Cosmetic and Dermal Fillers
Growing old gracefully is a lot easier with the help of dermal fillers. Injectable fillers offer people a nonsurgical way to plump up those cheeks, contour the face and improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles and scars. The right board certified plastic surgeon can partner with you to help you find the best type of cosmetic filler to suit your individual needs.
Types of Cosmetic Fillers
Restylane – This is a clear liquid gel that is injected under the skin to smooth wrinkles and improve the skin’s appearance. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane attracts water and helps retain volume in the skin. This treatment takes less than an hour to administer and the procedure is done under local anesthesia.
The results of Restylane injections can last for more than six months. Maintenance treatments are required every four to 12 months to maintain the results. Side effects of this dermatological treatment may include nausea, swelling, headache, redness, flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness and pain at the injection sites.
Perlane
This injectable filler contains a natural chemical that fills up the skin like normal tissues. This dermal filler treats wrinkles, improve the appearance of skin and improves the contours of the face. A topical anesthetic is applied to the skin prior to the Perlane injections. The results of this treatment can last six to eight months. Side effects may include temporary redness, swelling, itching and tenderness at the injection sites.
Radiesse
This injectable gel contains an organic compound of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, glycerin and sterile water. This dermal filler can be done in 15 minutes under local anesthesia and the results can last for up to two years. In rare instances, Radiesse can cause nodules on the skin and may require steroids or surgery to correct.
Macrolane
This gel is injected in the breast and buttocks to add volume to the tissue. Macrolane is also used to treat concave deformities and scars. Macrolane is non invasive procedure that is done under local anesthesia. The results can last up to a year. Side effects of this non invasive cosmetic procedure include soreness and pressure. Currently, these injections are available in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Alternative Fillers
Fat fillers can be used as an alternative to most injectable fillers. Injectable fat can be used to plump up the cheeks, smooth lines on the face and treats scars. During this procedure, fat cells are suctioned from the thighs, butt or stomach and injected beneath the skin in select areas of the face. Fat filler injections can take up to 90 minutes to administer and the results last anywhere from a few weeks to a year, depending on the patient.
Botox vs. Fillers
Botox is a muscle relaxer that paralyzes the muscles in the face to stop the contractions that cause wrinkles. This treatment is commonly used on portions of the face where creases are only visible when you’re frowning. Fillers on the other hand, are used to fill in creases and scars that are visible when the face is at rest. Fillers are also used to enhance the cheeks, contour the face and plump up the lips.
Botox and fillers can be used together to improve the appearance of the face. All of these dermatological procedures are done on an outpatient basis. They are minimally invasive, so they require little to no recovery time.
Risks of Dermatological Fillers
If cosmetic fillers are administered in the proper setting by board certified plastic surgeons, the risks are minimal. However, if the person giving the injectable fillers is a novice, the results can be disastrous. You could end up with blood pooling under your skin, tissue death, infections and skin loss. Improper use of these fillers can even result in death.
Also, permanent or semi permanent fillers can cause ghastly clumping underneath the skin. Minor clumping may only require anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling. Severe clumping may require surgery to correct. There is a small risk of an allergic reaction if the dermal fillers are derived from animal sources. A trained plastic surgeon will do a patch test before injecting the filler in your skin if he feels it’s necessary.
Candidates for cosmetic fillers should be healthy enough to undergo treatment. Those taking heart medications or antibiotics are not usually candidates. Also, people who are allergic to products containing Bovine should consult a doctor before getting dermatological fillers.
Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that the average cost of minimally invasive dermal fillers range from $400 to $1600 dollars per treatment, depending on how much filler is required and the types of areas being treated.
Dermatological fillers are perfect for people who want to look and feel their best. If you’re ready to put you best face forward, contact a board certified plastic surgeon today and schedule your free consultation.
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