Lines and Wrinkles

Carmen Laronn, MD

Volume loss or deflation affects all of us, as part of the aging process.The skin is an envelope that is left with a gradually shrinking support base as the fat muscle and bone decrease in volume with age. Think of a grape as it turns into a raisin. The loss of volume is most pronounced at the fat level under the skin.

How It Works
The treatments that use injectable fillers refer to the correction of facial wrinkles by the injection of a variety of materials into the skin or underneath the skin to smooth out lines by plumping up the surface of the skin or by adding volume back to the areas that have lost it, thereby improving facial contours and fullness. The materials may be placed into the skin, underneath or deeper into the supporting layers. Many different corrective materials may be used and their number increases every year.

Structural support materials may come from a variety of sources: animals, humans, laboratory or the patient own fat. The physician that is experienced in injectable fillers will be able to select the best one based on the patient condition and preferences, duration of the effect, corrective ability, side effects, number of treatments and price. Prior to a filler treatment, you should avoid aspirin, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of vitamin E as it may increase bruising. If you have a history of cold sores the doctor will prescribe a preventive medication to avoid an outbreak.

Recovery Time
The recovery time and cost are based on the type of material used, amount and areas being treated. Your physician should have the expertise to discuss the differences between the many different fillers based on your individual needs.

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