Fillers
It is estimated that we lose 3-4 ml of facial volume per year after 40 years old. Loss of facial volume leads sagging and deep lines on the face.
Fillers
It is estimated that we lose 3-4 ml of facial volume per year after 40 years old. Loss of facial volume leads sagging and deep lines on the face.
Fillers 填充剂
One of the most effective anti-aging face treatment is to refill the volume loss. The product used to fill the volume loss and deep wrinkles is called ‘filler’ or ‘dermal filler’.
Since 1990’s, filler has evolved from permanent filler, such as artificial collagen, to absorbable filler, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) filler or Ellansé. Permanent filler often gives unnatural results due to its tendency to form lump. It has thereby been phased out from aesthetic practice since the introduction of absorbable fillers which are generally better in quality with excellent aesthetic outcomes.
HA filler was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. It acts as a ‘volumizer’ to plump up the sunken parts of the face. HA filler is safe and delivers predictable results because the ingredient of hyaluronic acid exists naturally in our skin.
In 2009, there was a breakthrough in filler technology, an innovative filler called Ellansé which acts as both ‘volumizer’ and ‘collagen stimulator’ was invented. This unique filler sought to target the root cause of aging which is the reduction of collagen production. It is designed to provide a more natural and longer-term solution in combating the signs of aging.
Different Types of Fillers
Fillers act as volumizer
Traditional dermal fillers, made of hyaluronic acid (玻尿酸) that act as ‘volumizer’, are the most commonly available fillers in aesthetic practice. They are marketed under the brands of Teosyal, Revanesse, Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero.
Algeness is another filler brand which consists of agarose gel, derived from Agar-Agar (a mixture of carbohydrates extracted from seaweed/red algae). Algeness is an ‘organic filler’ because it is chemical-free and made up of 100% natural ingredients.
Fillers act as collagen stimulator
Sculptra (童颜针) consists of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which works primarily to stimulate collagen. Sculptra doesn’t give immediate result because lacking of ‘volumizer’ component. It takes 2-3 months to see result. Moreover, it requires 3 sessions of the procedure, one month apart. Post care home massage (5 min, 5 times a day for 5 days) is needed to ensure even distribution of the product.
Fillers act as both volumizer and collagen stimulator
Ellansé (少女针) and Radiesse (微晶瓷) fall under this category of fillers. Patients will not only enjoy immediate results due to the ‘volumizer’ component, but also, long lasting results due to the ‘collagen stimulator’ component.
Roles of Filler
Anti-Aging
Restoration of facial volume allows one to regain a youthful look. This is proven by comparing two individuals of the same age, the person with a fuller/plumper face would look younger.
Contour and Sculpting
By using a ‘harder’ form of filler, we can enhance the features of the face such as the nose, cheek and chin, without the need to undergo surgery. Compared to surgical implants, fillers look and feel more natural.
Skin Hydration
Filler can retain water and promote better skin hydration, making it looks brighter and more resilient.
Hand & neck
Filling the hollowness of hands and necklines can reverse the signs of aging over the hands and neck.
Scar & cellulites
Depressed scars and cellulites can be corrected with fillers especially collagen stimulator Ellansé.
