Soft Tissue Fillers Information
Soft Tissue Fillers (also known as
Dermal Fillers
)
Some of the most obvious and troubling signs of aging are the lines and wrinkles that often occur on the skin of the face. The appearance of these distressing aspects of growing older is caused when the skin stops producing two proteins called collagen and elastin.
These chemicals are what keep young skin firm and wrinkle free, but as we age the loss of these chemicals combined with sun, diet, and gravity cause the tissues under the skin to break down, causing wrinkles and lines.
Most people are content to sit by and let time take its toll, but more and more others seek to preserve their young, unblemished faces for as long as they can. Traditional options like facelifts or chemical peels involve painful procedures and lengthy recovery times.
Fortunately people who refuse to inflict such discomfort on themselves have more affordable options than ever before. Soft tissue fillers are special chemicals that diminish and decrease the signs of aging naturally and without invasive and painful surgeries.
If you have any questions about what the best approach to reduce the signs of aging, contact a cosmetic surgeon in your state today to look younger tomorrow.
Methods: Soft Tissue Fillers Procedures
Types of Soft Tissue FillersDermal fillers are designed to replace lost volume in the soft tissues of the face. The various soft tissue filler options are broken-down into temporary, semi-permanent or partially permanent. Although the results of treatment diminish over time as a result of aging, each of the different types of soft tissue fillers can have remarkable results.
Collagen
-Based
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that provides support for many high impact areas of the body, such as the skin, joints, bones, and ligaments. It is also what keeps skin young and healthy looking by increasing elasticity and definition. Unfortunately collagen production decreases with age, which is what causes sagging, wrinkled, old looking skin.Collagen-based soft tissue fillers are used to fill in wrinkles, moderate creases and depressed scars in the face. They may also be used to plump the lips and help define the lip border. CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast™ are two examples of collagen-based soft tissue fillers that are commonly used by plastic surgeons as temporary treatments with few side effects and immediate results.
Hyaluronic Acid-Based
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are temporary soft tissue treatments that manage moderate to severe wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth and decrease the appearance of creases, fine lines, and depressed scars. These soft tissue fillers may also be used for plumping lips. One of the main benefits of Hyaluronic Acid injections is that they carry no risk of possible patient allergic rejection. Restylane®, Captique™, and Hylaform® Plus are hyaluronic acid-based fillers that are widely used in the United States. However, Juvederm, Hyalite, Restylane® Fine Lines, and Perlane® are pending FDA approval and may be widely accepted in the near future.
Semi-Permanent Fillers
Semi-permanent soft tissue fillers are good options for patients who have already experienced temporary treatments and are ready for more long-term effects. They can sometimes have more significant side effects and results that, while longer lasting, also take longer to become noticeable. Commonly used semi-permanent fillers include Radiesse®, Sculptra™, and fat injections.
Partially
Permanent
Partially permanent soft tissue fillers are popular among patients and surgeons alike. Unsightly lines, thin lips, and lost facial fullness can all be treated through fat injections. The fat used is transferred from the patient's own body so there is no risk of allergy, the body won't reject the graft, and it feels and appears more natural than some other treatments.
Soft Tissue Fillers Statistics
-Hyaluranic acid-based soft tissue fillers were the fifth most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States in 2004. Nearly 900,000 treatments were performed.
-The majority of patients receiving soft tissue fillers in 2004 were between the ages of 35 and 50.
-There were nearly 100,000 autologous fat transfer soft tissue operations performed in 2004.
-When combined, collagen and hyaluronic acid procedures amounted to 14% of all plastic surgery procedures in the United States in 2004.
Soft Tissue Fillers Questions and Answers
How can I determine if I'm a good candidate for soft tissue fillers?
If you are seeking a non-surgical way to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and aging signs, you may be an excellent candidate for soft tissue fillers. Ideal candidates should also be in good physical and mental health, with a realistic view on what the treatment can do for them. If you're frustrated by the toll aging and sun exposure has taken on your facial features, it's time to be proactive and make a change. It's time to speak with your plastic surgeon about soft tissue fillers.
How will I be evaluated for soft tissue fillers?
During your initial consultation you will discuss your goals of treatment and your medical history with your doctor. It is important to establish an open dialogue because effective communication will result in satisfactory results. Together you will determine if soft tissue fillers are appropriate for you.
Will my insurance help supplement the treatment cost?
You should contact your insurance agent and speak with your physician about insurance coverage for soft tissue fillers.
What are some common alternatives to the soft tissue fillers methods?
There are a variety of different methods dermatologists and plastic surgeons can employ in addition or as alternatives to soft tissue fillers. These may include the use of other substances such as Botox or surgical procedures like a facelift to reverse the signs of aging. During your consultation your plastic surgeon will develop a completely customized treatment plan to suit your needs.
What risks are involved with soft tissue fillers?
Soft tissue filler treatments are non-invasive and generally extremely safe. However, all medical procedures have certain risks that can be particularly important for some patients. You should discuss any concerns you may have about soft tissue fillers with your doctor.
What can I expect the day of treatment to be like?
Fortunately, the soft tissue filler process is quite simple and can usually be performed in your doctor's office. Depending on the treatment the entire procedure may take less than an hour, during which you may be given a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort. After the visit is over you most likely will be able to return to your everyday life without any down time.
How will I look and feel immediately after my treatment?
Patients may experience temporary swelling or redness at the sites of injection. However, these will fade quickly and can be covered with makeup. Results can be seen immediately, although some patients may require follow-up visits to ensure long-lasting results.
How long can I expect results to last?
The length of time results last is highly dependent on individual conditions. These conditions include the type of treatment, the areas treated, and the ability of the skin to use the materials injected. However, results are generally long-lasting for most procedures. Soft tissue filler treatment is a popular and effective way for hundreds of thousands of Americans to restore their appearance and take back signs of aging. Speak with your plastic surgeon about these innovative treatments today.