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What Is a Wrinkle Filler?

Over time, skin loses its elasticity due to aging or sun damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Skin sags and wrinkles may form as a result. Wrinkle fillers, also known as derma fillers or soft tissue fillers, may be used to rejuvenate skin for a more youthful appearance. They are used to fill in lines, furrows, pitted scars and skin depressions caused by loss of fat and collagen in the skin. The different kinds of wrinkle fillers using absorbable materials are discussed below.

  1. Collagen

    • Since the loss of collagen in the skin's dermis causes the formation of wrinkles, collagen is commonly used to boost the skin's support structure to smooth facial lines or scars. Various types of collagen may be used, including collagen from cows and purified collagen bioengineered from human cells. Collagen injections are normally placed in the skin's dermis and their skin's plumping effects may last for three to four months.

    Hyaluronic Acid

    • Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in the skin or cartilage in the form of polysaccharide (sugar). It helps to plump up skin by giving it volume and fullness. However, the hyaluronic acid used in wrinkle filler is often derived from rooster combs or bacteria. It is used to fill the spaces between elastic fibers in the skin to replenish lost volume. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to bind to water, thereby plumping up sagging skin and filling up spaces caused by wrinkles. Effects last from six months to a year.

    Calcium

    • If you're looking for a longer lasting effect, wrinkle fillers using calcium hydroxyappetite may fit the requirement. Calcium hydroxyappetite is a natural component of human teeth and bone. This mineral is semi-permanent and dissolves in the body over time. Often used for soft tissue rejuvenation, calcium hydroxyappetite is suspended in a gel-like solution and then injected into wrinkles. The effects can last as long as 18 months.

    Fat and Other Body Tissues

    • Using your own body tissue to help plump up skin is a popular option. Since fat is harvested from your body tissues in areas such as the buttocks, hips and thighs, allergic reaction is unlikely. The harvested fat is used for treating targeted areas and also stored for future use. Wrinkle fillers using fat are suitable for correcting lips, nasal labial folds, and hollow cheeks. Local anesthesia is used and the procedure may last from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the extent of the work done. Some people have reported permanent results using such fat transfer surgery. Other tissues being used for wrinkle fillers include fascia (strong connective tissue), skin, muscle and cartilage.

    Considerations

    • There are many choices of wrinkle fillers including fillers using non-absorbable materials such as polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA microspheres) for permanent results. The cosmetic specialist can best advise you on what is suitable for you and the results you're looking for. Make sure the wrinkle filler you're using is FDA approved.

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