Have you heard about MRIs showing fillers in the face many years after injections? Is this a myth or is it true? Why were you told that they last 6-12 months? What’s going on? Well let’s review a few things first:
As we age, we lose the volume in our face, the elasticity of the skin decreases and the natural HA (Hyaluronic Acid) in our body decreases. Fillers can improve those changes.
There are a few types of fillers: 1. HA (Hyaluronic Acid) 2. Biostimulators (PMMA, PLLA, CaHA) 3. Custom Derma Filler (PRP).
1. HA (Hyaluronic Acid) filler- HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body (joints, skin, tissue). It absorbs water, giving you hydrated, youthful & plump looking skin. HA adds volume, fullness and lifting. HA filler is not durable like Biostimulators. HA filler does not stimulate collagen or fibrin production. Restylane & Revanesse are two examples of this type of filler.
2. Biostimulators: technically these are ‘not’ fillers. They promote the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin over a period of several months. Biostimulators add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles/lines. Biostimulators are made from PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) or CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite). Bellafill, Sculptra & Radiesse are examples of Biostimulators.
Bellafill is made from PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), a natural protein, that stimulates the body to make its own collagen. You will see instant improvement with Bellafill but it takes approximately 3 months for the production of collagen. Bellafill has been around since 2006.
Sculptra is made from PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) which stimulates the body to make its own collagen by triggering a process called collagenesis (formation of new collagen fibers in the skin). You will see instant improvement with Sculptra but it takes approximately 3 months for the production of collagen. Sculptra has been around since 1999.
Radiesse is made from CaHA (calcium hydroxyapatite). This active substance has been used in many medical procedures (dental work, orthopedics and ENT). CaHA stimulates the body to make new collagen. Radiesse has been around since 2006.
3. Derma PRP filler – this is an autologous biological filler. Think of this filler as a combo of the two above. This is your very own customized PRP filler. We take your blood, remove the PRP (platelet rich plasma), use a heating and cooling device to create a gelatinous filler. This stimulates the natural production of collagen, elastin, adds volume and decreases the appearance of wrinkles/lines.
What is the answer? Bellafill is the filler that stays in your face for many, many years (5+ years). Sculptra lasts 2+ years. HA filler dissolves within 9-12 months. So if you do not want filler to last many, many years….you know which one to stay away from. Now the downside to this, you will need repeated filler to maintain the look you want when you are using HA or Derma PRP fillers.
Hope you enjoyed your insight in aesthetic medicine with HIGHER SELF AESTHETICS.
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