And Not-So--Aging—Skin (NAPSA)—Beautythat’s at least skin deep can bea lot easier to get thanks to a new cropofsoft tissue fillers now—or soon to be—available in the U.S. The outstanding results and no downtime convenience of these “real-time” wrinkle erasers and scar enhancers have spheres and collagen are blended into a permanentfiller. The collagen component dissipates after a while, leaving the plastic spheres behind to shore up deep facial grooves, particularly around the mouth. It also works well for moderate to deep wrinkles andscars. Dermatologic surgeons advise injecting tiny amounts that can be built up over a few treatment sessions. Human Collagen: Bioengineered and purified from dermal men and women—as young as 20— seeking out the latest hot shots from their skin surgery experts nationwide. Eachfiller substance brings subtle, distinctive benefits. Some provide longer-lasting results, others allow for more precision with fine lines, andstill others can gradually bring the face into better balance, creating an overall rejuvenated appearance. The medical experts at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)offer some insights into what mayberight for you: Autologous Fat: Removed via mini liposuction from other parts of the body such as the thighs, buttocks or stomach, the patient’s own fat is used to improve deep wrinkles and contour the face. This also works well on certain sears and lip lines. There’s no need to worry about allergic technically a filler agent, very tiny amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into specific facial muscles to relax the underlying cause considered the gold standard for treatment of fine and moderate facial lines. Bovine collagen is used for plumpinglips, deep lines and furrows and on mild to severe scars. Askin test is required. Fascia Lata: Originally used to raise deep scars, small pieces of the material found just under the fatty tissue are inserted under the skin to plumpit. It can improve scars, augment lips and smooth wrinkles. It does not require skin testing and can be used in patients with bovine collagen allergies. Hyaluronic Acid: Made from a basic element in connective skin tissue, hyaluronic acid gel, along with collagen, is the framework skin cells live in. It works well to reshape and smocth the surface of aging skin, particularly lip lines, the eyebrows and crow’sfeet. * Collagen: Having first appeared nearly 20 years ago, animal collagen is one of the most effective fillers available today. It’s of the mouth. It’s also used for fine to moderate wrinkles and most sears. The results appear to last longer than collagen and human tissue. Hybrids: Micronized plastic reactions. Botulinum Toxin: While not of lines and wrinkles, particularly forehead creases, furrows between smile lines and drooping corners tissue, formulations are mixed with an anesthetic to improve patient comfort. Resembling the properties and uses of animal collagen, humancollagen is ideal for lip lines. A skin sensitivity test is not required, enabling same day treatment. Liquid Silicone: For patients suffering from dramatic weight loss, liquid silicone can fill out gaunt cheeks. It’s also commonly used for depressed scars and lip augmentation. Synthetics: A new breed of synthetic compounds that contains calcium hydroxyapatite, a substance used to replace missing bone. Designed to extend the permanence of collagen techniques, it works well for areas around the nose and mouth and deeper furrows. For more information on wrin- kle-filling techniques, scar revision treatment and referrals to boardcertified dermatology specialists in specific geographic areas, call the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800- 441-ASDS (27837), during weekday business hours or log on at www. aboutskinsurgery.org.
