

• Chin Fillers (weak or short chin). Chin fullness and symmetry are important to patients. Chin augmentation using Radiesse, Restylane or Juvederm is appropriate, depending on the specifics of the patient and desired results.

• Lip Fillers (Lips, Lip Lines), injectable fillers for lips. Many people are unhappy with the lines that appear around lips as they age. We inject this area with hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. Lip enhancement and the filling of lip lines are quick and simple procedures that restore and enhance the beauty of the smile.

• Nose Fillers (Reshaping), injectable fillers for nose. Various fillers are useful to reshape the nose. One that is common for this purpose is Juvederm. What people like about it is that it’s temporary. If the results are positive, the patient can move to other solutions such as Radiesse. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is safe, less expensive and requires much less downtime compared to it’s surgical alternative.

Related: Will Dermal Fillers Ever Replace Surgical Procedures?

5) HOW TO SELECT A PLASTIC SURGEON IN SANTA BARBARA?

One of the most critical components of non-surgical plastic surgery and injectable fillers in Santa Barbara is finding the right surgeon. Here are some tips to locating the perfect one:

• Board Certification. This is the most important aspect of choosing a plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara. The chosen doctor needs to be qualified by the state in order to perform the procedure you desire. Remember though that the state doesn’t have requirements on specific procedures. That’s why you should go a step beyond checking Board Certification and check for American Board of Medical Specialties.

• Aesthetics. Be sure to look at examples of what your physician has done with other patients. Every doctor has a “brag book”, but be sure to ask for more than just that. Yes- there may be numerous outstanding results but you also want to see the everyday results.

• Experience. Also, ask your physician to show you your desired procedure on other patients. Here is where you can even ask to speak with some patients who went through the same thing. Additionally, find out the number of completed procedures for your specific procedure. Long-term experience can go a long way.

• Emotional Connections. Be sure that your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara is someone who identifies with what you truly want. In addition to good technique and reliability, you want an injection specialist who empathizes with your desired outcome and provides emotional support. You likely will have a long-term relationship with your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara. If you like the results of one procedure, you likely will want more. If you have issues, then you’ll work with them to resolve them. Be sure you feel a connection.

• Operating Facility. Take a tour of the location where your procedure is going to take place. You want an accredited location and you also want an operating room equipped with life support systems if the need arises. Hopefully you won’t need anything of that magnitude, but if you do you want to be sure it is ready for you. Also look for AAHC, JCAHO or AAAASF certification within the operating facility.

• Safety. Ask about the presence of a board certified Nurse Anesthetist or Anesthesiologist on staff throughout your procedure.

• General Customer Service. Assess the staff within the office too. Remember that you are going to have to work with them so you want the experience to be as pleasant as possible.

Related: Stopping Wrinkle Damage Is Easier Than You Think

6) AM I A CANDIDATE FOR INJECTABLE FILLERS?

One of the most important things you can do is ask yourself if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery in Santa Barbara. The three main qualifications are:

• Do you have realistic expectations for results?

• Are you healthy?

• Do you understand the risks?

No matter who you are, you have to be realistic with your results. Be sure that your doctor explains to you what to expect and that you’re alright with that. You need to be relatively healthy. Plastic surgery in Santa Barbara can be quick and easy, but you also don’t want to put yourself at risk. Discuss with your doctor the procedure and what your specific health concerns are. Finally, know that there are risks. You can follow all the instructions, have a great doctor, and follow after-care and still have some undesirable results. Be sure that you’re aware of potential problems.

Related: Is The Lip Filler The Modern Enhancement For Beauty?

7) IS THIS PROCEDURE RIGHT FOR ME?

Knowing whether a procedure is right for you is important. The biggest ally you have here is your doctor. He or she should sit down with you to discuss your options and how each one will play out. They should be able to tell you what is right and what isn’t right for your specific case. Always get a second opinion too! This can help you make the appropriate decision.

Related: Filler Overload: Puffy Faced Stars Go A Little To Far

8) WHAT IS MY TREATMENT PLAN?

When you decide to go ahead with the procedure/s be sure to understand the treatment plan. Ask your plastic surgeon how you should prepare for the treatment. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Be sure that you understand what your post-treatment plan will be also. You should have a friend or family member help you with this. Plus, the office should set you up with clear written instructions to guide you when you get home. Finally, you also should have an emergency number you can call if you have immediate concerns that can’t wait until morning.

Related: 11 Surprising Facts About Facial Fillers

9) WHICH QUESTIONS TO ASK PLASTIC SURGEONS IN SANTA BARBARA?

Here are some important questions to ask your doctor prior to surgery:

• Are you Board Certified?

• How many times have you completed the procedure I want?

• Who will be assisting you during my procedure?

• Where will you be performing my procedure?

• Do you have hospital privileges if needed?

• What type of anesthesia will be used for my procedure?

• Do you have a Board Certified Anesthetist working with you?

• What are the general risks involved with this procedure?

• What are the specific risks involved with my procedure?

• Can I see before-after pictures of patients who have had my desired procedure?

• What is the general complication risk involved with this procedure?

• Can I have 5 references from people who have had my procedure done?

• Can I have a break-down of the cost for my procedure?

• What can I expect during recovery?

Related: 13 Things You Need To Know Before Radiesse Injections

PRE-TREATMENT CHECKLIST

Here is a pre-treatment checklist for your appointments after your initial consultation:

• Provide your doctor with a list of medications (including dosages) you use and include herbal or OTC products

• Review your medical history in depth with your doctor, including any surgeries you have had

• Discuss any medical complications you or a family member has had with anesthesia

• Ask for written directions to the facility where your procedure will occur

• Ask for a list of post-operative instructions such as showering after your procedure, elimination of certain medicines, medications you’ll take post-procedure, eating or drinking the night before and day after, list of supplies you may need and support offered by the office post-recovery.

• Provide your doctor’s office with your emergency contact numbers

Here is a week-before-surgery checklist:

• Purchase the supplies you’ll need post-surgery

• Follow instructions as directed by your doctor

• Stop smoking, if applicable

• Procure a driver to and from the procedure

• Fill your post-operative prescriptions, if needed

Here is a night-before checklist:

• Pack the items you’ll need in your bag

• Bring something to hold your eye glasses

• Plan to wear comfortable clothing

• Bring your insurance information, including insurance cards

• Follow directions regarding eating and drinking the night before

Here is a day-of checklist:

• Be sure your office provides you with post-procedure instructions in writing so you can refer to them later

• Plan for someone to stay with you post-procedure if your doctor instructs

Related: How Do Cosmetic Fillers Fight The Aging Process?

Q&A- RECENTLY ASKED PATIENT QUESTIONS

• WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER INJECTABLE FILLERS?

Consider using injectable fillers in Santa Barbara if you have deep lines showing around your mouth, your eyes or your brow. You also can use it to replace areas that look gaunt, or have lost fat.  Injectable fillers in Santa Barbara can change the overall contour of your face to achieve a specific desired result.

• WHAT IS MY RECOVERY LIKE?

You should discuss with your physician your recovery plan. He or she should be able to give you a general outline of what you should expect. They also should tell you when to contact them if you’re experiences are out of the ordinary. In general, injectable fillers don’t require long-term recovery time but it can take 1-2 weeks to see the true results. It also can take that time to recover from swelling or bruising.

• WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

Discuss with your doctor what to expect post-treatment. He or she should provide you with general before/after pictures of your procedure as done on other patients. Of course everyone’s results are unique, but it should give you a general idea of what to expect.

• WHAT IS THE DERMAL FILLER COST?

Provide your doctor with a written cost sheet. He or she will break down each cost so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand something or if you want further clarification.

• ARE THERE CONS TO INJECTABLE FILLERS?

As with any procedure there can be cons. The best way to avoid them is to properly vet your doctor and he or her facilities. This can seriously cut back on issues. Beyond that, the biggest con is the fact that injectable fillers are temporary and you will need to repeat them to maintain the look you want. There also can be some bruising and swelling after procedures, however they usually are minimal.

 

Schedule a Consultation Today

Interested in injectable fillers in Santa Barbara? We can assist you! If you need cosmetic dermal fillers for wrinkles, folds, volume loss and many other common problems, get in touch with us today! Schedule a consultation and let us create a treatment plan designed for you. Call Dr. Sheffield today at our Santa Barbara location (805) 318-3280.

The post 9 Reasons Why You Should Consider Injectable Fillers – The Ultimate Guide appeared first on SB Aesthetics.

Facial rejuvenation has typically been achieved with a lift by surgical tightening. In recent times, however, many minimally and noninvasive procedures using dermal filler treatments are performed with the aim of rejuvenation absent from the risk of complications, prolonged recovery time and at an affordable price when compared to the expense of major surgery.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal filler treatments have been used since the year 1981 to diminish lines, wrinkles, and folds to achieve a younger and more attractive appearance.

As we grow older, our faces lose fat gradually. The loss of subcutaneous fat brings the facial muscles closer to the surface of the skin. This loss makes crow’s feet and smiles more visible. This is why rejuvenation has become crowd pleasing.

Read: Wrinkle Fillers: How To Decide If They Are Right For You

These dermal filler treatments are used for the following;

Enhance shallow contours.

Plump thin lips.

Soften your facial wrinkles and creases.

Improve your recessed scars.

If you are experiencing early signs of aging, dermal fillers can be helpful to you.

What you should not expect from dermal filler treatments;

Facial surgeries like brow lift, face lift, and eye lift may be the best approach in some cases. Non-surgical rejuvenation procedures like soft tissue fillers cannot give the same results as facial surgeries. However, they can be used as an alternative till there’s no option but a face-lift.

Commonly asked questions about dermal fillers:

Read: Can Frown Lines Can Ruin Your Beautiful Smile? 

What differentiates dermal filler treatments from one to the other?

There are basically three categories of dermal filler treatments; semi-permanent, biodegradable, and permanent. The semi-permanent and permanent dermal fillers can produce longer lasting results but are associated with higher risks.

Biodegradable dermal fillers are the safest options as complications can be reversed. However, the possibility of these complications is minimal. This is one reason why most clinicians recommend the biodegradable products. Another reason is that our skin changes with age so permanent products may not be ideal for long-term use.

The different dermal filler treatments are all formulated in a unique way.

Read: Sculptra Aesthetic: Is This Facial Injectable The Next Big Thing? 

Is there pain during treatment?

You will feel a little discomfort during treatment. A topical anesthetic will be applied on the treated area to reduce this pain. When you opt for lip augmentation, a dental block may be administered because this procedure is more painful on the lip than other parts of the face.

Read: Think You’re An Expert On Belotero? Read This Guide To Find Out 

How much is required?

The cost for this minimally invasive form of treatment depends on the area of treatment. You will have to consult with a clinician to determine the precise value. However, the average cost ranges from $250 to $350.

Read: 11 Surprising Facts About Facial Fillers

What is the recovery period?

You do not need to take time off from work after the procedure. It is minimally invasive, and you can return to your daily activities just after treatment.

Read: How Do Cosmetic Fillers Fight The Aging Process? 

How long will it last?

The length of dermal filler treatments depends on the area treated and your age. You may need to repeat the procedure twice a year. The treatment should last for about 6-8 months. When treatment is done in the lip, it will last for about 5-6 months because there is more mechanic stress in your lip so that the product will break down quicker.

The post Will Dermal Fillers Ever Replace Surgical Procedures? appeared first on SB Aesthetics.

When it comes to looking good and taking care of our skin, there are many options available to choose from. Although there are great skin care products on the market, none can work in the same way as dermal fillers, also known as wrinkle fillers or cosmetic fillers, or Botox. While these skin care products can improve the appearance of the skin, overtime, effects of aging will become visible. This is typically when a person is within the age bracket of 40 to 45. This is where the use of dermal fillers, or cosmetic fillers is most effective.

Wrinkle fillers help to improve your looks. Its usage has been made more popular by celebrities choosing it as their desired choice in attaining youthful skin. The use of cosmetic fillers leaves the skin looking exceptionally young and smooth. Before opting for dermal fillers, the fear of needles has to be considered and overlooked. This is because it can be used to improve skin conditions like wrinkles, loss of fat in lips and face. Another aspect of using wrinkle fillers involves choosing from the numerous types of fillers available. This shall be covered in details to help you make a choice.

Wrinkle Fillers And How They Work

Compared to corrective measures employed by the medical profession, dermal fillers function in its unique way. The procedure is done by injecting the cosmetic fillers directly under the areas of the skin that needs improvement. For the face, areas that can be filled include sunken points under the eye or lines between the brows. Other parts include around the mouth or hollowed parts of the face. After the areas have been injected, the skin will become plump and smoothened. Once done, the wrinkle fillers can last between 3months to 24months, and this is dependent on the following:

The type of dermal fillers used

Care of the skin afterward

How the face ages

The wrinkle fillers can be either a synthetic material, or it could be a naturally-derived material

Check Out: 5 Ways To Get Rid Of Fine Lines To Give You Beautiful Healthy Skin

Cosmetic Fillers Are Not The Same As Botox

While both skin improvement options are done using injections, they are completely different. This is because Botox is injected to restrict the movements of muscles in a specific area, usually around the eyes and forehead. Dermal fillers are used to smoothen and make plump areas of the skin for that youthful look. There are cases where some people opt for combining the two for an even younger look.

There Are NO Best Dermal Fillers

There are many dermal fillers available to choose from, and the list of varieties seem endless. All wrinkle fillers have some level of risks involved although, some have more risk than others. Hence, no particular brand or type of cosmetic fillers can be called the best. The choice of suitability and preference depends on the skill and expertise of the doctor as well as the facial needs. As such, the doctor uses the option that is for an individual’s face. The issue of which dermal fillers are best is based on marketing strategies by companies making the wrinkle fillers. The past 20 years have seen cosmetic fillers take fewer pages in fashion magazines and recommendations by doctors. Also, manufacturers who once paid for heralded studies in support have been discontinued for private reasons.

Categories of Wrinkle Fillers

All wrinkle fillers fall into one of two categories of fillers, and they are:

Natural Wrinkle Fillers

Synthetic Wrinkle Fillers

Natural Wrinkle Fillers

These categories of dermal fillers are also referred to as naturally-derived fillers. These cosmetic fillers, being natural, are less likely to bring up an allergic reaction when used even though it happens sometimes. An added benefit of natural cosmetic fillers is that results can be seen immediately and usually last up to 18months. In some cases, it has been known to last two years before another appointment is scheduled to see a doctor. This way, injection top-ups are administered, and youthful looks are maintained. It is known that on most occasions, within a space of 12months, people who get natural cosmetic fillers usually require a top-up.

Also Read: Sculptra Aesthetic: Is This Facial Injectable The Next Big

Synthetic Wrinkle Fillers

The synthetic type of dermal fillers has a longer lasting duration before a top-up would be required. Most synthetic fillers are either semi-permanent or permanent, with a larger percentage of them being semi-permanent. Hence, the need to return for top-ups and regular maintenance is reduced. The major cause for most return trips to the doctor is dependent on how the skin continues to age afterward. Also, it could be as a result of proper skin care not being employed daily.

Just like the natural dermal fillers, the use of synthetic fillers poses its risks in the form of the fillers forming lumps or migrating. While complications from using the natural fillers can be corrected more easily, correcting those brought about by synthetic fillers is harder.

Review of Wrinkle Fillers

There are many types of dermal fillers available to choose from and consider before a decision on which to use. Although they can be quite pricey, each type has its pros and cons and differences in how long they last. When viewed in perspective based on the results obtainable and the low risks involved, it can be a suitable alternative. This is also dependent on having an experienced doctor.

The list below contains some types of cosmetic fillers and some information about them. While going through the list, be aware that a dermatologist can recommend more than one type depending on the concerned areas. This is because one filler can be suited to one part of the face and not another hence, having to use another type.

Artefill is a synthetic type of filler consisting of an animal-derived collagen mixed with Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). It is known to have semi-permanent to permanent properties, and as a result of this, its use requires great skill. Associated risks with using Artefill include lumping, the presence of hardened grain-size nodules at injection point and the filler migrating. Artefill can last almost indefinitely which implies that if any problem arises, the filler has to be removed. This removal process of the filler is no easy task. The longevity of using the Artefill filler means no scheduling of regular maintenance is needed compared to naturally derived fillers.

You May Also Like: Filler Overload: Puffy Faced Stars Go A Little To Far

Autologous Fat (Fat Grafting) is the use of fat obtained from a part of one’s body through liposuction. While the process of harvesting fat is a rather complicated one, it can be done in the doctor’s office. As with all injectables, there is no concrete way to ascertain for surety how long it would last. This is because its longevity varies for each person. The use of this type of filler can last from 12 to 24 months. The main concern regarding risk with this type of filler is a migration of the fat. This can cause a lumpy appearance and at times, uneven surface of the injected area. It is common to think that fat materials taken from your body can be easily used without problems. This is not so as they can be quite difficult to correct.

Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus are popular lab-synthesized hyaluronic acid based fillers. Juvederm Ultra Plus filler is used mainly for areas of the skin that have considerable deeper and depressed folds while the Juvederm Ultra dermal filler is mainly used to make surface lines plump and finer.

On average, both types of wrinkle fillers can last between 6months and up to 24months in some cases. This duration of longevity is largely dependent on how the skin ages, care for the skin and quantity injected. Other types exist which are the Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC dermal fillers. These fillers are made using the same material but added to it is anesthetic lidocaine to help reduce pain from injection.

Juvederm Voluma is different from the above Ultra versions of cosmetic fillers. This is because its Hyaluronic gel is much thicker and more adapted to filling areas experiencing volume loss due to age. Examples of such areas include the chin areas and cheekbone. This type of filler is not suitable for the eye areas or lips. This filler after injecting can last upwards of 12months to 18months.

Perlane is similar in composition to Restylane and hence, regarded as a sister product. Perlane and Restylane are transparent, viscous gel particles of Hyaluronic acid and are cultured in a laboratory. Perlane is used to provide volume by injecting it into facial tissue thereby smoothening folds and wrinkles. Common areas include the mouth, nose, and zones of the mouth edges. The difference between Perlane and Restylane is their size as Perlane is larger and as such, considered for deeper wrinkles. Perlane can stay for 6months to 1 year.

Radiesse being a synthetic material comprises of a cellulose gel carrier having suspended in it Calcium Hydroxyapatite. The cellulose gel carrier occupies 70% by composition while the Calcium Hydroxyapatite is 30%. Calcium Hydroxyapatite has been used in repairing bone and skeletal defects due to its “bone cement” like properties. Research carried out has indicated that Radiesse can be used as dermal fillers due to stable results obtained. Radiesse is mainly used for deep wrinkles as compared to superficial wrinkles and is regarded as a semi-permanent filler.

Restylane is mainly used for addressing superficial wrinkling cases. It is laboratory derived from bacteria and a type of hyaluronic acid. According to research carried out, it can be used in building volume and deep filling of wrinkles. The use of Restylane can produce results lasting six months to 1 year. Since Restylane is similar to Perlane, choice of usage by a dermatologist depends on the specific areas and suitability.

Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) derived and a sort of filler but synthetic in nature. When injected under the skin, it doesn’t work to make the area plump but instead, stimulate the production of collagen. Sculptra finds uses in addressing wrinkles and “ice pick”-type acne scars and also, improving facial depressions. With Sculptra, observable results are not seen immediately and as such require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results and appearance.

Zyplast, Zyderm I and Zyderm II are cow-derived collagen with the only difference being how they are combined. Zyderm was first produced and approved by the FDA for use as dermal fillers, and its technique has been standardized. The use of these types of material requires overcorrection for maintaining results over time because they can be absorbed. Also, they have a duration range of 3 to 9months, and allergy testing is mandated due to injectable bovine (cow) collagen.

Another Story To Follow: 13 Things You Need To Know Before Radiesse Injections

Risks Associated With Wrinkle Fillers

The biggest concerns with cosmetic fillers are longevity, risks of lumping and migration. Also, the practicing doctor’s skill and expertise is of concern with regards the exact quantity needed and precise placing. Irrespective of the material of filler, the injection technique requires a doctor with a wealth of experience with different types of dermal fillers.

With these in mind, it is understandable to opt for the use of wrinkle fillers in addressing signs of aging. In like manner as skin products offering corrective procedures, using well-formulated products can help keep the skin looking younger. Also, the skin would be healthier for longer and slow down the aging process.

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