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Derma Fillers - Types, Benefits and Risks

Written by: Dr Kristie McNealy

Derma fillers, a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery, are used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing lines and wrinkles. Derma fillers are injected into the skin to treat fine lines around the eyes, thicker lines above the lips, mouth and chin, to increase lip volume and to reduce acne scars.

Derma filler treatments should only be applied by medical professionals.

With age, sun and other factors the skin looses elasticity and the collagen support network begins to break down. Smiling, squinting or frowning, places additional stress on the skin, particularly in certain areas, resulting in crows feet, frown lines and wrinkles. Derma fillers work by plumping up the skin, filling in lines and giving the face a smoother more youthful appearance.

Depending on your personal choice and also your reactions to allergy patch tests you have the option of choosing between bovine derived collagen, human based collagen or chemically created acrylate, hyaluronic acid, or hydrogel forms of derma fillers.

Derma Fillers with Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural hydrating substance which occurs throughout the body. Like a sponge hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water creating volume in the skin. As we get older the amount of HA diminishes, contributing to the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Injecting HA gels into the skin restores the level of HA helping plump up the skin and reduce lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic based fillers typically last from 6 – 9 months before the product is dissipated and further treatments are necessary.

Juvaderm

Juvederm is the only hyaluronic gel that is approved to last for up to one year with just one treatment and is a good option for deep folds, lip enhancements, facial lines and wrinkles. Juvederm is biocompatible (meaning you won't need an allergy test) and is naturally absorbed by the body in about 6 to 9 months. Side effects with Juvederm are rare, but may include redness, tenderness, or pain at the injection site

Restylane

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler which safely and effectively reduces lines, folds, wrinkles and contours, particularly around the mouth. With over 10 million treatments worldwide Restylane is one of the most popular HA based dermal fillers. Restylane is non-animal dermal filler which means there is a minimal risk of allergic reactions. The most common side effects of Restylane include headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms, redness, and pain at the injection points. Restylane treatments can last for six months or more.

Perlane

Perlane is used in the same way as collagen to temporarily fill the body's connective tissue giving the fullness associated with youth. Perlane is ideal for use around the mouth and nose and for fine lines. The primary difference between Restylane and Perlane is in the size of the active particle with Perlane containing more hyaluronic acid. Perlane treatments last about 30 minutes and results can be seen immediately.

Artecole

To try and make derma fillers last longer, fine particles are sometimes added to the mix. Artecole is one such product. It has fine methyl methacrylate plastic balls, which remain permanently in the dermis as implants. Regretfully these foreign objects can cause a reaction in the body and can become infected. They are either then ejected or become lumpy and swollen.

Derma Fillers with Collagen

There are a wide variety of collagen based fillers each having advantages and disadvantages. With difference in the composition, the price and how long they last it's important to do your research and get advice from a medical professional or dermatologist to help decide which will work best for you.
Both bovine and human based collagen fillers are foreign proteins which the immune system recognises and removes over a period of three to four months. As such they require regular top up treatments. Over time the amount of collagen that remains builds up and treatments tend to last longer.

Human based collagen fillers

Human based collagen fillers are used to build volume in the facial tissue and are particularly useful for the lips, around the eyes, and the area above your mouth and under your nose. Being biocompatible allergy tests are not usually required.

Bovine based collagen fillers

Bovine based collagen work in the same way as human based collagen fillers. However the collagen is derived from cows. Due to the risk of allergic reactions your doctor, dermatologist or specialist will always perfom an allergy test first. Treatment lasts for four to six months but as with human based collagen effects do build up over time and treatments tend to last longer. Bovine based collagen dissipates quickly so the first treatment may be intentionally 'overfilled'.

Alternatives to Derma Fillers


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