Plumping thin lips, enhancing contours, softening wrinkles, and improving appearance of recessed scars may be accomplished with injectable fillers.  Several different types of fillers may be used and include collagen, human fat, hyaluronic acid, hydroxylapatite, and PMMA.

Collagen, a natural protein, may produce results that last up to four months.  Certain types of collagen may require preliminary allergy testing in some patients.  Results of six months or more may be achieved by hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in our bodies.  This may be used to fill in creases or plump lips.

To fill in deeper folds near the nose, frown lines, or to enhance fullness of the cheeks, hydroxylapatite may be used.  This is a compound found in human bones that is suspended in gel form and has mineral-like qualities.

Human fat harvesting and injection requires more extensive procedure because it uses liposuction to do the harvesting before the filler injection may be done.  This can fill in creases and contours to enhance fullness of the face.

FDA-approved PMMA is recommended to correct facial wrinkles such as smile lines.  PMMA is 20% polymethylacrylate and 80% purified collagen gel.

Though there is wide variance in results, patients may expect results to last up to a year in some instances.  Preserved fat injection results are more favorable if the fat is used at time of harvest.  Some filler may be FDA approved on a basis not specified to a particular application.

Patients may expect almost immediate improvement in appearance with some potential for bruising or swelling that will resolve.  There may be redness, sensitivity or itching briefly after the procedure.  Complications are rare and will vary depending on the type of filler used.  Rarely, filler may migrate to an unintended area producing temporary paralysis or there may be skin necrosis. There may be overcorrection. Milder symptoms from some fillers should resolve in just a few days, while the fat injections may produce symptoms that endure for a few weeks.   For the most part, fillers produce marked improvement in appearance and are safe and effective.  Choosing someone who is trained specifically in administering fillers and other types of rejuvenation is important.

Patients may experience anxiety about the procedure and are encouraged to have realistic expectations and ask questions.  Many variables affect results of fillers, and the results are not permanent though the substance is.  Issues such as continued aging and the way that the body absorbs the material will affect duration of results.  Without repeated treatment, issues such as thin lips or wrinkles and scars will reappear over time. With aging, fillers may shift or clump and surgical removal may be required to avoid unwanted changes in texture of soft tissue.  Consultation is required prior to treatment, but follow up visits take only moments.  Costs vary greatly, but many surgeons have financing available. Patients should inquire about their surgeon’s board certification and membership, years of experience, accreditation, the procedure and recovery period, and the way in which complications might be handled.