While wrinkle fillers may be a sophisticated way to make yourself look younger, it is very passe to just assume that any filler will do the job: your face is not tile waiting to be grouted.
A filler may be used to treat many different types of skin problems, from aging, sun damage, trauma, scarring, or disease. From all these options and the many different fillers available, a dermatologist will find a filler that is best suited for the particular problem and the individual patient. One example of such specificity is the use of liquid injectable silicone, a permanent filler often used on HIV-positive individuals to resolve the problem of lipoatrophy. Lipoatrophy is a common condition caused by HIV where there is severe fat loss in the facial area, leading to deep cheek hollows among other disfigurements. While liquid silicone may sound ideal in its permanency, it is very risky for more basic procedures as the permanent substance must be applied with great accuracy and good judgement.
Other examples of specific fillers and their applications include:
- Purified collagen should be used to treat very fine wrinkles such as those found around the mouth. It can also be applied in the treatment of deep lines or depressed scars from acne or chicken pox. It has also been used to add volume to thin lips. Results last 3-9 months.
- Poly-L-Lactic acid beads are used to replace lost facial fat. Results last up to 2 years.
- Hyaluronic acid gel is often used to treat lines around the mouth and plump thin lips. Results last 3-6 months.
- Self-donated fat (also known as fat transfer) is used to dreat deep lines or scars as well as hollow cheeks. Results last 1-3 years.
If you or someone you know is interested in a facial filler procedure, contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
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