Introduction to Facial Fillers

In youth, we have an abundance of collagen, which is a natural protein that provides structural support for our skin. With aging, we begin to lose collagen, and lines and wrinkles become more noticeable. Sun exposure, health, heredity and lifestyle choices also contribute to collagen decrease.

Consumer demand for facial fillers has increased significantly in recent years, making injectable materials the most performed non-surgical treatment in the United States. Facial fillers are effective for treating fine lines and wrinkles, deeper facial folds, enlarging lips and improving the appearance of facial scarring. Injectable materials are a non-invasive, affordable, “quick-fix” solution, which appeals to people for a number of reasons.

There are several types of fillers available, and they each work in a different manner. As more injectable materials have become available, consumers have become confused as to what each one does, which type of injection is best, and for what purpose. While a consultation with Dr. Matas will be needed to establish a treatment plan ideal for you, the following list provides a brief description of each:

Cosmoplast® is a new generation dermal filler derived from highly purified human collagen. Because it is derived from human collagen, it no longer requires a skin test for compatibility prior to treatment. An anesthetic is also contained in the product to provide for your comfort. Treatment results are immediate and typically last from 4 to 6 months, depending on the areas being treated. Common treatment areas are the lines between the nose and mouth, lines extending from the corners of the mouth and lip borders. Acne scars and other lines also respond well to treatment. This is currently used in our practice.

Restylane® is a new dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is a clear gel used to provide volume and fullness when injected under the skin. Your body’s own moisture content helps it to maintains its long-lasting shape. It contains no anesthetic, so we administer a topical anesthetic or dental block for your comfort. Results are immediate and typically last 6 months or more, depending on the areas being treated. Common treatment areas are the lines between the nose and mouth, lines extending from the corners of the mouth, into and around the upper and lower lips. Acne scars and other lines also respond well to treatment. This is currently used in our practice.

Radiance® is a newer, longer-lasting injectable that has been recently approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. While just approved here, it has been in use in Europe for years with reports that it lasts for 3 to 7 years. Radiance is made from a synthetic material known as Calcium Hydroxyapatite, which closely mimics the composition of bone. Due to the permanent nature of this material, plastic surgeons and consumers should consider its use carefully. Buyer beware: injection by an inexperienced provider, or a member of their staff (this story is all too common) can have disastrous consequences. Not only does it require surgical removal of the hardened material from the soft tissues, it can be permanently disfiguring. This is currently being considered for use in our practice.

Artecoll is the only permanent filler material, but it has not received FDA approval for use in the United States. It has been used successfully in other countries for several years, however. Artecoll is a mixture of bovine collagen and tiny plastic spheres similar to plexi-glass. Once the collagen is absorbed, the body surrounds the spheres with its own connective tissue and collagen over a period of several months, resulting in a longer-term correction. Depending upon the severity of the areas being treated, repeated treatments may be needed to achieve optimal results. And since it does contain bovine collagen, it will require an allergy test prior to use. Due to the permanent nature of this material, plastic surgeons and consumers will be wise to use discretion when considering this product, even after FDA approval. This is currently being considered for use in our practice.

While Botox® is one of the most popular injectable treatments in the U.S., it is NOT considered a facial filler like the other products listed. It is sometimes used in conjunction with products like Cosmoplast® or Restylane®, and works by relaxing facial muscles that create unwanted furrows or lines in the face. For more complete information on Botox®, click here.

Best Candidates

Men and women from 20’s to 60’s who are bothered by deep folds around the nose and mouth, who desire increased fullness to the lips or who have facial scarring.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

At your consultation, Dr. James Matas will discuss your goals for treatment and help you develop a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. He will examine the areas in question, determining the severity of your lines and folds, how much filler material is needed and what type of treatment would be most effective.

He will advise you to avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen or Vitamin E before your treatment, because they may increase bleeding and bruising at the injection sites. In some cases, your treatment can be administered immediately following consultation!

How the Treatment is Performed

Before treatment is performed, a topical anesthetic will be administered for your comfort. A series of small injections place the filler material beneath the skin and into the areas that require improvement. Since you are awake during treatment, you can provide Dr. Matas with immediate feedback on the correction he makes in each area. Treatment takes just a few minutes and, because no anesthetic is involved, you may drive yourself and return to work or home. Depending upon the type of treatment, mild to moderate redness, bruising and tenderness can be seen, but can usually be covered with makeup after treatment.

Your New Look

Bothersome lines and wrinkles will be gone…lips will be fuller… without the risk and expense of a surgical procedure! While the treatment effects are temporary, periodic touch-up injections can help you maintain the desired degree of correction all year long.