Dermal fillers may be recommended when creases and wrinkles are deep, or when there has been a natural volume loss in tissue; an unfortunate, but totally normal result of age related skin change. Wrinkle relaxation with neurotoxins works awesome with “animation” wrinkles, and can soften the appearance of some wrinkles at rest when used consistently. But other folds may remain and if they distract you, you might want to consider alternative treatment options--this is where fillers might come into play.
There are many brands and several types of particles used in dermal fillers currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And it's important to know fillers have both similarities to one another, as well as differences-- no one filler is perfect in all instances. Choosing the correct filler should be done by your injector, one who has experience in matching your goals and needs with the right product. As you can imagine--deeper folds might be better off with a thicker product, and areas around the mouth do better using one that has stretch. Fillers may be calcium based, poly-L-lactic acid, or even microspheres; but the most popular in use today are based of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel filler. Your skin has naturally occurring hyaluronic acid already, but as we age the level of this declines. HA is a key component to maintaining moisture in tissue and a great replacement for fluff. HA fillers are biodegradable and are non animal based products (so they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than a collagen injection might). HA expands and attracts moisture when it is injected into the skin—giving a nice plumping effect from the inside. It serves to elevate fine lines and folds, making them less apparent.
Hyaluronic acid is broken down by hyaluronidase enzyme (also naturally found in skin) making this a semi permanent enhancement. The results typically last 6-12 months in most, longer in some people. I suspect you want to know if it hurts. Well, it is a needle in your face, but it’s a pretty darn small needle. Most clients tolerate the injections well, and most filers include lidocaine, which helps to numb the area during the injection. Of course all procedures have risks, fortunately the most common side effects are temporary and include local tenderness, bruising or swelling. Take comfort in cool packs and on occasion, medication.
So now you know, a little more!
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