Injectable wrinkle fillers can provide a more youthful appearance at a fraction of the cost of a traditional facelift. Most fillers can smooth out hollows, lines, and wrinkles in under 30 minutes, with results lasting from 4 months to over a year.
Injectable cosmetic fillers have been available for decades, and recent medical advancements have introduced newer, longer-lasting, and even semi-permanent options. However, it's essential to thoroughly research and consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or healthcare professional before proceeding with any treatment.
Injectable wrinkle fillers, unlike Botox injections that relax the muscles beneath a wrinkle, work by filling in lines, creases, or specific areas with various substances. This results in the near disappearance of trouble spots.
Wrinkle fillers can also serve as "volumizers," adding fullness and lift to areas like the cheeks, chin, jawline, and temples, as well as plumping thin lips and rejuvenating sagging hands.
The treatment is quick and straightforward, but it does come with potential downsides. These include the risk of allergic reactions and the formation of tiny bumps under the skin, some of which may be permanent. In certain cases, a bluish skin discoloration, known as the Tyndall effect, can occur, lasting for several months, though treatments are available to address it. Rarely, improper use of wrinkle fillers can lead to skin cell death, and there have been a few reported cases of blindness, scarring from skin loss, and nerve paralysis. Typically, longer-lasting wrinkle fillers have a higher likelihood of side effects.
Here’s an overview of the available wrinkle fillers, including their key ingredients, how they work, their benefits and drawbacks, and the best areas for treatment. Your doctor can help you select the most suitable option for your needs.
Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers are the most popular type of filler, with each variant offering slightly different results depending on how it interacts with the skin.
Side effects are uncommon but can include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Occasionally, the filler may appear as small bumps under the skin, though this issue often resolves over time.
How long the results last varies from several months to over a year or two. Some research shows that repeated injections may help stimulate the body's own natural production of collagen. That will help reduce the number of lines and wrinkles. There is also some evidence that less filler is needed over time to achieve the same look.
This smaller category of wrinkle fillers consists of lab-made substances that are not naturally found in the skin.
Fillers in this group share common side effects, such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, nodules or bumps may form under the skin, which can be visible and palpable, and sometimes may require surgical removal.
One of the key benefits of synthetic fillers is their longer-lasting effect, with at least one option providing semi-permanent results for lines and creases. However, it's important to note that fillers with longer-lasting effects have a higher likelihood of side effects. When not used correctly, synthetic wrinkle fillers can lead to disfigurement.
The first wrinkle fillers were made from purified collagen, primarily extracted from cows. These fillers provided a natural-looking enhancement but had a short lifespan, often beginning to break down just one month after treatment. Due to their animal origin, these fillers had a higher risk of allergic reactions, requiring allergy testing before use.
Advancements in collagen processing have reduced these risks, and the development of synthetic collagens has made these fillers safer and more accessible to a broader audience. While collagen fillers don't last as long as some other options, many people find the results to be more natural-looking. Since the body naturally breaks down injected collagen, maintaining results typically requires injections two to four times a year.
Side effects of collagen injections may include a risk of allergic reactions (especially with bovine-derived collagen), as well as bruising and redness at the injection site.
