Injectable filler
Injectable filler (injectable cosmetic filler, injectable facial filler) is a soft tissue filler injected into the skin to help fill in facial wrinkles, restoring a smoother appearance. Most of these wrinkle fillers are temporary because they are eventually absorbed by the body. Some people may need more than one injection to achieve the wrinkle-smoothing effect. The effect lasts for about six months or longer. Successful results depend on health of the skin, skill of the doctor, type of filler used.[1]
In the US, fillers are approved as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the injection is prescribed and performed by a doctor. In Europe and the UK, fillers are non-prescription medical devices that can be injected by anyone. They require only a CE mark, which regulates adherence to production standards but does not require any demonstration of medical efficacy. As a result, there are over 140 injectable fillers in the UK/European market and only six approved for use in the US.[2]
Materials used
Fillers are composed of hyaluronic acids, collagens, or biosynthetic polymers. The biosynthetic polymer class includes poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and polymethylmethacrylate.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronan(Hyaluronic acid) is a common ingredient in injectable filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers have become popular soft tissue filler augmentation agents over the past several years.[3]
- Restylane : Produced by Galderma, originally invented by Q-Med. Restylane is a dermal filler that can be used to restore volume and fullness to skin, significantly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Restylane can be applied around the nose, lips and wrinkles.[4]
- Juvéderm : Produced by Allergan. Juvéderm is an injectable filler which is approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is produced by Allergan.[5]
- Perfectha : Produced by Sinclair Pharmaceuticals. Perfectha is a Hyaluronic Acid injectable filler from non animal source made in France.
- Artecoll
- Yvoire
Collagen
Collagen is the major structural component of skin. Injectable collagen may come from pigs, cows, cadavers, or may be generated in a laboratory.[6]
- Zyderm 1&2, Zyplast (bovine)
- Evolence (porcine)
- Alloderm, Cymetra (cadaveric)
- Cosmoderm 1&2, Cosmoplast (laboratory cultured)
Biosynthetic polymers
- Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite)
- Artefill (polymethylmethacrylate, collagen, and lidocaine)
- Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic acid)
How it works
Dermal fillers, also known as "injectables" or "soft-tissue fillers," do just what their name suggests: they fill in the area under the skin. Some fillers are natural and some are synthetic, but they all work to improve the appearance of aging skin in the following ways:[7]
- filling in wrinkles, fine lines and deep creases
- improving other imperfections like scars
- filling out thin or wrinkled lips
- plumping up cheeks
- contouring the jaw line and other areas of the face
Risks
Risks of an improperly performed dermal filler procedure commonly include bruising, redness, pain or itching. Less commonly, there may be infections or allergic reactions, which may cause scarring and lumps that may require surgical correction.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049349.htm
- ↑ Bray, Dominic; Hopkins, Claire; Roberts, David N. (2010). "A review of dermal fillers in facial plastic surgery". Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery 18 (4): 295–302. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e32833b5162. ISSN 1531-6998. PMID 20543696.
- ↑ "Use of hyaluronic acid fillers for the treatment of the aging face". 2007.
- ↑ "24-7 Press release, Restylane Effective at Reducing Signs of Aging". July 28, 2012.
- ↑ "Medical news today, Allergan, Inc. Announces FDA Approval Of JUVEDERM(R) XC Dermal Filler Formulated With Lidocaine". February 3, 2010.
- ↑ Bray, Dominic; Hopkins, Claire; Roberts, David N. (2010). "A review of dermal fillers in facial plastic surgery". Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery 18 (4): 295–302. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e32833b5162. ISSN 1531-6998. PMID 20543696.
- ↑ Discovery Health. "How Dermal Fillers Work".
- ↑ Health, Center for Devices and Radiological. "Dermal Fillers" (WebContent). Retrieved 2015-03-07.
External links
- In Pictures: Seven Of The Most Popular Injectable Facial Fillers
- How to Navigate the Anti–Ageing Maze And Not Get Lost (a book about injectable fillers and their practical use)