Dermal fillers
- Sometimes frown lines between eyebrows or around the mouth are too deep. A small wrinkle between the side of your mouth and your chin (a fold of skin and fat drooping to or below the jaw line) makes your face look angry and sad. Botox itself will not always solve the problem of crow's feet or frown lines. These can be removed by certain surgical procedures; however it may be too costly or too time consuming for some patients. Plumping up the hollow or wrinkled area is a very good alternative. There are many products designed to solve this problem, collectively referred to as dermal fillers. The effects of some last longer than the others, some are better suited for certain parts of the face than others. The effects of most of them are temporary and the procedure needs to be repeated periodically, but some of them provide permanent results. Which product is best for you? Here is a short description.
- Radiesse: dlonger lasting effects of smoother facial lines and folds. It is one of the newest products for augmentation of the depressed areas and filling facial wrinkles. Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler which provides effects that last approximately one year, which is longer than other methods. Very seldom patients experience a slight allergic reaction to injected material. Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (found in human bones), in the form of gel. Studies have shown that it remains soft for a long time after being injected into soft tissues i.e. the face. Radiesse is the preferred method of augmentation of nose to mouth lines.
- Restylane and Juvaderm: these two products are the most popular injectable dermal fillers. They contain hyaluronic acid which naturally occurs in the human body. Hyaluronic acid is purified and then injected. The effects last for 6 to 8 months. These products are perfect for lip augmentation as well as for eyebrows and fine lines.
- Risk and complications
- Every surgery carries some risk. In order to minimise any possible risk of complications, you must provide the surgeon with all details relating to your health, especially if you smoke, are on medication or have undergone a surgery in or around the area which is to be operated upon. You can minimise the risk significantly by choosing a well-qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and by strictly following their advice before and after the surgery. Although currently all plastic surgery procedures are very safe, your surgeon will discuss any possible, although unlikely, complications in connection with your treatment.