Wrinkles and depressions of the face can be softened and diminished through the injection of medical grade tissue fillers. Facial inflation, lip and lip borders, the smile lines and facial scars can be improved through the use of cosmetic dermal fillers. Most injection products are made from substances similar to the collagen or other components in our own bodies. Restylane®, Juvaderm®, Perlane®, Sculptra®, Radiesse® and Evolence® are some of the products available and others are currently be developed.
Sculptra® is made of poly-L-lactic acid. It has been used for several years to treat various medical conditions and has also been found to be excellent tissue filler. Sculptra® is injected deeper than collagen type products. The fullness created just after the injection diminishes over the first couple of days as the fluids of the injection material are absorbed by the body. However, the poly-L-lactic acid remains at the injection site and stimulates collagen in growth; creating a fullness that forms over the ensuing months. Several injection sessions are usually required to gradually fill in an area. Restylane®, Juvaderm® and Perlane® are types of cosmetic dermal fillers that are used to improve wrinkles, folds, and to enlarge the lips. They are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in human tissue. Hyaluronic acid does not possess the allergic characteristics of some collagen type products and does not require a skin test prior to treatment. Hyaluronic acid usually lasts about twice as long as collagen; however sometimes a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will augment the lasting effect. There may be some temporary discomfort at the time of injection. This may be minimized by the application of prescription strength numbing cream. Redness and swelling at the injection site can occur.
To date, we are not aware of any allergic reactions, or any other significant problems with these products. However, anything is possible; including infection, fever blister outbreak, bruising, loss of vision, or skin nodules. Prior to injection you should avoid using products containing aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, ginseng, garlic, ginger ginkgo, feverfew, black cohosh, horse chestnut bark, turmeric root, willow bark, dosed of Vitamin E, and fish oil. These and other products can increase bleeding and bruising at the injection site.
Cosmetic dermal fillers are a great option to add fullness, restore volume and create a more youthful looking face.