DERMAL FILLERS
The most commonly used one is hyaluronic acid, manufactured by bacteria in a laboratory. There are many brands on the market. It is injected into the skin to obliterate creases, wrinkles and folds. This substance is naturally present in our bodies, the purpose of which is to keep the tissues well hydrated by binding to water. The injectable product works exactly in the same way. The commonly injected area is the face. It is used for frown lines, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, corners of the mouth and to plump up the lips. It is also used in the soft tissues over the cheek bones to improve the cheek profile relative to the face. The terminology commonly used for this form of achieving rejuvenation is a “liquid face lift”. Injecting for baggy lower eyelids or other wise the deformity known as the “tear-troughs” are very significantly improved without the need for surgery.
Generalized improvement in the skin can also be achieved by multiple injections in a lattice framework. This can be done on the face but this technique also works well for rejuvenating the aged back of the hands.
Unfortunately the hyaluronic acid is broken down in the injected areas over a period of time. The effects are lost over period of time necessitating repeat injections at the same sites at intervals of 6-12 months. Side effects are local but rare. Side effects are most commonly managed with the use of an antidote.