Fillers can be either biologically degradable substances, which are eventually completely absorbed by the body after a limitied time, or substances which remain within the body and carry therefore certain risks, as well.
Bio-degradable substances:
Wrinkles that are more pronounced can be treated with fillers, which are injected with thin needles under the folds, in order to lift them, providing a voluminous effect which then reduces the wrinkles. All the substances used are approved by the German Federal Health Department, after they have been carefully examined and tested. These substances are also approved by the FDA in the USA, and include Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyapatite, or poly-lactic acid. The first two substances come in various molecular sizes and networking degrees (used depending on the degree of the depth of the wrinkle). The effect of the treated area is immediately visible and will show at first signs of swelling due to the liquid storage the body produces. This local swelling effect lasts only a few days after the procedure and vary from patient to patient. Very deep wrinkles can also be treated by injecting one’s own fat cells under a certain layer of skin, raising the layers with the injected fat, resulting in a smoothening of the wrinkle.
There are no significant known side effects; some redness and swelling can occur and are easy to tolerate. This will last 1-2 days. The durability of the treated area varies, depending on which type of filler one choses, which area that is being treated and the depth of the injection. In areas that are more prone to mimic, the fillers will lose their properties faster than in other, more static areas. Usually one can expect the effect to last anywhere between three to twelve months, after which a further repetition of the treatment must be applied.
| Duration of treatment: | 10-30 min. performed in doctor’s office. | |
| Anasthesia: | Local anasthetic | |
| Time needed to return to daily routine: | Immediately (make-up can be used) | |
| Price: | Depending on the materials and the amount used | |
Permanent Materials:
A substance that results in permanent volume increase during a small surgical procedure is “Goretex” – a thin hollow thread implanted with a special application needle; it is also known as “Soft Form” or “Ultrasoft”. The results can be beautiful, particularly in the area of the nose/ lips crease. This soft plastic tubing is also ideal for volume enhancment of the lips.
This material, which is often used in the field of prosthetic surgery, is inserted under the body’s tissue and remains permanently in its position, thus resulting in the volume effect. It also has the advantage that, should it come to any complications, the thread can be easily removed through a small incision.
| Duration of treatment: | 10-30 min. performed in doctor’s office. | |
| Anasthesia: | local, in some cases under sedation | |
| Time needed to return to daily routine: | Immediately (make-up can be used) | |
| Price: | Depending on the type and quantity of material used |