Wrinkle removal with fillers has become a very popular procedure after which the results are immediately visible. The most popular are hyaluronic acid fillers which act as a natural support for the skin. In addition to hyaluronic acid, biostimulants are often used, which over time provide more significant stimulation of collagen but have a much higher risk of complications.
Wrinkle removal with fillers
The easiest division of fillers is into:
- Biomaterials: hyaluronic acid fillers, own fat, collagen
- Synthetic materials: polymethyl methacrylate, Poly-L-lactic acid, Calcium hydroxyapatite
Skin fillers can soothe and remove wrinkles or even solve a certain defect on the face or other parts of the body. In addition to hyaluronic acid, there is a wide range of procedures and substances used to remove wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar found in the intercellular fluid. It is found naturally in our body and is the same in all living organisms. It is a molecule that strongly binds water whenever it is located, which is why it is very important in our skin but also, for example, in the joints.
The only difference between hyaluronic acid in humans and bacteria, for example, is in the molecular chain length. Since there is no antigenic difference in different types of hyaluronic acid, the possibility of an allergic reaction is almost non-existent. By creating special links between the natural hyaluronic acid molecules, hyaluronic acid is cross-linked and gains durability. The links that are made in this way are the only culprits for a possible allergic reaction to these treatments.
There are various techniques for injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Training and experience are crucial factors for safety and results of the procedure. It is crucial to use only hyaluronic acid from reputable companies which have been approved by the World Health Organization as well as to read as many scientific studies on tissue reactions to that specific type of filler.
The effects of the fillers last for more than a year, which is how long it takes for the hyaluronic acid to completely decompose. Even after that period, the skin has a fresher look than before the application. Also, hyaluronic acid molecules stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which further improves the appearance of the skin.
It is possible to use the non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with a longer-lasting effect on fine lines. With the new Nahyco technology, completely pure hyaluronic acid molecules stay under the skin for 28 days and continuously stimulate collagen.
Hyaluronic acid can be applied to all areas of the face, neck, décolletage or hands. Depending on where we use it and what we want to achieve (fix the volume, fill in wrinkles or tighten and hydrate the skin…), gels containing different molecule sizes are used.
Collagen fillers
Collagen was one of the first substances used to fill wrinkles. Initially, preparations of animal origin were used, but they often caused allergic reactions, with visible effects that lasted from 3 to 4 months. Newer preparations – Evolence, are of human origin, last about a year and very rarely cause side effects.
Silicone fillers
Silicone is a synthetic durable material used for facial augmentation, especially lip augmentation. Side effects can occur immediately or years after application, hence, these fillers are less and less used. During the procedure, silicone micro particles are injected, which is followed by a strong inflammatory reaction. The material is fixed in this way and the foreign body remains permanently in the subcutaneous tissue. Although popularly called Biopolymer, it contains no biomaterial and over time creates drooping lumps on the lips. This material was not approved for lip augmentation by the World Health Organization, and in many European countries doctors can lose their medical license if they inject it into a patient’s skin or mucous membranes.
Poly-L-lactic acid
Poly-L-lactic acid – Sculptra is used to fill the cheekbones and chin as it activates the mechanisms that lead to collagen production. It must be applied deeper into the tissue and under special conditions. It was approved by the USFDA as a restorative treatment for HIV-associated lipoatrophy. It is a biostimulator and does not have its own solvent. Any complication caused by this material cannot be resolved in a few minutes as is the case with hyaluronic acid. One year has to pass for it to resorb spontaneously for the most part.
Calcium hydroxyapatite
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a synthetic biocompatible material that strongly stimulates collagen and the production of tissue in the environment in which it is applied. The degree of complications is considered to be low, but it still causes the formation of nodules and inflammatory processes that are very difficult to treat.
Fat as a filler
Adipose tissue has been used as a filler for a long time, very often in surgical facial tightening. Fat cells are taken from different parts of the body and applied to the face with thicker cannulas. These fillers last 5 years. Gaining weight can cause a problem. Fat cells on the body are much larger than fat cells on the face, so the face will fill up more. Lipoma isolation is also possible.
In addition to filler treatments, wrinkle removal (or delay) is possible using other procedures. Read more about this in our text – Wrinkles. You can find more about skin rejuvenation by clicking the link.
Natural wrinkle removal
Habits and lifestyle significantly affect our skin, its health and appearance. Smoking and industrial fast food have a direct negative impact on skin aging and wrinkling.
Therefore, a healthy diet is recommended as the first preventive measure, which includes a diet based on unprocessed foods, fruits and vegetables, and the obligatory avoidance of cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption.
Wrinkle formation and prevention
Wrinkles can be prevented or delayed to some extent with adequate prevention. Their most important cause is exposure to sun radiation, as well as exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices. UV radiation causes collagen and elastic fibers in the skin to break down. The negative impact on the skin is cumulative and any exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays will contribute to faster appearance of wrinkles. Genetic predisposition is an important factor, as is the skin phototype. People with lighter skin and light-coloured eyes are more prone to wrinkles. An unhealthy diet with a lot of sugar, fast and fried foods can contribute to wrinkles, just as smoking or not getting enough sleep are factors that contribute significantly to skin aging and appearance of wrinkles.
Also, sunscreen must be worn during sun exposure since UV radiation is the main culprit for accelerated aging of the skin.
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