Injectable fillers are composed of a variety of materials. The most frequently used injectable fillers are the Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers with brand names such as Juvederm and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that is a key component of the structural matrix that holds all the cells in your skin together. It forms a gel-like matrix by cross-linking large numbers of hyaluronic acid subunits and water, and forms highly organized proteoglycan (or protein and sugar) complexes with the most abundant protein in our body, collagen. In addition to its structural role, hyaluronic acid performs many crucial functions, some of which include tissue regeneration, wound healing, induction of collagen formation, and free radical scavenging. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid present in our skin, especially the epidermis (the top layer of our skin) decreases dramatically.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular skin care ingredient and has garnered the beauty industry’s undivided attention. It is often heavily advertised as the key ingredient of many skin care products. Unfortunately, topical application of products with a hyaluronic acid concentration of 1% (the industry standard) is not able to deliver significant amounts of this complex large polymer (many cross-linked molecules) into your skin. And this is why injection of hyaluronic acid fillers is incredibly appealing.
The purpose of injectable fillers is to restore volume by instantly filling areas of the face that appear deflated and droopy due to the natural aging process. Fillers improve the 3D contour of the face and can also be used in younger individuals to confer structural changes to improve overall facial harmony. Fillers can be used to sculpt and contour the jaw line, nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, etc. It is an ideal option for those individuals who are uncertain about committing to more invasive procedures such as rhinoplasty, facial fat grafting, and chin augmentation.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are temporary. We will review the average life span of the different fillers and permanent filler options below. It is important to note that hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved immediately with an enzyme solution. Also, over the years, we have found that injection of hyaluronic acid induces the surrounding skin to increase collagen production. This process is hypothesized to result in the filled area remaining voluminous for periods longer than the filler life span.
The most severe complication from injection fillers result from unintentional injection into a blood vessel. This can lead to vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, and soft-tissue necrosis. In the hands of an experienced injector who possesses an extensive understanding of facial anatomy, this complication is completely avoidable. Plastic Surgery is the only surgical specialty that produces surgeons who are allowed to operate “from head to toe” at accredited academic hospitals. Our team includes highly trained board-certified academic plastic surgeons who are experts in facial anatomy.