Face lift fillers: Make the Right Choice
As more and more women seek natural, non-invasive options for treating volume loss around the face, the demand for fillers continues to rise. Yet consumers feel inundated and often confused with the all the options now available for the treatment of lines around the mouth, folds, smile lines etc.
For the sake of simplicity, I have divided the fillers into three categories:
1) Temporary
2) Semi-permanent
3) Permanent
Temporary fillers
These include restylane from Sweden, juvederm from Canada and the new teosyal from Geneva.
All three are made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance present in the human body, which plays an important role in giving firmness to the skin, shape to the eyes, and lubrication to the joints. Hyaluronic acid has the important ability to attract and bind to the water molecules that help maintain volume.
How long do temporary fillers last?
Treatments are safe and natural with immediate results that last for 7 to 9 months. Teosyal has more hyaluronic acid per mg of vial as compared to restylane (25mg vs. 20mg) and has less of a protein load which theoretically means longer lasting, but it's too soon to say that with certainty.
Semi-permanent fillers
These include dermalive, dermadeep and the new evolence and radiesse. The primary ingredient in dermalive, dermadeep and radiesse is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a carrier gel. Dermalive is 60% calciumhydroxylapatite with 40% hyaluronic acid. Radiesse is 100% calciumhydroxylapatite.
Evolence is different in that it utilizes a sterile collagen-injectable implant made from porcine collagen suspended in saline. Derived from the Greek word meaning glue, collagen is the structural building block for all the connective tissue in the body. Comprising a third of the total protein in the body, it gives shape, support and tensile strength to the skin, bones, tendons and other organs.
How long do semi-permanent fillers last?
Semi-permanent fillers have been shown in clinical studies to last up to 2 to 3 years. Individual results may vary by age, skin type, lifestyle and muscle activity.
Permanent fillers
Artecoll is the only permanent filler available in Canada that restores volume. Use of artecoll in recent years has fallen out of favour due to reports regarding its safety with respect to formation of granulomas, fibrosis and scarring. It should only be used in the hands of an experienced injector who is comfortable with using this filler.
Artecoll consists of tiny microscopic PMAA beads folded into just enough collagen to carry them through a fine needle.
Artecoll works by stimulating the growth of natural collagen. The tiny PMAA beads are enveloped by your own collagen, binding them into place under the skin. PMAA is an inert substance used in ocular lenses, dental work, bone repair and artificial hips.
How long do permanent fillers last?
Depending on your body, the effects of artecoll linger for 10 years or longer. The amount of artecoll that is injected varies from person to person. In some cases, 2 to 3 treatments may be required to obtain the results you desire.
Contact us to discuss a non-evasive face lift. Vancouver residents can call (604) 980-3993 or email info@afterglowskincare.ca.
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Westview Centre
104-2609 Westview Drive
North Vancouver, BC V7N 4M2
Phone: (604) 980-3993
Email: info@afterglowskincare.ca
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 9-6
Saturdays by appointment