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.