Young Returns Thanks to Filler Injections

Filler injection is a medical procedure that is being done to improve one's aesthetic appearance. Filler injections can be used to restore the face to become wrinkle free. Get to know the various types, benefits, and risks of injecting fillers. Facial fillers are materials that can be used to disguise fine wrinkles or scars on the face for a certain period of time. Filler is also sometimes used to thicken the lips. This material is generally given by injection directly into the face, so this procedure is often referred to as injecting fillers.

Six Main Types of Fillers

There are various types of fillers that can be used. Different facial areas require different types of fillers. Each type contains different ingredients with certain effects on repairing facial skin. Here are some common types of fillers that are available, along with their characteristics.

• Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of your skin that generally decreases with age. To perform filler injection procedures, this substance is available in natural and synthetic forms.
• Allergic reactions are rarely found in the use of this type of filler.
• Shaped gel with a slightly thicker consistency.
• Can be used in restricted areas such as the right or left corner of the mouth, filling the lips, and filling in hollows under the eyes.
• If the results are not as expected, this material can be neutralized by the injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase.
• Can last for 6-12 months.

• Bovine collagen

Collagen is the oldest type of filler and is called the best of all. Bovine collagen is collagen that comes from cow's skin that is specially processed.
• Prices are more affordable and more effective.
• Patients must undergo an allergy test because this material can cause allergic reactions.
• Because the body naturally breaks down collagen injections, this material needs to be injected 2-4 times a year.
In addition, there are also types of collagen that are propagated from human cells. Allergy testing is not required first because this type of collagen is less common than allergic reactions to bovine collagen. Even so, filler injections still need to be repeated every 3-6 months. In terms of cost, human collagen is more expensive.

• Body fat (fat grafting)

Obtained by taking a little fat tissue in one part of the body, such as the stomach, thighs, or bongkong. After that, the fat tissue is processed first and then injected under the surface of the facial skin. This procedure is done surgically.
• Generally there is no allergic reaction because the injected material comes from the body itself.
• The results can be permanent, although they vary from person to person.
• More than one injection may be needed.

• Biodegradable artificial polymer

• Can last up to 2 years.
• After being injected, this material will stimulate skin cells to make collagen.
• This type of poly-L-lactide (PLLA) has been widely used as a sewing material for skin layers and is not toxic.
• There is also Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) which was used as an adhesive for bone surgery before finally being used as a syringe filler.

• Calcium hydroxyapatite

• Last up to one year.
• Needed to fill areas that require large volumes of injections, such as cheeks and chin.
• Made from minerals that strengthen bones.
• This mineral is planted in small particles which are then dissolved in liquid. This liquid is then injected.

• Permanent soft tissue (Artefill)

• This filler is used to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth.
• No re-injection is needed, because this type of filler cannot be absorbed by the body.

These types of elastic fillers keep the skin back tight and smooth, so users look younger. However, how well the filler injections work on the face depends on the quality of the filler, the area being treated, and the person's body's reaction to the filler. Generally the filler injection procedure will last for approximately 60 minutes. First of all, the skin will be injected with local anesthetic. Then the doctor injects the filler under the surface of the skin, or in areas that need to be treated. Some filler injections need to be given several times separately.

Minimize Risk

All medical procedures have risks. Likewise, filler injections are at risk of causing the following conditions:

• After the filler is injected, the most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and redness in the injected area.
• Allergic reactions, depending on the filler material used.
• Bruising or bleeding.
• Small lumps can form under the surface of the skin. In some cases, this lump is permanent.
• Tyndall effects can occur, namely changes in skin color to bluish.

Other impacts such as obstruction of blood supply to the tissues that lead to blindness and skin damage are very rare. However, consult a doctor immediately if you experience unusual pain, white patches around the area injected, symptoms of stroke, vision problems, numbness in body parts, difficulty walking and talking, facial skin drops suddenly, confusion, or severe headaches , after undergoing a filler injection. To minimize the risks that might occur, here are the things you need to check before undergoing this procedure:

• Select location. To prevent infections and accidents, filler injections must be given in a proper, clean and safe place, such as in an official clinic or hospital. These injections should not be given at home, hotels, spas, or ordinary beauty salons.
• Make sure the practitioner who will treat you is indeed a dermatologist who has undergone special training. This can be proven by the presence or absence of legal certification. Don't be fooled by certain titles that are not obtained from official training.
• Various fillers are sold freely, even online. Although easy to obtain, but the filler can bring permanent and dangerous adverse effects if it is not suitable for facial skin and is not given by the right hands. Therefore, avoid buying this filler yourself. Also avoid fillers that come from places outside the doctor's office.
• Make sure your doctor informs you about the risks and side effects of the injection.
• The price of each filler is different depending on the type. Generally a filler that is more durable will cost more. In addition, the price is also determined by practitioners' expertise and where the procedure is carried out. Even so, avoid making prices the only benchmark.

Although it cannot replace a facelift procedure to deal with sagging skin, fillers are good enough if there are not many areas of facial skin that require treatment.