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NEWSLETTER
Summer 2008
What's New in "Fillers"?
Because advances in the design and use of dermal fillers to enhance facial lines, wrinkles and scars are continuing at a fast pace, it requires that we, as cosmetic dermatologists, keep up with all the newest improvements in this field. We need to educate our patients as to the differences between these filler materials and how they are best used for each person.
Simply put, there are four groups of dermal fillers today:
- Those that last 6 months or less
- Those that last 6 months to a year
- Those that last more than a year
- Those that last indefinitely
The shorter lasting fillers include collagen based products as well as several types of hyaluronic acid-based compounds. These are popular in patients who are just starting to see if fillers are for them, they are generally less expensive, and are more easily used for fine lines and wrinkles. When one is comfortable with the filler enhanced "look", whether in the lips, at the corners of the mouth and eyes or just filling in hollow cheeks or temples, medium duration (or longer) fillers are often recommended.
The medium duration filler materials include a type of hyaluronic acid filler and a product containing calcium hydroxyapetite. These can be used in filling in deeper defects for amore long lasting result. More physician expertise is required for some of these fillers. Longer range duration fillers include one that gradually builds up the tissue under a larger defect, like putting scaffolding under a building. These types of materials tend to have a higher incidence of forming nodules under the skin and therefore need a practiced cosmetic dermatologist to place them.
Permanent type fillers, such as silicone, are not for everyone. Some physicians have developed an expertise in using them with good patient satisfaction. However, we have all seen poor results in some of these patients over the years and therefore most cosmetic dermatologists do not use them and prefer the long acting fillers instead.
In summary, the cosmetic dermatologist has dozens of years of experience in placing the above discussed filler materials to make one's face look younger and less lined or gaunt. We often use a combination of more than one filler to get the desired effect the patient wants. Potential side effect is very uncommon today with these fillers when used in the right hands.
Return to Summer 2008 Newsletter
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