Aging causes collagen to break down and decrease facial volume that causes wrinkles in your face. Fillers are used to restore this volume and reverse the signs of aging. These injectables are more useful for treatment of firmly established wrinkles or larger lines of facial aging (such as the nasolabial folds). Fillers restore volume to the face and can add structure as well. These fillers (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Prevelle, Puragen) correct mild to moderate facial wrinkles and stimulate your body to deposit new collagen. Injections may need to be repeated periodically. Proper placement of the injected material is important.

           Very soft fillers (that are best for locations such as the lips) tend to have a shorter duration of effect, while fillers that last longer tend to have more structure and are better suited in regions where they will not be palpable (such as the nasolabial folds). Results last from 3 months in high mobility areas (such as the lips), and up to 1 year in regions such as the nasolabial folds, with most patients experiencing the desired effects for 6 months. I am trying to clear myself about longetivity because most of the patients in Cyprus want to hear ‘’filler that last many years’’. There are fillers that last many years but beware that this kind of fillers might have unacceptably high rate of complications so I never used them in Cyprus Aesthetic Center. You should ask your plastic surgeon about the name and ingredient of the filler and ask whether it is FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) approved. There is no secret formulations and miracle creams in medicine so you have to be careful, informed about your choices.

             Fillers (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Prevelle, Puragen) are injected in the office and the cosmetic procedure takes 15-45 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated. Many of these are now formulated with a local anesthetic which allows the procedure to be performed with greater patient comfort and use of a topical numbing cream. Minimal bruising and swelling may last for a few days after the procedure, but make up can be worn and routine skin regimen followed. Although there are many options available, there is no “one best product” for any particular use. My advice is to consult your plastic surgeon to discuss your areas of concern, and to hear the options. If you are considering soft tissue fillers, it is a reasonable practice to first try short acting agents to be certain that you enjoy the effects of treatment before utilizing longer acting agents. You can also combine Botox to enhance longetivity of the filler and aesthetic harmony of your face.