Non Surgical Alternatives For Anti Aging

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in the dermis, the second layer of human skin.  The dermis is composed of fibers that provide underlying structure for the skin and retain moisture. Collagen makes the skin strong and flexible.

One of the degenerative changes that occurs with age, is a loss of collagen.  As collagen is lost, the skin loses its resiliency and begins to sag and wrinkle.  To counteract this loss of collagen, doctors use collagen injections to restore an appearance of youth.

The most common form of collagen for injection is made from bovine tissue, since the chemical composition of bovine collagen is much like human collagen.  Any injection containing animal proteins carries the risk of allergic reaction.

Some patented brand names of pharmaceutical injectable collagen include Cosmosplast, Cosmoderm, Zyderm, Zyplast and Artefill.  The FDA has approved the use of these products as dermal fillers.  Collagen injections must be repeated every four to six months in order to retain the anti aging benefits.  Most side effects are mild and temporary and include inflammation at the site of the injection and bruising.

Fat Transfer

An alternative to collagen injections is microlipoinjection.  In this procedure, fat is removed from the hips, buttocks or thighs of a patient and used as a dermal filler.  The doctor uses a needle to extract the fat and re-inject it into the desired area.  This procedure eliminates the risk of allergic reaction that may occur with other dermal fillers.  The effects of fat transfer injections last longer than those of other dermal fillers.

The FDa has approved this procedure.  As with any procedure there is a small risk of infection.  In some cases, patients have enjoyed permanent results.  Side effects are minimal.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Marketed under the brand name Radiesse, this chemical injection stimulates the body to produce more collagen.  it is extremely effective for removing deep creases around the mouth and nose. The collagen produced by the chemical stimulant gives the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.  Results are immediate and injections need to be repeated about every twelve to fifteen months to retain the benefits.

Since calcuim hydroxylapatite injections contain no lidocaine, a topical anesthetic or local anesthetic is necessary.  The injections are performed with a very thin hypodermic needle in the facial areas where revision is desired.

The FDA has approved Radiesse for use in eliminating creases around the mouth.  It is not recommended to augment the lips.  In the lips, this filler can cause lumps.

As with most dermal fillers, side effects are mild and temporary and include injection site inflammation.  The maker of Radiesse claims this treatment requires less volume in each injection and is therefore less expensive than other facial fillers.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid

This dermal filler is a polymer.  Polymers are made up of long, repeating chains of molecules.  DNA is a polymer. Poly-L-lactic acid is in the alpha-hydroxy acid group and is sold under the trademark name Sculptra.  It has FDA  approval for use in patients with HIV and approval for general use is expected shortly.  It is used to replace lost facial fat.

As with other facial fillers, Sculptra is injected under the skin.  The results may not be immediately visible and several treatments may be required to achieve maximum results.  Results can last two years or more.

Following the first treatment, the doctor will examine the results after two weeks to determine how many injections will be required.  Sculptra actually augments skin's thickness.  The number of treatments will depend on the amount of fat loss in the patient's face. Patients that have extreme fat loss, up to six treatments may be recommended.

Although clinical studies showed results lasting about two years, it may be necessary to receive interim treatments to maintain full results.

Most side effects are mild and temporary with inflammation. bruising and bleeding at the injection sites being the most commonly reported.

Unlike other dermal fillers, it is recommended that the treated area be messaged at intervals throughout the day for a few days after treatment.  If swelling occurs, an ice pack may be used to treat it.

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