A Quickie Overview Of Cosmetic Injectable Fillers
Wrinkles, fine lines and more can benefit from cosmetic injectable fillers. However, doing your research, you have likely encountered quite a number of them, each slightly different from the other capable of different functions. If you are seeking facial rejuvenation without a face lift, these injectable fillers can seem quite confusing. Some of the ingredients are the same from one brand to another and there are also crossovers in other ingredients as well. What does it all mean?
It is important to realize that most cosmetic injectable fillers are called fat fillers and are usually derived from cows or humans. Ingredients are the key to which one your cosmetic surgeon will choose over something else. Your particular facial rejuvenation needs will dictate which one is used.
The ever popular Botox
Botox is perhaps the most known injectable cosmetic treatment in the world. It is not conventional filler but rather a chemical which relaxes the muscles in a certain area so that wrinkles smooth out. The effects of Botox can last up to six months in between injections. Botox is quite safe even though it is derived from its toxic cousin botulism, a food poisoning that can kill people.
Human based collagen injections
You might recognize some of the human derived collagen fillers under brand names like Fascian or CosmoDerm. The purpose of these injectable fillers it to pump up the volume in the lips and smooth out lines around crow's feet, nasal folds and even frown lines. Because the collagen in derived from humans, it is more compatible with your body chemistry.
The results of these injectable fillers will last for up to six months or more. Some cosmetic surgeons believe that the more collagen you inject, the more that stays behind until eventually you may not need any more injections. Surgeons slightly overfill the injection sites with the collagen because at least 30% of the collagen dissipates rather quickly.
Cow based collagen injections
Bovine based cosmetic injectables are used much the same way as the human derived versions. They can be injected into frown lines, crow's feet, nasal folds and more. Because you may have a latent allergy to bovine products, the cosmetic surgeon always conducts an allergy test first to ensure your body won't reject it and cause side effects.
Fat injections
When cosmetic surgeons use your own fat to inject into your wrinkles and other vulnerable places, your body will not reject it because it is your own tissue. Usually a liposuction is performed first in order to collect the fat needed for your cosmetic injectable filler. The good news about fat fillers, besides lack of rejection, is that they tend to have longer lasting results. The bad news is that the transfer of the fat cells itself can be a bit unpredictable.
Other fillers
There are a number of other fillers on the market that are approved for facial rejuvenation. Radiesse contains special calcium hydroxylapatite particles which are non-toxic to the body. Fillers that contain hyaluronic acid include Restylane and Juvederm. This acid is a naturally recurring carbohydrate found in the human body. Sculptra is a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid and is used for more than just smoothing wrinkles. It also fills out cheeks and eye areas and the effects can last for several years.
As you can see, there are a number of cosmetic injectable fillers that could be used to spruce up your facial lines. Between you and your doctor, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
