1. Youth in a Needle
We all have the desire to beat Father Time. As we age, collagen that supports the structure of the skin breaks down, and the soft tissue and muscles sag and crease. But how to fight this inevitable aging process? Well, a new, younger you could simply be an injection away. A cosmetic sugary procedure known as soft tissue augmentation uses injectable fillers or soft tissue implants to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, shape and fill lips, fill out gaunt cheeks and reshape the chin. Even the appearance of scars can be diminished.
2. All Fillers Are Not Created Equal
There is no single miracle filler that makes you look 10 years younger and lasts forever. There are many types of fillers, varying in longevity, cost and chemical make-up. Bovine collagen and hyaluronic acid are temporary fillers, lasting anywhere from three to six months. Semi-permanent injectable fillers such as Isolagen last for up to two years. Both of these types are used mainly for wrinkles, creases between the nose and mouth and frown lines. Semi-permanent biological implants taken from human cadavers last longer and also fill out lips and address scarring. Finally, other fillers use fat from your own body to fill out facial features.
3. Mixing It Up Key to a New You
Some cosmetic surgeons suggest that a combination of fillers may yield the best results. For instance, there are a few types of hyaluronic acid fillers. Some are softer, others harder. The softest type (Hylaform) would work best to fill out the lips, while a more stiffer kind (Restylane) would be most effective for deeper creases and wrinkles as well as erasing any scarring, such as those resulting from severe acne. Using a smorgasbord of fillers may also have other benefits, not the least of which is the possibility of increasing the longevity of the results.
4. Getting Back to Your Old Self (With a New Look)
Soft tissue augmentation is a safe procedure that does not require a lengthy recovery time. There may be mild swelling and/or bruising in the treated area, as well as numbness and redness that does not last long. Applying ice for a few days after the procedure will help to hasten recovery. When fat is used rather than collagen or hyaluronic acid injections, recovery time may take weeks rather than days, but there is no increase in possible side effects or complications.
5. Taking Risks to Look Young Again
Any surgery has potential side effects. For instance, an allergic reaction can result from the use of bovine collagen, and testing is done prior to the procedure if this is the filler of choice. Potential but rare side effects include skin rash, infection, temporary paralysis of facial muscles, skin necrosis (death of skin tissue) and bleeding. And one thing to bear in mind most about soft tissue augmentation: while we may be cheating Father Time for a bit, no procedure will defy the aging process indefinitely.
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