WRINKLE AND SCAR FILLERS (Collagen, Restylane®, Fat, etc.)

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At a certain point in life, many notice wrinkle lines and creases developing on their face that are undesirable as early signs of aging. Many of these patients are not ready for a full facelift or other surgical procedure, but would like to have these wrinkle lines smoothed and the creases filled to minimize the changes and make them look younger. Other patients have significant scars following trauma, acne, chicken pox, and other skin diseases. These scars can create a significant social problem for the patient, and filling these scars can often smooth the texture and dramatically improve the appearance.

Tissue fillers are of two types, temporary and permanent. Temporary fillers include collagen, which is the natural substance that makes up skin, bone, and cartilage; fat, transferred from another part of the body; or artificial materials such as Restylane®, Sculptra®, and many other substances. Newer fillers are being developed all of the time, with the goal of longer-lasting temporary fillers with natural consistency and minimal reactivity. Collagen is available both from bovine or cadaver origin, and requires a skin test prior to its use to rule out any allergy. Fat taken from another part of the body is the most natural filler, but requires a small procedure to harvest the fatty tissue.

The other type of filler is the permanent filler, or implant, using various materials that do not dissolve or disappear. Unfortunately, the implants can be associated with firmness, infection, erosion, and displacement over time. As Dr. McGuire has said, "The problem with all fillers is that they either disappear too quickly, or you wish they would disappear in the case of some implants."

Fillers certainly have a place in short-term improvement for facial wrinkles, creases, and scars, however, and in many cases they may give the best solution available. During your extensive consultation with Dr. McGuire, he will discuss the various fillers available, the best choice in your case, and possible alternative solutions.

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