Injections

Injections

Cosmetic fillers are materials injected underneath the skin to make it fuller. After an injection, the plumper skin shows fewer wrinkles and looks younger. Injectable cosmetic fillers have been widely used for decades.

The most common fillers are:

Human Collagen Fillers

These cause very few allergic reactions, so skin testing is usually not performed. Injections need to be repeated every three to six months.

Hyaluronic Acid (and other natural acid) Fillers

These are naturally-occurring polysaccharides that are a normal part of the support structure under the skin. Age depletes hyaluronic acid in the skin, but injections can replace it. Various natural and synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) products are available, many as a patented mixture or process. Cosmetic results can last nine months or longer.

Fat Injection Fillers

This involves removing small amounts of fat from the thighs, belly, or buttocks and injecting it under the skin of the face. The fat expands the skin, shrinking wrinkles. Because it is the patient's own tissue, there can be no allergic reaction. Results are variable, and are sometimes permanent.

Botox

This is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles. It can be used in an amazing variety of ways and treatments, and it is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the US today by a wide margin. The positive effects of Botox last four to six months.