Using of Dermal Fillers To Reduce The Signs Of Aging

Dermal or facial fillers are widely used by plastic and reconstructive surgeons to reduce the signs of aging.  Dermal fillers are injected under the skin where wrinkles or creases are visible.  The appearance of creases is reduced because the filler plumps the skin under the crease.  There are three basic types of dermal filler, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and poly-L-latic acid.  Fat transfer is an alternative to facial fillers.  Botox is not a facial filler, it is a chemical that paralyzes the facial muscles which cause wrinkles.

Dermal fillers provide soft tissue augmentation.  In areas of the face, where facial fat or collagen have been lost, facial fillers replace the lost tissue.  The loss of collagen and facial fat are most often caused by aging, but can also occur as result of disease.  Cosmetic surgeons use dermal fillers to correct depressed scars, wrinkles and other skin depressions.  The chosen dermal filler is injected at the desired site.  The effects are usually temporary lasting from six months to two years.  Additional treatments are usually required to maintain the results.

If you are considering facial augmentation to reduce the signs of aging or the appearance, you should be informed of all your options.  The cost of treatment varies and is usually not covered by medical insurance.  This is an issue you should discuss with your surgeon before you begin treatment.  Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options. The information provided is here will help you make an informed decision.

What Dermal Fillers Do

All dermal fillers basically work by providing extra volume the skin in the area where they are injected.  While the way in which different fillers accomplish this varies, the results are the same.  The face has a younger appearance and facial wrinkles and creases are diminished.  Understanding the composition and function of the skin will assist you to understand how different facial fillers work.

Human skin is made up of two layers.  The outer layer, the epidermis is a protective barrier against infection and is responsible for retaining moisture and water in the skin.  The second layer of skin is the dermis.  It is composed of interlaced fibers of collagen and houses the nerves, blood vessels and hair follicles of the skin. Collagenis a protein which supports the skin and provides it with strength and flexibility.  As people age, they produce collagen at a slower rate which results in a loss of skin volume and elasticity.

Aging also causes thinning of the epidermis which results in greater loss of water and moisture in the skin.  The thinning of the skin layers results in the appearance of wrinkles and creases, the visible signs of aging. Dermal fillers reduce the visible signs of aging by giving the skin the appearance of greater volume.  Different fillers achieve their results in different ways, and your plastic surgeon can help you determine which type of filler is best for your treatment.

Consultation And Treatment

At the time of your initial consultation, your doctor will evaluate your appearance and advise you of the type of results.  He will take a photo and some doctors may have computer software that will show the enhancement you can expect.  During the initial examination, the plastic surgeon will decide where to perform the treatments.

Your surgeon may mark the injection sites before beginning.  The areas to be injected are swabbed with antiseptic.  Depending on the dermal filler to be used, a local or topical anesthetic may be administered.  Hyaluronic acid facial fillers naturally contain lidocaine, a natural pain killer, and do not require the administration of anesthetic.

It is likely that each site will require more than one injection.  The length of the procedure will depend on the number of sites being revised.

Following the procedure, the doctor will remove any guide marks that he made.  If swelling occurs, ice packs may be applied for relief.  Inflammation of injection sites is a common side effect.

In most cases, you may resume wearing make up and continue with your daily routine immediately following the procedure.  Depending the the dermal filler used, you may be advised not to put pressure on the area.

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