Aging is a natural process that, nonetheless, can be difficult to endure. Luckily, in this day in age, we are able to evade some of the visible signs of aging with treatments and cosmetic procedures. However, it can still be difficult to imagine undergoing a surgical procedure to fix a delicate few wrinkles that have appeared along your face.
Fortunately, we now not only have the ability to surgically remove some signs of aging, but we also have safe and minimally invasive non-surgical options for correcting these small issues. Injectable fillers have become increasingly popular and diverse since the original introduction of collagen.
Collagen
Collagen has been around for many years, used industrially, medically and cosmetically for various products. Cosmetic collagen fillers have become useful for plumping lips and treating visible signs of aging on the face such as nasolabial folds, crow’s feet and frown lines. The results of collagen injections usually last for four months or longer before it is absorbed back into the body.
Collagen is derived from a variety of mammal sources including bovine and porcine-based products. Because of some issues caused by allergic reactions to these mammalian products, many cosmetic surgeons now choose to use collagen derived from human sources, which is more biocompatible.
Fat Transfer
For a basic fat transfer procedure, your surgeon will perform liposuction on a specific area of your body and then purified and injected into another part of your body. Just like most other fillers, it can correct signs of aging around the eyes and face including frown lines and nasolabial folds.
The purification method for the fat and the technique of placement matters greatly for the longevity of the transfer. Some of the fat cells will reintegrate into the new area and remain forever; however, the bulk of the cells will be reabsorbed into the body. A fat filler treatment results can remain intact for up to a year.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
There are a variety of different hyaluronic acid fillers available for use to treat visible signs of aging. They work in much the same way as other injectables, filling the areas to be treated with hyaluronic acid, a sugar complex that helps improve the longevity and strength of human tissue.
Various brand names include Restylane, Juvéderm and Perlane . The results of a hyaluronic acid filler can last anywhere from four months to a year before the substance is naturally absorbed into the body.
Radiesse
Radiesse is the brand named calcium hydroxylapatite filler that is both long-lasting and versatile. The calcium hydroxylapatite acts as a foundation for collagen helping the basic framework of the tissue to remain intact.
Tampa facial cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jasin , initiated a revolutionary technique for the injection of Radiesse directly on top of the bone in order to minimize swelling and bruising, maximizing results. Radiesse generally lasts for about six months.
Other Fillers
There are many other fillers available on the market today used to correct the visible signs of aging, scarring, hollowed cheeks and more. They include such injectable fillers as Sculptra, Artefill and others.
