INJECTABLE MATERIALS
Facial implants are substances injected into our face in order to restore volume defects and improve facial curves and wrinkles.
Clinical pharmacology and product comparison
A variety of facial implants are available. Interconnected hyaluronic acid is the safest and mostly preferred one.
The smallest degree of antigenicity and the least risk for cross-infection is delivered by hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin, which is obtained from the outer walls of streptococci cells
The hyaluronic acid gives instant volume, and its effect lasts more than 12 months. Implants vary in terms of safety, duration, cost, complications and reversibility (Table I).
Table Ι. FDA approved implants, 2008
| Product | Manufacturer |
Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juviderm | Allergan | Διασυνδεδεμένο ΥΟ | Available in concentrations |
| Juviderm XC | Allergan | Interconnected hyaluronic acid | with lidocaine |
| Restylane | Perlane Medicis | Interconnected hyaluronic acid | Available in concentrations |
| Prevelle | Mentor | Interconnected hyaluronic acid with 0.3% lidocaine |
Short-term results |
| Hydrelle | Coapt systems | Interconnected hyaluronic acid with 0.3% lidocaine |
Requires a lot of material |
| Artefill | Suneva Medical | PMMA microspheres with 30-50 μm of ox collagen | For experienced plastic surgeons |
| Radiesse | Bioform | Calcium hydroxyapatite 25-45 μm in polysaccharide gel | Only for deep infusion, not for the lips |
| Sculptra | Sanofi-Aventis | Polylactic acid (PLA) hydrogel from corn | For deep wrinkles |
Clinical Anatomy
Facial aging contributes in the development of deeper lines, tissue loosening and loss of volume around the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, glabellar groove and the formation of tear trough. One may also observe sunken cheeks, loss of volume and lip discoloration.
Injectable materials, mainly hyaluronic and polylactic acids, can fill these lines and grooves, and give the face a younger look. They may also be used in lip augmentation procedures or be combined with laser, peeling or even a face or forehead lifting.
Types of injectable materials
There is a wide range of materials (see Table I) that can be used in the treatment of isolated wrinkles. The ones we prefer are hyaluronic acid, which is used for thin and deeper wrinkles and lasts for 12 months, and polylactic acid (Sculptra), which is used for very deep wrinkles and lasts for 18-24 months.
Where we perform the treatment
Injectable materials are infused at our medical practice in a painless way, either using local anesthesia or dental anesthesia. Infusion of the material presupposes the cooperation of the patient.
After the treatment
After the treatment, you may go back to work. Should small bruising occur, it is only temporary and covered with a camouflage make-up.
Your new look
If you undergo such a procedure to treat isolated facial wrinkles, you will be more than pleased with the result.
