What are fillers and how do they work?
The dermal filler in question is focused on ensuring the density of skin turgor, which loses its elasticity over the years. This is an almost complete replacement for botulinum injections, which effectively copes even with deep expression wrinkles.
Served areas of the face:
- upper and lower lip;
- area of the cheeks, chin, forehead and neck;
- nasolabial part;
- bridge of the nose and tear troughs.
Filling wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, unlike synthetic analogues, allows for complete resorption and removal of the substance after a certain period. At the same time, the elasticity of the nasolabial folds and the entire face is restored, and the hydration of the skin epidermis is noted. The duration of the bolus effect depends on the corrector used (from six to 36 months).
Why do facial wrinkles appear?
When a person worries a lot and frowns, vertical creases appear between the eyebrows. Sunny, cheerful people first of all form “rays” in the corners of their eyes. The earlier appearance of facial wrinkles is due to heredity, active facial expressions, insufficient skin care, poor nutrition, bad habits, frequent stress, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Types of fillers and features of their use
The following types of drugs in question are noted:
- Synthetic versions. They come in gel form and are made of silicone. Among the advantages, there is a long-lasting result after the first operation. Disadvantages - there is a possibility of allergies, displacement of the filler, the material is poorly removed naturally.
- Biodegradable compounds. They consist of animal collagen, polymers of lactic and hyauloronic acid. The product is completely absorbed in the human body, but has a shallow and short-term effect.
- Biosynthetics. This composition is partially decomposed and has a long-lasting result. The product contains silicone and a synthetic version of hyaluronic acid.
Advantages of the method
Unlike, for example, Botox injections or check-lifting, it is better to correct nasolabial folds and other problem areas using fillers for a number of reasons:
- an immediate result is observed with the restoration of the elasticity of the epidermis, the removal of wrinkles, and the acquisition of the optimal volume of the skin area into which the injection was made;
- there is a long-term effect (the period between procedures can be 12 months);
- there are a minimum of contraindications;
- quick recovery after injections;
- The drugs are aimed at patients who, for health reasons, are contraindicated for a surgical facelift.
Flaws
As evidenced by reviews from specialists and users, the use of filler is rarely accompanied by negative consequences. Among them:
- swelling at the injection site;
- the facial corrector requires repeated administration after a certain time;
- quite high price;
- there is no possibility of performing the operation at home;
- there is a risk of displacement of the injected drug, after which physical removal of the filler is required.
Areas and methods of application
The types of drugs under consideration are used for various anti-aging procedures. Modern analogues contain hyaluronic acid in one form or another, allowing for the correction of cicatricial skin deformities, and also help to give additional volume to the lips and other parts of the face.
Fillers for nasolabial folds
The procedure involves injecting the drug into the area of the nasolabial inlays. The substance fills the intercellular space, forming a kind of tightening of specific areas of the body. Before using the product, consultation with a specialist is required.
The filler injection technique is as follows:
- The patient is placed on a special couch or chair.
- A special anesthetic and antiseptic cream are applied to the forehead or other part of the face.
- After checking the expiration date, the package with the drug is opened (you must first study the entire list of components included in the composition).
- A standard injection is performed into the nasolabial fold through one subcutaneous puncture so that the needle reaches the second end of the fold,
- The contents of the syringe are squeezed out slowly, which allows you to distribute the drug as evenly as possible.
- An antiseptic and a cold compress are reapplied to reduce possible swelling.
Eye fillers
The skin of the lower eyelid near the eyes has a very thin layer of fat, which quickly depletes over time. As a result, these places look tired and “sunk.” After surgery, the subcutaneous structure is restored, lifting and tightening the eyelid.
For cheekbones
Folding around the cheekbones is also often a cosmetic problem. A bolus injection will help solve this problem. The corrector will fill in the surface, changing the unevenness of the chin, which is one of the main signs of aging. Part of the intercellular space can be filled in any specialized clinic.
Correction of facial wrinkles with Dysport
Dysport is also a type A neurotoxin drug, but is produced in France. Many positive reviews characterize it as an effective remedy for the correction of facial wrinkles in the following areas:
- on the forehead;
- in the area of the bridge of the nose;
- around eyes;
- in the corners of the lips;
- on the neck;
- in the décolleté area.
Dysport acts similarly to Botox, can cause the same side effects, and has similar indications and contraindications. Despite the fact that the drugs are considered analogues, they have different routes of administration and dosage.
As part of Dysport, the concentration of the active substance is more than 2 times lower than that of Botox. It contains lactose and is not suitable for people with individual intolerance to the substance. The advantages of this drug are:
- Patient reviews provide information that muscle numbness occurs already 3–4 days after injections. This is due to the increased ability of the substance to penetrate muscle fibers. For comparison, after Botox the effect is felt only on the 7th day. Although the full result appears in both cases after 2 weeks.
- With each procedure, the effect lasts longer. If after the first injection it disappears after 5 months, then after the second procedure - 6-7, and after the third - 7-8 months.
The cost of the drug is low. But one unit of Botox is equivalent to 4 units of Dysport, which ultimately leads to the same price for the procedure.
Contraindications and complications
Restrictions for the use of facial injections with different filler compositions:
- breastfeeding and pregnancy;
- elevated temperature;
- any colds and general malaise;
- inflammatory processes in the treated area;
- age limit up to 30 years;
- damage, injuries, abrasions and other physical defects;
- allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
- poor blood clotting.
Rating of the best manufacturers (2017)
Filler from reliable manufacturers will allow you to remove marionette wrinkles. A gap between the eyebrows in the subcutaneous part often occurs in ladies who are in their thirties. The ratings of several manufacturers are shown in the table below.
Name | Peculiarities | Varieties | Recommendations |
Restylane | Produced by a Swedish company, it is one of the most popular drugs on the domestic market. Contains hyaluronate of non-animal origin. | Nine types of products are produced, each of which is aimed at combating age-related changes in a specific part of the face. | Restylane - to eliminate medium folds and wrinkles. Touch – fights minor skin problems. Perlane – removal of deep wrinkles and contouring. Lip, Volume, Refresh – correction and improvement of the appearance of the lips. Vital, Light – biorevitalization procedure. Sub – eliminating problems on the neck and chin. |
Surgiderm | The product is manufactured in France based on hyaluronic acid (third generation filler). | Six types of the drug are offered. | The filler is intended to eliminate deep wrinkles and general correction of facial contours. |
Belotero | Produced in Germany, it works as an active stimulator of redermalization effects, the result will last up to 12 months. | Three types of the drug are sold on the domestic market (Soft, Basic, Intense). | The first type is aimed at correcting fine wrinkles. The remaining configurations combat medium folds on the lips and perform contouring of problem areas. |
Ivor | Biodegradable product manufactured by LG. Smoothes not only facial wrinkles, but also the entire facial skin. | There are three versions on sale (Classic, Hydro, Volume) | The first option removes wrinkles, the second – moisturizes and revitalizes, the third – affects volume. |
Juvederm | The product from an American company is made on the basis of hyauloronic acid. | The product is intended to eliminate signs of aging and remove facial wrinkles for complex therapy. | The most popular variety of this brand is the Ultra complex. It includes Lidocaine, which makes the procedure painless. |
Sculptra | The French drug contains polylactic acid. The substance is hypoallergenic, is completely eliminated from the body, and gives a quick effect. | The product is universal, its action is based on the activation of collagen production. | Gives youth and elasticity to the skin in various areas of the face. |
Amaline Soft | A good domestic product that is great for correcting areas near the eyes. The effect lasts up to 10 months. | Available in several variations. | The product does not cause allergies and effectively smoothes expression lines and deep wrinkles. |
Teosyal Ultimate | Swiss filler is a unique development that allows you to solve problems in any part of the face. The result after 1-2 injections lasts up to 18 months. | The composition of the drug is unique and is presented on the domestic market in one version. | Perfectly corrects facial features, especially effectively enlarges and gives expressiveness to the upper areas and cheekbones. |
Elance | A Dutch company presents a drug based on polycaprolactone. It is harmless and completely biodegradable. | It is manufactured in several variations, differing in volume. | Effectively acts on the skin, giving elasticity and youth to the face. It is considered one of the most expensive, but also the most effective types. Validity period is about four years. |
Stilage | The product contains lidocaine for pain relief and sorbitol. | The filler is available in several versions. | The product effectively fights deep and fine wrinkles near the eyes. |
Juvederm | The American drug is the undisputed leader among substances for lip line correction. | It is presented in the domestic market in one form. | The product is safe and intended for correction of the nasolabial part of the face. |
Correction with Botox
The medical drug Botox is produced by the American brand Allergan. It is produced from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, the culprit of the dangerous disease botulism. During the synthesis process, microbes release neurotoxin type A, which, when entering the human body along with poisoned food, causes serious damage to the nervous system.
Initially, the purified substance was used only for the treatment of strabismus and impaired facial expressions in patients with cerebral palsy. Today, the drug is officially approved and permitted by the American Health and Safety Administration for use in cosmetology, but only in three cases:
- for the correction of facial wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows (this procedure has the largest number of positive reviews from satisfied patients);
- to correct wrinkles around the eyes (it should be used with caution, since even a slight excess of the dosage leads to unpleasant changes in facial expressions);
- for hyperhidrosis for injection into the armpits (allows you to block excess sweating, relaxing the muscles).
Despite this, Botox is successfully used to get rid of eyebrow asymmetry, correct the jawline, reduce pores, with excessive oily scalp and even against migraines.
Today the drug is the most effective for the correction of facial wrinkles. Numerous reviews confirm its effectiveness both for the correction of already visible creases and for the prevention of age-related changes, especially in the summer.
When injected directly into a muscle, Botox disrupts the transmission of signals to the nerve center, which leads to temporary paralysis. The surrounding tissues do not atrophy, and blood circulation is not impaired. But blocking some muscles inevitably leads to increased activity of others. That is why injections are done strictly according to certain technologies.
Recently, Botox injections have become such a common procedure that many people take them too lightly. It is injected in dubious beauty salons, resorts and other unprofessional institutions. But doctors advise doing the procedure only by certified specialists. After all, the slightest incorrect movement of the needle can touch a nerve, which will lead to serious disturbances in the structure of the face - asymmetry, pain, swelling. And incorrect dosage selection is often one of the common causes of the mask effect.
An experienced doctor knows how to smooth out the skin while maintaining natural facial expressions. Not everyone can inject Botox, as there are individual contraindications, which only a responsible specialist will pay attention to. When deciding on a procedure, rely on reviews from real clinic patients.
You should not start injections too early, because the muscles get used to the drug. Each time, more and more units of Botox are required to correct the same facial wrinkles - this fact is confirmed by reviews of cosmetologists.
To smooth out crow's feet you need from 5 to 10 units, to make your forehead smooth - from 15 to 25, to correct the shape of your eyebrows you need only 2-5 units, to get rid of folds between the eyebrows - at least 15-30, on the bridge of the nose - about 5 –10 units of Botox.
Among the advantages of the method are the absence of pain after the procedure and the need for rehabilitation, quick effect, and the possibility of use in people of different ages (from 20 to 50 years). However, the drug also has disadvantages:
- a large set of contraindications (severe ptosis, endocrine, infectious diseases, taking antibiotics and alcohol, hemophilia, pregnancy, rehabilitation period after facial plastic surgery, etc.);
- many side effects (paralysis of the eye muscles, strabismus, nervous tics, hematomas and bruises, mental disorders).
Acting as an effective drug for the correction of facial wrinkles, Botox, judging by the reviews of experts, can become a drug for a person. The main danger of injections is that they are perceived as a panacea against aging, which is why the procedures are being done more and more often.
Patient reviews of fillers
Larisa, 38 years old, St. Petersburg:
She performed lip correction with Surgiderm. It hurt a little, there was a slight swelling that quickly went away. The real difference was realized after three treatments. I'm going to repeat the operation in a year.
Julia, 40 years old, Moscow:
With the help of the drug, Belotero completely revived the skin around the eyes. This is not to say that the procedure is pleasant, but the effect is visible after the first injection. I recommend having the manipulation done by a good specialist.
Valeria, 41 years old, Rostov-on-Don:
I had no luck with the drug, perhaps they slipped me a counterfeit. The swelling lasted 14 days after the injection and was accompanied by itching. As a result, I had to visit a dermatologist. The upper lip caused problems for more than a month.
What remedies help best?
On forums, women note that it is best not to fight wrinkles around the eyes, but to try to prevent them. To do this, the skin of the eyelids needs to be given especially close attention - use special creams and masks for it and in no case overdry it.
If wrinkles have already appeared, then ice is a really effective remedy. Masks, as women note, help much better against small, superficial wrinkles, and also have an excellent preventive effect. Salon treatments are much more effective against deep wrinkles.
People rarely resort to Botox injections, but various laser and photo procedures are now becoming very popular. Blepharoplasty is also done infrequently, and mostly at a fairly late age. But the effectiveness of this procedure is really high, and it helps to get rid of almost all wrinkles, except those that are outside the eyelids.
Answers on questions
Is it possible to fill wrinkles with hyaluronic acid during pregnancy while breastfeeding?
Most experts do not recommend this manipulation in such cases. Possible allergic reactions may negatively affect the unborn fetus or the health of the newborn baby.
What dose of injection of the drugs in question is optimal?
Each manufacturer must indicate the recommended doses of injections in the instructions accompanying the drug. In any case, experts do not recommend injecting more than one milliliter at a time.
How to choose the right drug?
When choosing, consider the recommendations of professionals and customer feedback. Purchase the product from retail outlets that have the appropriate permits and certificates for the product. Otherwise, there is a high risk of getting a fake, which is fraught with side effects and lack of the desired result.