What are dermal fillers?
In Newport Beach, patients are growing increasingly aware of their body image and have, in recent years, taken more steps to take care of their skin and improve their overall appearance. Dermal fillers have become an important part of treatment in Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip’s practice because these injectable, biocompatible substances can effectively improve the patient’s facial and other features that show visible signs of aging. They can plump up lips that are too thin, soften the appearance of creases on the patient’s face, alleviate wrinkles, build up shallow contours, and even improve the appearance of scars. Because of the remarkable effect on certain facial features and because of how they are able to promote a younger look, dermal fillers have often been referred to as liquid facelifts.
The thing about dermal fillers, though, is that they cannot provide a resolution for sagging skin. However, they can effectively add volume to strategic areas to create a result that lifts the features and improve the overall appearance. And in order to maintain the phenomenal results obtained with the use of dermal fillers, regular shots should be done because the fact of this type of treatment is only temporary.
Different types of dermal fillers include derivatives of calcium hydroxylapatite, collagen, hyaluronic acid, PMMA, polyalkylimide, and polylactic acid. Each one has their own benefits and specific action.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
What is the dermal filler Calcium Hydroxylapatite?
Calcium Hydroxylapatite is used as a dermal filler that can effectively fill in moderate to severe nasolabial folds, frown lines, and marionette lines. And has also been known to be used in enhancing the fullness of the patients cheeks and to improve other facial contours for patients affected with immunodeficiency viral infections.
How does it work?
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like substance that is naturally found in our bones, thus making this derivative the heaviest among the dermal fillers. The dermal filler is composed of calcium microspheres that are suspended in a water-based gel. Prior to its use in cosmetic surgery to manage nasolabial folds, wrinkles, and other indications, it was first used in the fields of reconstructive surgery and dentistry, giving it a significant track record for safety and efficacy. When injected under the skin, the calcium based microspheres act as a supporting structure that improves the appearance of the creases and wrinkles from underneath the skin. At the same time, collagen production is stimulated to make the skin suppler, fuller, and younger looking. Over time, the particles are gradually assimilated by the body and metabolized into calcium and phosphate ions.
What is the advantage of using Calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers?
Calcium hydroxylapatite is not derived from any animal sources, because it is biosynthetically reproduced. This feature dramatically lowers the occurrence of allergic reactions and adverse side effects in patients and, additionally, skin testing is hardly ever required when using Calcium hydroxylapatite as a dermal filler. The microspheres suspended in the water-based carboxymethylcellulose gel effectively stays in place and do not migrate to adjacent areas, which gives the patient very natural looking results.
What is the dermal filler collagen?
Is no secret that more and more people are now trying to achieve a more youthful appearance and are not shying away from the techniques employed in cosmetic medicine to do so. Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip is a leading advocate for beauty and wellness in the Newport Beach area and he recommends the use of the dermal filler collagen as a way to rejuvenate aging or sun damaged skin.
How does it work?
The human skin is made up of several layers. One of these layers, the dermis, is a protein-based substance called collagen and is produced to act as the support structure of the skin. In fact, collagen is what makes the skin smooth and wrinkle free. Collagen, as a natural component of the skin, creates a sturdy collagen framework which supports the growth of new skin cells, blood vessels, and other tissues. As the component of the dermal filler, collagen is able to do this as well, and effectively augments the structure of the skin from underneath too smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and generally ease the signs of aging. Moreover, collagen dermal fillers are infused with lidocaine to make the injection less painful and more tolerable for the patient. The lidocaine component also helps minimize edema and bruising after the procedure.
What types of collagen dermal fillers are available in the market?
Collagen dermal fillers are synthesized from the natural protein in human skin, or from animal sources as well, including cows and pigs. Collagen fillers derived from human skin are proving to be safe and highly effective in age management procedures. Those from animal sources require a skin test that is conducted at least six weeks, and again at four weeks, prior to administration of the dermal filler to reduce incidences of allergic reactions.
What are the disadvantages of using collagen dermal filler?
Perhaps the most common disadvantage of using collagen dermal filler is the occurrence of adverse reactions to the product, especially those from bovine sources. Undergoing the recommended skin tests before the initial treatment with collagen dermal fillers is highly advisable to predict the possibility of an allergic reaction.
