What Are Cosmetic Fillers?
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.
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 2-3 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 2-4 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.
What Kind Of Reactions Can
Occur After Cosmetic Filler Injections?
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.
What Can I Do To Optimize Cosmetic Filler Results?
Filler agents are ideally combined with BOTOX®
injections that are used for expression 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.
Ideally anti-aging skin treatments will include not
only filler agents and BOTOX®, but also skin collagen
improvement lunch time laser procedures such as Photofacials
or Microlaserpeels.
How Do I Find Out If I Am A Candidate For Cosmetic
Fillers?
Bellagio's staff will be happy to discuss cosmetic filler
for wrinkle treatments with you. Please feel free to
call 949.720.1994 to schedule a private consultation
or E-Mail us your questions. |
