Injectables: How They Can Help

    /24-7PressRelease/ - CHICAGO, IL, July 19, 2008 - There is such a wide array of injectable fillers available now that if you're feeling a bit confused about them it's not surprising. Botox is injected, but it's not an "injectable filler" - it works differently. Fillers are treatments that deposit a substance beneath the skin surface which helps to plump up the skin. They work to smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles, crows feet, and folds which come with aging.

An injectable filler gives temporary results only, and must be repeated after a certain period of time, depending on which filler it is. If you want more permanent facial rejuvenation, you would need some type of facelift - although keep in mind that aging continues to happen and a facelift simply sets the clock back.

Collagen Injectables

Collagen is a fibrous connective tissue which underlies our skin. With elastin, it forms a matrix in the skin's second layer, the dermis, which supports the skin and keeps the surface smooth. Aging gradually weakens the matrix. So the idea of collagen injectables is to strengthen it again by injecting a form of collagen into the dermis.

There is a choice between human-based collagen and bovine-based collagen (from specially bred cows).

• Brand names of human-based collagen - Autologen, Fascian, Cosmoderm, and Cosmoplast
• Brand names of bovine-based collagen - Zyplast and Zyderm

For a bovine collagen treatment you would need to have an allergy test, but that's not necessary for human collagen. Treatment results last about four months, by which time the collagen has been absorbed by the body. If you continue having treatments, less collagen will be absorbed after a while, and results will last longer.

Radiesse

The important ingredient in Radiesse is Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) as small particles suspended in a water-based gel. They are biocompatible and no allergy test is needed. Results will last about six months or longer. The FDA has approved Radiesse for medical use, but cosmetic use is done off-label. Off-label does not mean illegal. It means that your doctor uses his highly-trained judgment to give you an appropriate treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid Injectables

This is a popular groups of injectable fillers. Brand names include:
• Juvederm
• Hylaform
• Restylane
• Perlane
• Dermalive

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the body. It attracts water. As we age, the body becomes drier, which contributes to the formation of lines and wrinkles, especially if we have neglected to use a sunscreen over the years. When the skin is sunburned, it slows down production of hyaluronic acid and speeds up its degradation.

By injecting a form of hyaluronic acid beneath the skin, more water is retained there, giving the skin a smoother look. Results last for about six months or longer.

Sculptra

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, a substance often used in dissolvable stitches. When you exercise, the muscles produce it naturally. Its effect is to gradually thicken the skin, which can offset some of the natural thinning caused by age. It is biocompatible and no allergy test is needed. After five or six treatments, results last longer and can last up to two years.

Artefill

The active ingredient in Artefill is synthetic Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Microspheres. They make up 20% of the injectable and are suspended in a bovine collagen gel which makes up 80%.

As we age the collagen-elastin matrix in the skin's dermal layer, which supports the skin and keeps it smooth while we're young, shrinks, losing collagen. Artefill injections provide both collagen and the microspheres, which work in sequence.
• First the collagen gives immediate smoothing to the skin
• Then the spheres add to the existing collagen matrix, giving it strength, and smoothing the skin for a longer period. They provide a latticework where the skin can add new collagen and elastin cells.

With so many injectables to choose from, the best beginning is a free consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. If you're in the Chicago, Illinois area, why not contact Dr. Placik and start along the road to a more youthful You?

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