The desire to maintain attractiveness and slow down the process of age-related changes is absolutely natural for every person. And the person in this matter is given special attention. It is this that first reveals the age of a person and especially a woman. Over the years, the skin inevitably loses its elasticity, the shape of the face deteriorates, wrinkles appear, natural folds deepen and other undesirable changes occur. In such situations, as well as in a number of others, in particular if you want to increase the volume of your lips, facial contour correction with fillers can help.
Types of facial fillers and their features
Fillers are usually divided into two categories - biodegradable
(they are based on hyaluronic acid, based on calcium hydroxyapatite CaHA and collagen-containing) and
permanent
(based on synthetic polymers).
Towards biodegradable
(temporary) are fillers based on hyaluronic acid, collagen and calcium hydroxyapatite; they are absolutely harmless and are removed from the body on their own after a few months. The components of biodegradable fillers not only smooth out wrinkles and unevenness, but also moisturize the skin from the inside, replenishing moisture deficits in the cells, as a result the skin becomes elastic and attractive.
· hyaluronic fillers
There are monophasic and biphasic hyaluronic fillers. Monophasic fillers consist of hyaluronic acid molecules of the same size, biphasic fillers contain hyaluronic acid with different molecular sizes. These fillers are used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and create a clear facial contour.
· collagen-containing fillers
The basis of biodegradable collagen-containing fillers is collagen, a fibrillar protein that forms the basis of the body’s connective tissue and ensures its strength and elasticity (bones, cartilage, dermis). These fillers are used to correct wrinkles and create clear facial contours.
Calcium hydroxyapatite preparations
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a natural human component; for fillers it is synthesized biosynthetically. In cosmetology, such fillers are used for face lifting and long-term correction of wrinkles. The effect of hydroxyapathic fillers can last up to 2 years.
Non-biodegradable or permanent fillers
– These are fillers based on synthetic compounds – polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polydimethylsiloxane (silicone). Such drugs are prohibited for use in cosmetology in some countries due to the high risk of side effects and possible complications. Fillers based on synthetic compounds are not able to be eliminated from the body on their own; only a doctor can remove them. Today, such fillers are practically not used in modern cosmetology.
In aesthetic cosmetology, biodegradable fillers are used - they are absolutely safe for the body, and in addition to eliminating skin imperfections, they can significantly moisturize it. Hyaluronic acid, collagen and calcium hydroxyapatite are independently produced in the body and are part of the tissues, which completely eliminates the risk of incompatibility or rejection. With age, the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body decreases; fillers can fill these deficiencies in the body, thereby restoring moisture and elasticity to the skin.
Radiesse filler (based on calcium hydroxyapatite) –
The most popular filler of this type is Radiesse. The drug was developed by a well-known American biotechnological company, but at the moment the drug belongs to the German company. Has FDA approval. The drug consists of microspherical particles (25-45 microns in size) of 30% calcium hydroxyapatite, which are suspended in a gel-like carrier.
The gel-like filler carrier dissolves approximately 2-3 months after injection, after which the skin cells come into direct contact with the microspheres. Clinical studies have shown that the gradual destruction of microspheres by macrophages leads to the activation of fibroblast function and the replacement of this volume with newly formed collagen (according to Hirsch R. and Cohen J.). Thus, Radiesse filler is one of the few drugs that actually stimulates neocollagenogenesis. At the same time, calcium and phosphate ions formed during the destruction of microspheres do not have antigenic properties, i.e. the drug is completely immunologically inert.
Another very interesting point is that the body sometimes responds to the introduction of any type of filler by forming granulomas in the soft tissues, perceiving them as a foreign object, which is a common complication when using dermal fillers. An interesting point is that after injection of Radiesse, granulomas never form. Indications for use of Radiesse: correction of nasolabial folds, cheekbones, hollow cheeks, marionette lines. The average duration of the effect is from 9 to 18 months, and unlike the drug Sculptra (see below), the wrinkle smoothing effect will be visible immediately after the procedure.
→ The price for Radiesse in clinics is from 16,000 rubles for 0.8 ml, and from 25,000 rubles for 1.5 ml.
Impact zones
Hyaluronic fillers can transform the following areas of the procedure:
— forehead and eyebrow area
The upper part of the face is most often subject to deep wrinkles, which are formed due to active facial expressions and frequent tension of the forehead. Injections smooth out deep wrinkles and creases, filling them with a gel-like composition.
— lips, corners of lips
Hyaluronic fillers give lips extra volume and moisturize them. Also, with the help of fillers, it is possible to correct lip asymmetry, raise the corners of the mouth, as a result, the face looks more youthful.
— cheek and cheek area
Fillers replenish volume, restore clarity to the face and emphasize the cheekbone line. Injections into the cheekbones not only make them clearer and more expressive, but also tighten the skin on the cheeks and along the jawline, as if lifting the skin of the face upward.
— eye area
The skin of this area is thinner, so it is susceptible to facial wrinkles and age-related changes earlier than other areas of the face. Fillers smooth out wrinkles in the corners of the eyes and nasolacrimal grooves.
— nose
Today, fillers are an excellent alternative to plastic surgery. They are able to relieve the patient of a hump on the bridge of the nose, as well as make the wings of the nose symmetrical.
— folds in the area of the nasolabial triangle
This area of the face is the main sign of age, making the face look tired and mature. Fillers smooth the skin from the inside out, giving the face a more youthful appearance.
— chin
Using fillers, volume is added to the chin and horizontal creases are removed. It is also possible to remove the hole if it is an aesthetic drawback for the patient.
— Jolie angles or youth angles
(scientific name: mandibular angles)
With the help of fillers, it is possible to correct the angles of the lower jaw. A clear line of the lower jaw with pronounced angles visually makes the appearance more sophisticated, feminine and emphasizes youth.
Depending on the area, fillers of different densities are selected - high, medium or low. Therefore, the introduction of fillers must be carried out by a professional specialist. You should not trust your face to untested cosmetologists who do not have sufficient experience, qualifications and knowledge.
Does the filler differ for different parts of the body?
Yes, it is different. The substances introduced have different densities, depending on the location of the planned application:
- For the chin, more concentrated tight compounds are used, which are retained in the tissues longer.
- For lips, less dense plastic options are used, which come out faster.
Therefore, all parts of the face are never enlarged with the same syringe. This can lead to unpleasant consequences - the filler will gather in lumps or be removed too quickly.
Contraindications
Despite the safety of this rejuvenation technique, there are a number of contraindications to its implementation:
· autoimmune and oncological diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases during exacerbation
diseases associated with blood clotting
· colds (flu, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections)
· herpes in the acute stage
allergic reactions to drugs used in fillers
· pregnancy and lactation period
· skin damage in the correction areas
· recently performed other cosmetic procedures: peelings, photorejuvenation, techniques involving laser effects on facial skin
How can we solve the problem of skin aging in the décolleté area?
The bad news : There is no good surgical technique for décolleté rejuvenation.
Good news : some non-surgical rejuvenation techniques can solve this problem quite well.
Great news : new injection methods that offer us a more effective and, more importantly, long-term solution have already appeared, tested and confirm our best expectations.
How does the procedure work?
Before carrying out the filler injection procedure, a detailed consultation with a doctor and diagnostics are required - identifying the characteristics of the skin, the patient’s needs, and eliminating contraindications.
The duration of the procedure is from 15 minutes to an hour, on average 30 minutes.
Stages of the procedure:
· cleansing the facial skin, marking and placing points in the areas of filler injection
The doctor shows the patient a syringe with the drug - its integrity, dosage and expiration date.
· pain relief
An anesthetic is applied to the skin of the face - a drug that can cause a decrease in sensitivity. In addition, some filler compositions include analgesic components, making the injection procedure virtually painless.
injection of fillers
The drug is injected using a very thin needle to a certain depth, which depends on the composition, the desired result and the severity of the skin defect. The technique of administration also varies and is determined by a cosmetologist.
· facial massage for even distribution of filler
The final effect appears after two weeks.
At what age can fillers be injected?
Theoretically, this can be done from the age of 18, but at this age the skin is quite young and, in principle, looks good in itself. In these cases, fillers are used to correct undesirable features of the facial structure - asymmetry, irregular nose shape, too thin lips.
Increased lip volume
At older ages, the drugs are used more widely, with excellent results. But for older women, this method is not always effective. You need to understand that deep wrinkles cannot be removed with filler - other cosmetic procedures are needed here.
Recovery period
· It is not recommended to touch your face on the first day after injections
· Swelling is possible in the affected areas. It is not recommended to eat salty and spicy foods, so as not to complicate or prolong the recovery period
· At first you should refrain from decorative cosmetics - foundation and powder. It is necessary to exclude lotions and tonics containing alcohol.
· for two weeks you should refrain from visiting the bathhouse, sauna, solarium; in addition, peelings and scrubs are prohibited
· for 3-4 weeks it is not recommended to massage the area where fillers are introduced
After two weeks, the tissues are completely restored, and the result is maximally visible.
How long does the effect last?
The duration of the effect of fillers is very individual and depends on many factors, these include the composition and density of the active substance, the characteristics of the body, the patient’s lifestyle and habits.
As a rule, the effect of the procedure lasts up to 1 year, then the drug gradually disintegrates without harm to the body.
It is important that the filler injection technique is correct; the result and duration of the effect depend on this. Even hyaluronic fillers have to be removed without waiting for natural disintegration if an excessive amount of the substance was injected or the injection technique was violated. Therefore, an experienced, qualified doctor is the main component of the desired and lasting result.
Pros and cons of the procedure
The undeniable advantages of the filler injection procedure are:
· virtually painless procedure and elimination of general anesthesia
short recovery time
natural breakdown of the filler and removal of the drug from the body without surgical intervention
The disadvantages of the filler injection procedure include:
· short-lived result: the drug is eliminated from the body after 6-24 months
· if necessary and the desired result is achieved, a repeat session can be scheduled
· if the filler injection procedure is performed by an inexperienced specialist, side effects are possible
Possible allergic reactions
Belotero
Belotero – biogels based on stabilized sodium hyaluronate.
The preparations are intended to solve various cosmetic problems:
- Elimination of dryness and sagging;
- Contour plastic surgery;
- Smoothing wrinkles;
- Lip modeling.
The line includes several types of gels, differing in density and concentration of the main component.