Collagen is a natural protein that supports the skin.
Injectable collagen formulas derived from human dermis include Cosmoderm® or
Cosmoplast®. Zyderm® and Zyplast® are forms of bovine collagen that, unlike
human derived collagen, require prior allergy testing. The results may last 2 to
4 months.
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in our bodies.
It is well suited to plump thin lips and fill facial creases such as nasolabial
folds. It may also be appropriate for some surface wrinkles and concave scars.
The results may last 6 months or longer.
Hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found naturally
in human bones, suspended in a gel-like formulation. It is the heaviest of
facial fillers and is recommended to fill deeper creases such as nasolabial
folds, marionette lines and frown lines, as well as to enhance fullness of the
cheeks and other facial contours.
Human fat, harvested from your own body, can be reinjected
to enhance facial fullness, fill deep creases and to build up shallow contours.
Fat injection requires a more extensive procedure than other injectable fillers
because it uses liposuction techniques to extract the fat prior to injection.
Treatment results last up to a year or more in some cases and are highly
variable. (Fat can be stored for your own future treatment. The duration of
results from preserved fat is not as favorable as fat used at the same time it
is harvested.)
A note about the FDA and injectable fillers: The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews and approves pharmaceutical fillers
in the same manner as medical devices. However, some fillers may be used on an
off-label basis, meaning they are approved medical treatments but not directly
reviewed for a specific application. The options discussed in this brochure
are among the current fillers preferred by plastic surgeons. Some are
available for general use, others are not; regulatory status may be subject to
change.