Facial Injectables
About Injectable Fillers in New York
So many people have been asking about options for wrinkle correction that Dr. Klapper has launched a new site exploring popular procedures, including Restylane, Radiesse (formerly Radiance), Alloderm, Hylaform, and BOTOX®.
Introduction
Soft tissue augmentation using injectable fillers involves injecting a substance into the skin to correct wrinkle, depressions, and scarring. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in combination with other procedures such as BOTOX®, laser, or surgery. Fillers are usually not sufficient for severe lines and wrinkles on the face, such as multiple vertical "lipstick" lines around the lip. Instead other treatments such as laser skin resurfacing may be the answer. Likewise deeper folds and creases in the face and brow may be more effectively treated using cosmetic surgery. Today there are several substances used for this purpose, primarily injectable Collagen, and your own fat. However the development of newer and longer lasting products has made these techniques even more satisfying.
Although the facial region is the most common area injected, virtually any area of the body could be injected with a filler. Usually however, in areas outside the face, only fat injections are used.
About the Products
(NOTE: ALL PRODUCTS NOT AVAILABLE IN U.S.)
Collagen
Collagen injections are the simplest of the procedures and are usually
done in the surgery with little inconvenience to the patient. Collagen
is easily injected with a fine needle just under the skin's surface, without
the need of a local anesthetic. It is primarily used to treat the border
of the lips thereby adding definition to this for those who desire a fuller
lip. The results are immediate and in fact one can go to a social function
later that night and look great. Collagen injections however are not permanent.
Because Collagen is similar to the components of you own skin, it will
gradually breakdown and be naturally absorbed by your body after 3-5 months.
This however varies from individual to individual. To regain the appearance,
the Collagen injections must be repeated or topped up after this period
of time. There are also a few people who are allergic to Collagen itself.
It is essential therefore to have a skin test prior to any injection.
Effect: Temporary
Hylaform
This viscoelastic gel is made from a naturally occurring material (hyaluronan)
that provides support and cushioning with the skin. Injected in similar
fashion to Collagen but does not require a skin test.
Effect: Temporary
Restylane
Restylane is a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). It consists
of complex sugar chains which have been stabilized for longer lasting effect
in the skin. The manufacturing process of Restylane is similar to the production
of insulin or antibiotics. When combined with the body's own hyaluronic
acid, it creates volume for the treatment of lips, as well as other lines
or wrinkles. It requires no pretesting and is injected in the same way
as Collagen. Considered to last longer than Collagen or Hylaform.
Effect: Temporary
Artecoll
Artecoll is a solution containing polymethylmethacrylate
micro spheres . This is injected beneath the skin and the micro spheres
are encapsulated or trapped by the bodies collagen fibers gently lifting
and supporting the skin. It is probably the most promising in terms of
longevity with reports of it lasting up to 3 years. It requires no pre
testing but may require a local anesthetic.
Effect: Temporary but very long lasting
Side effects of all the injectables include minor lumps, swelling, redness, bruising, itching, and tenderness. These usually disappear within 1-2 days but may last longer. Scarring is extremely rare.
Fat Injection
Fat is usually harvested from elsewhere on the body, usually the hip or
abdomen, by micro liposuction using a syringe. First the area that the
fat will be taken from (donor area) is anesthetized and then, using a specialized
instrument called a cannulae, fat is gently hand suction out then washed
and filtered. The small amount of fat extracted does not noticeably change
the donor area. The filtered fat is then injected under the skin of the
lips to build up a fuller lip. Although theoretically live fat cells should
be able to "take" well in the injected area, there are several
factors that influence this. An important factor is movement. The less
movement the treated area gets, the more fat cells survive. Therefore in
highly mobile areas like the mouth and surrounding tissues, "take" after
one injection is probably only about 40-50%. Further injections are therefore
necessary. Injection intervals for the fat transfers are usually recommended
at about 3 months. Since ones' own fat is used, there is no risk of an
allergic reaction to the fat. After the injection there is some temporary
swelling, soreness, and bruising. Patients can usually resume normal activity
the day of surgery, although strenuous activity should be delayed for a
week.
Effect: permanent in varying degrees
Radiance
Radiance is a solution containing Hydroxyappetite micro spheres. This
is injected beneath the skin and the micro spheres are encapsulated or
trapped by the bodies collagen fibres gently lifting and supporting the
skin. It is probably the most promosing in terms of longevity with reports
of it lasting up to 3 years. It requires no presenting but may require
a local anesthetic .
Effect: temporary but very long lasting
Summary
Provided you have realistic expectations, and understand that the results of injectable fillers may not be permanent then you should be pleased with the results that this form of treatment offers.
With Great Respect and Appreciation for Mr. Karidis (London, England)
for Permission to borrow his Excellent Text
www.nipntuck.co.uk
You must also be aware that these notes make no recommendations for surgery
and in no way should it be considered promotional material for any organization.