Wrinkles

 

Wrinkles

There are countless materials for “filling in” wrinkles (such as collagen, fat, various gels, etc.), with new ones appearing on the market daily.

 

Hyraluronic acid

Hyraluronic acid is a polysaccharide that naturally occurs in human skin.

As we age, we lose some of our natural hyraluronic acid. As a result, our skin loses moisture and elasticity. By injecting this colorless gel into the skin, sunken tissue can be brought forward. After the first treatment, additional injections may be necessary at weekly intervals to obtain the desired result.

 

Risks

This preparation is generally well tolerated. Occasionally, inflammation and redness of the skin may occur. However, these effects subside after a short time.

 

Collagen

Collagen is the most well-known product for correcting wrinkles and other skin defects.

Collagen is a protein that provides a supportive function in the tissue. Skin’s natural collagen is broken down over time, and the result is wrinkles. Collagen injections into the skin’s surface replace the lost collagen. Almost all wrinkles and fine lines can be improved with this treatment.

The half-synthetic collagen mixture can also be used to fill in minor bone defects in the face. Collagen injection of larger wrinkles can be combined with laser or dermabrasion treatment of surface wrinkles. The smoothing effects of collagen can last for four to six months.

 

Risks

There are few side effects. However, allergic reactions may occur (redness and itching). To find out whether you are allergic, you can undergo an allergy test one week prior to treatment.

 

Sculpra

Sculpra is a gel made from lactic acid used for correcting deeper wrinkles and providing volume to sunken cheeks. It is metabolized into the body’s own material and lasts approximately one year. As with all similar procedures, the needle injection itself may be painful. Depending on the sensitivity of the zone, the doctor may perform local anesthesia. The average patient requires two treatments. Depending on the depth of the zone to be treated, one session may suffice, or up to three treatments may be required at an interval of two to four weeks. Results can be seen immediately after the injection.

 

Risks

In very rare cases, hardening, redness or swelling of the injection site may occur several months after the injection.

 

Aquamid

Aquamid is a gel that is injected directly under the skin, where it immediately produces a volumizing effect in the tissue. Fuller lips, more prominent cheekbones, smoothing of wrinkles at the corners of the mouth can all be obtained with this filling substance which is similar to human tissue. Immediately after the injection, the area treated can be manually formed to obtain the patient’s desired contour. The gel remains at the injection site.

 

Risks

For the first few days, the area treated is slightly swollen and sensitive to the touch. An inflammation reaction or slight skin discoloration may occur, which may be covered with makeup. Immediately after the injection, the patient may resume normal activities. However, the patient should avoid sun exposure during the following three weeks.

 

Autogenic fat injection

Patients not wishing to use foreign material have the option of autogenic fat injection (injection of the body’s own fat). Fatty tissue is normally taken from the stomach, thighs or buttocks. The fat is used to fill in sunken cheeks and skin dimpling, correct laughlines, reduce wrinkles on the forehead and volumize the lips. The procedure begins with the removal of fatty tissue under local anesthesia using a hollow needle. The fatty tissue is then prepared for injection (cleaned) and placed in the desired area using a canula. Slight „overfilling“ is necessary, since a significant amount of the fatty tissue injected is absorbed. Part of it, however, remains at the injection site long-term. Thus the procedure must be repeated on a regular basis. The extracted fat is frozen and can be used for 24 months.

 

Risks

Infections and allergic reactions may occur. During the first two days, swelling and bruising usually occurs. Because only part of the fat cells used remain alive, the treatment must often be repeated two or three times.