With the development of injectable facial fillers, those who are uncomfortable with a wrinkling face at the onset of old age can get relief. Also known as facial soft tissue fillers, permanent dermal injectable fillers or simply wrinkle fillers, are types of products which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, for filling in wrinkles to restore youthful looks. They can be temporary, semi-permanent and permanent injectable fillers. The depth of the skin into which wrinkle fillers are injected depends on the nature of the soft tissue. The nature of the soft tissue together with the degree of correction, injection technique and specific body metabolism will determine whether the injectable will be temporary or permanent. Usage is not restricted to the face alone and can be extended to the hands.
Benefits of wrinkle fillers
The primary reason for using wrinkle fillers is to improve the facial aesthetics that may wear off with old age though younger people can also use them to treat acne scars and unusual facial folds. Dermal fillers are injected into facial lines and wrinkles to restore a youthful appearance. Temporary fillers are often used for improving facial characteristics such as the chin, the lip borders and the mid-face as well.
As the facial depressions become more significant to the point of creating concave scars and other noticeable depressions, semi-permanent or permanent injectable fillers may be used though the latter are assigned for folds or lines that are presumably at their deepest. Thus semi-permanent and permanent fillers as well add volume to these wrinkles. Due to the fact that the body may absorb the fillers over time, they are all eventually dissolved.
Dermal Fillers approved by United States FDA
Collagen. They were the earliest dermal fillers in the market with Zyderma and Zyplast which are no longer available being approved in early eighties. They are obtainable from both bovine and human cell. Most collagen fillers have been discontinued due to side effects or medical improvements with time.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) wrinkle fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is naturally produced in the cartilage, skin and other body tissues. Hyaluronic Acid fillers is produced under names such as Restylane, Perlane, PERVELLE silk, Hydrelle, Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus, Restylane_L and Perlane-L. They all last between 6-12 months though they can be chemically modified to decrease absorption rate.
Calcium hydroxylapatite. Though found naturally in the human bones and teeth, it can be mixed with special solutions and injected into facial lines and wrinkles to produce an effect that lasts for 18 months approximately. Another similar compound is Poly-L-lactic acid-PLLA.
Polymethymethacrylate. Also known as Artefill, it is the first and the only available wrinkle filler since 2006.
Risks
Dermal fillers have a couple of side effects that vary from individual to individual and some have even been discontinued due to lethal side effects on a few users. Common side effects include:
Itching and rashes
Tenderness
Swelling and pain
Redness and bruising
There are also more advanced side effects seen in few patients such as tissue death, allergic reaction, raised nodules and wounds.
Taking care
It is advisable to understand the scope and risks associated with dermal fillers before exploring them as an option for revamping lost beauty. The expertise of a plastic surgeon or dermatologist should be sought before deciding to undergo this corrective procedure.