None — Fillers for the Aging Face
As we age, time takes a toll on the body. The effects are most visible on the face. Fine lines form around the eyes and mouth, eventually deepening into visible wrinkles. For some people, these age-related changes occur at a relatively young age, while others may not show any signs of facial aging until much later. Exposure to sunlight, skin care routines, smoking and genetics play a role in when wrinkles start to form.
Cosmetics can cover some minor facial flaws. When wrinkles can no longer be hidden, some people turn to cosmetic procedures. Fillers are materials injected under the skin to fill in fine lines and depressions. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports, in 2009, nearly 1.58 million filler procedures were performed in the U.S. Here is a list of fillers, arranged by popularity: Restylane®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, made from hyaluronic acid, a natural component of connective tissues. More than 1.3 million injections of hyaluronic acid were given last year.
Radiesse®, composed of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in a polysaccharide gel. More than 118,000 of these were given in 2009.
Collagen, a natural component of skin, harvested from humans or animals. More than 59,000 collagen injections were performed last year.
Autologous fat, taken from one area of the body, processed and injected into wrinkles and other areas needing extra volume. More than 42,500 autologous fat injections were done in 2009.
Sculptra®, a synthetic form of poly-L-lactic acid contained in microspheres. Over 39,500 injections of Sculptra were given in 2009.
Artefill®, a combination of polymethyl methacrylate microspheres and purified bovine collagen. All other fillers are eventually broken down and absorbed into the body. Artefill is the first permanent filler. More than 7000 injections were given in 2009.
A New Filler: Selphyl™
Selphyl™ is a new type of filler made from the patient's blood. Everything is processed in the doctor's office. A small vial of blood is drawn from the patient. The collection tube is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed for six minutes. During the patented process, the platelets and fibrin separate out, forming a platelet-rich fibrin matrix. This matrix is then injected into wrinkles and other target areas of the face. Once in the body, Selphyl releases growth factors, stimulating collagen production and growth of new skin cells. The filler can be used to fill in wrinkles around the nose and mouth and acne scars. Anthony Sclafani, M.D., Facial Plastic Surgeon at New York Eye & Ear Infirmary in New York City, says Selphyl can also be used to provide volume for the face, filling in hollows under the eyes or plumping the cheeks.
Sclafani reports it takes about two weeks to see the results of Selphyl injections. Since it's still relatively new, researchers are uncertain how long the treatment will last. However, Sclafani says collagen in the skin typically renews itself about every two years. So he anticipates the filler will last at least that long.
Sclafani says patients like Selphyl because the product is made from their own cells and the entire process can be done in the physician's office. The treatment doesn't appear to work for everyone. However, in his experience, Sclafani has found about 85 to 90 percent of patients have success with the filler. Selphyl is just now becoming available in the U.S. The average cost of treatment is about $1000.
For information about Selphyl™, click here.
For general information about injectable fillers:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery American Society of Plastic Surgeons
WSOC
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