When you look in the mirror, do you ever feel a little sad or anxious when you see the wrinkles that are appearing on your face? Although aging cannot be stopped, some people are not so happy with the changes that come with it. So, one way to reduce these wrinkles and give the skin a fresh, youthful look is to use cosmetic fillers . Simply put, these are special substances that are injected under the skin. After this injection, the skin becomes a little fuller, wrinkles are reduced, and a younger look is obtained.
Although this method has been around for decades, with recent medical advances, many new, advanced, and longer-lasting fillers have come to the market. But before undergoing this treatment, it is very important to be aware of this. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.
Why do our skin get wrinkles?
First, let's look at why these wrinkles form. Three main factors help keep our skin firm and smooth. They are collagen , hyaluronic acid , and elastin.
Think of our skin as a sponge-like network of cells. These three chemicals work together to form this strong, flexible network. This is what keeps the surface of our skin smooth and firm.
But as we age, this network of structures gradually weakens. When this underlying support system weakens, the skin loses its smooth, youthful appearance. That's when wrinkles start to appear.
When cosmetic fillers are injected, they are used to replenish this weakened, thinned-out dermal structure. These fillers plump up the tissue beneath the skin, reducing wrinkles and making the skin look firmer, smoother, and younger again.
What are the types of fillers? Let's look at each one.
There are many different types of fillers. Each has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the main types of fillers available on the market. I've put them in a table for you to understand easily.
| Filler Type | Description and things to know |
|---|---|
| Bovine Collagen | This is the oldest and first approved type of filler. It is made from cow hide. It is less expensive than other types. However, some people can be allergic to it. Therefore , an allergy test should be done before getting the injection. The results usually last about 3-4 months. |
| Human Collagen | Since these are made from human cell cultures, the risk of allergies is very low. Therefore, there is no need to do an allergy test beforehand. However, they are more expensive than bovine collagen. The results of this also last for 3-6 months. |
| Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | This is actually something that our skin naturally has. As we age, these decrease in the skin. The new types of fillers that are available are designed to slow down the rate at which this HA molecule dissolves in the body. Therefore , the results can be maintained for 9 months or even longer. Allergies are very rare. This is currently a very popular method in the world. |
| Fat Injections | Have you ever wondered how great it would be to have some of your own fat from your thighs or stomach injected into your face? That's exactly what happens here. A small amount of fat is taken from your own body, such as your thighs or stomach, cleaned, and injected into the areas where you have wrinkles on your face. Since it's your own tissue, there's no chance of an allergic reaction. The results can sometimes last a long time, but it can vary from person to person. |
| Poly-L lactic Acid (PLLA) – (e.g. Sculptra) | When injected under the skin, it stimulates our skin cells and increases the body's own production of collagen. This is a non-toxic substance that has been used as a dissolvable suture material in surgeries for years. It is also called "semi-permanent" because the results last for months to years. |
| Calcium Hydroxylapatite – (eg Radiesse) | This filler is made from minerals that give strength to our bones. These minerals are ground into small particles, dissolved in a liquid solution, and injected. It is very effective for deep wrinkles, and the results last longer than collagen injections. |
| Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) | This is also a semi-permanent filler. Before it was approved as a filler, it was used as a “cement” in bone surgeries. Yes, that’s right. Since it doesn’t dissolve easily in the body, the results last a very long time. If you’re going to use a filler like this, you should definitely get it done by a very experienced doctor. |
Things to consider before undergoing this treatment
This is not just a beauty treatment you go to a salon for. This is a medical procedure . So there are a few things you need to consider before you make a decision about this.
The most important thing is to choose a qualified, experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon for this treatment.
Why is a doctor important?
1. Accurate diagnosis: Only a doctor can recommend the type of filler that is best for you, based on the cause of your wrinkles, their depth, and your skin type.
2. Safety: It is very important to use the correct injection technique, the correct dose, and sterile equipment. Injecting the vaccine in the wrong place or the wrong way can cause dangerous complications.
3. Complication Management: If an allergy, infection, or other problem arises, only a doctor has the knowledge to treat it quickly and correctly.
When you meet with your doctor, be open about your hopes, your fears, the cost, and any possible side effects.
Take-Home Message
- Cosmetic fillers are a medical injectable treatment used to reduce wrinkles and give the skin a youthful appearance.
- There are different types of fillers , each with different durations, advantages, and disadvantages.
- This treatment should only be performed by a qualified and experienced doctor . Do not go to cheap, unqualified places and risk life-threatening damage.
- Before treatment, talk carefully with your doctor about your expectations and possible risks.
- These results are often temporary. To maintain the appearance, you will need to have repeat treatments after a period of time.
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