Filler injections are a cosmetic treatment used to smooth wrinkles or pitted scars in the skin, usually on the face. They are also used to make the lips fuller. When injected under the skin, a filler raises or puffs up that area. This usually goes away over time.
There are many kinds of injectable fillers, including:
Hyaluronic acid(Restylane, Juvederm, Captique). The hyaluronic acid draws fluid to the treated area.
Bovine collagen(Zyplast, Zyderm). You need an allergy test4 weeks before treatment.
Fat cells harvested from your body (autologous fat).
Man-made biodegradable polymer (Sculptra).
Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse).
Microscopic plastic beads and bovine collagen (Artefill). The plastic beads are made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The collagen goes away over time, but the plastic beads remain under the skin permanently.
For some fillers, your skin is first numbed with alocal anesthetic. Then a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist uses a needle to inject the filler under the skin. A treatment session takes about 15 minutes. Some fillers are done in repeat sessions a couple of weeks apart.
How Well It Works
Depending on the area being treated, the filler, and your body’s reaction to the filler, you might have one or more repeat injections.
Different fillers last different lengths of time. Slowly, your body absorbs the filler. This makes the skin go back to its normal state
Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Captique). The effect lasts about 9 to 12 months.
Fat cells harvested from your body (autologous fat). The effect can last for months to years.
Man-made biodegradable polymer (Sculptra). The effect can last up to 2 years.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse). The effect lasts about 12 months.
