Injectable Facial Fillers - an Introduction(2)

Ideally the substance injected should be safe to the human body and not cause any side effects, be as close in chemical composition as the naturally occurring substances in the skin as possible, and be able to last. Technically a lot of formulations have been introduced in recent years that try to approximate this ideal state of affairs.

 They are:

Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the dermis of the skin. It forms the extracellular matrix and gives the skin its volume and turgidity. Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, fillers made from this material do not excite any allergic reaction and are considered perfectly safe. The hyaluronic acid may be modified in certain brands so that it lasts longer in the body before being absorbed. Examples of our products Hafiller^TM --Hyaluronic acid fillers can last from at least 6 months (Finelines) to 1 year (Derm or Derm Deep).

Collagen. A major component of the extracellular matrix, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity. Collagen fillers are usually derived from bovine sources and may give rise to allergic reactions. Thus allergy testing is usually recommended if one uses collagen fillers. Examples of collagen fillers of bovine origin are Zyderm and Zyplast. Another type of collagen filler derived from human skin is less allergenic. Examples of these are Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast. How long do collagen fillers last? About 3 - 6 months.

Hydroxylapatite. This is a non-toxic, biocompatible mineral found naturally in human teeth and bones. Small microspheres of hydroxylapatite suspended in a gel-like medium, are used as fillers for moderate to deep wrinkles and facial folds and cheek augmentation.

Human Fat. This forms the most natural of fillers, as this is derived from the patient's own body fat. This fat is usually harvested by liposuction from the buttock fat or abdominal fat, washed, and reinjected into wrinkles and folds. Liposuction, however has its own risks. How long do fat injections last? This depends on the technic of harvesting of the fat cells (less traumatic harvesting and less disruption of the live fat cells allows for a longer-lasting result), and the area of injection ( the effect lasts longer in areas where there is less movement such as the back of hands and the cheeks, and shorter in areas where there is constant movement such as the lips and mouth areas). Averaging at least 3 years.

PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate). Popularly used for buttock augmentation (Brazilian butt), polymethylmethacrylate is non-absorbable and is considered a permanent filler. Artefill is a filler composed of PMMA microspheres mixed with bovine collagen. How long does Artefill last? Generally lifelong.

Poly-L-lactic Acid. Currently indicated for the correction of facial fat loss in people with HIV. The brand is known as Sculptra. Effects last for about 2 years.

 These are the major types of facial fillers in common use by esthetic practitioners. It is recommended that you seek the advice of your trusted experienced esthetic doctor before you decide to embark on any filler injection to get the best results.