The use of facial fillers has come a long way since the first FDA-approved filler for cosmetic injection into the face was purified bovine collagen in 1981. Patients today demand a filling material that is durable, affordable, biocompatible and natural-looking, and the search for the perfect injectable has taken an interesting course over the last 30 years. To understand the future of facial augmentation, it's important to look to the past for valuable lessons and cautionary tales to make progress a success. The proliferation of hyaluronic acid fillers is understandable in the context of the materials used before, as is the caution used with permanent fillers. Skepticism remains with autologous fat transfer, as the procedure has not yet been refined so that results can be reliably reproduced from one doctor to another. Silicone, a permanent liquid filler, remains controversial and fillers such as calcium hydroxylapatite not only improve the appearance of volume loss, but can also induce collagen formation.
As the physician's filler arsenal increases, so does the desire to advance the actual injection techniques themselves. The end result has been an improvement in facial filler technology and results. Today, fillers containing hyaluronic acid are the reference products for aesthetic professionals around the world. Fillers are products that are injected into soft tissues and are classified as resorbable or non-resorbable (permanent). Although fillers have become a popular choice among cosmetic patients, clinical experience has shown that fillers should be used with caution, as complications can occur. The problem with bovine collagen was that it was foreign to the human body, so a sensitivity test was needed to ensure that your body could tolerate it and you weren't allergic.
With new innovations such as hyaluronic acid fillers and refined techniques, dermal fillers have become the norm rather than the exception for smooth lines, thick lips and contours without downtime. The fact that face coverings are now mandatory in many countries has not put an end to injectables such as lip fillers. Injectable soft tissue filler procedures are becoming increasingly important for rejuvenating the aging face. Some clinics reported an immediate 70% increase in consultations on lip filler treatment after Kylie Jenner's lips became a subject of discussion. Fillers have also provided new options for patients who cannot afford plastic surgery or those who are poor candidates for surgery. A major breakthrough in dermal fillers over the years comes with the introduction of lidocaine mixed with the filler.
Now, many dermal fillers have lidocaine mixed in during manufacture and can help reduce the discomfort experienced by some patients. Microcannulas are an alternative to the traditional needle and, depending on the injector's preference, can be used to insert the filler. We now have cosmetic surgeons with extensive knowledge in facial aesthetics, facial anatomy, injection techniques and how to treat complications. Cadaver-derived fillers and implants will not be discussed here, as these materials are expensive, not all are approved by the U. S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and are more commonly used in burn victims than cosmetic patients.
