Body Filler

What are Body fillers?

Your body begins to lose collagen as you age. Collagen is a vital material found throughout your body, including your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Skin laxity (looseness) and volume loss are caused by low collagen levels in the skin. Skin thins out, loses flexibility, and begins to droop.

Cosmetic operations are becoming more popular, owing to the growing popularity of minimally invasive procedures. Cosmetic body-shaping therapies are divided into two types: those that remove tissue and those that augment volume. Injectable fillers are most widely utilized on the face, but many people are unaware that they are also used on other sections of the body.

Body filler, like dermal fillers used on the face, is used to enhance, contour, and volumize certain regions, as well as rectify any asymmetry and fill any hollowing or loss of volume. Body fillers have been a popular alternative for people wishing to restore lost volume, smooth out fine lines, or reduce wrinkles because they are non-invasive. Body fillers work by plumping up the injection site to fill out the targeted wrinkle, fold, or line, giving patients a more youthful appearance.

Body filler is also often used to cover fissures such as 'hip dips' (a dip noticeable when standing straight on, between the buttocks and the stomach), which many women have but don't wish to have surgically removed. Body fillers are a great alternative to invasive procedures in this situation.

Body filler treatments can be utilized to improve or balance out the appearance of the following body parts:

Buttocks
Breasts
Hips
Calves
Male chest enhancement

What are the types of Body fillers?

Although dermal fillers are commonly concerned with the face, they are also effective in addressing other body areas. Because dermal fillers give lift, volume, and a smoothing appearance, they are ideal for temporarily correcting a variety of areas of concern, including the hands, chest, and even the feet.

Different forms of filler can be utilized depending on the patient's goals, as not every filler is suitable for every wrinkle or skin type. Hyaluronic acid (e.g., Juvéderm, Belotero, or Restylane), collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite (e.g., Radiesse), and PPLA (e.g., Sculptra) are the most often used FDA-approved fillers. While certain fillers are only permitted for use in certain areas of the body, some surgeons employ them in other areas as well.

Calcium hydroxylapatite:

Radiesse is the brand name. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like substance found naturally in human bones. It is frequently applied to:

Moderate-to-severe folds such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and frown lines.
Increase cheek fullness and other facial characteristics.
Increase volume in regions of facial wasting, which can occur in HIV-positive individuals using specific drugs.

Calcium hydroxylapatite is created biosynthetically, which implies that no animals or animal products are involved in its production. This reduces your chances of having an allergic response and eliminates the need for skin testing.

This form of body filler is recognized for producing a very natural look, does not migrate, and has few adverse effects. This dermal filler was developed for use in dentistry and reconstructive surgery and has a lengthy track record of safety.

Hyaluronic acid:

Brand names include: Captique, Esthélis, Elevess, Hylaform, Juvederm, Perlane, Prevelle, Puragen, Restylane

Hyaluronic acid injections can be used to enhance the shape of the skin and decrease depressions caused by scars, injuries, or wrinkles. You may notice potentially significant benefits for:

Acne scars
Cheek depressions
Crow's feet at the corners of your eyes
Deep smile lines that run from the side of the nose to the corners of your lips (also known as nasolabial furrows)
Frown lines between the brows
Marionette lines at the corners of your mouth
Redefining lip border
Smoker's lines; vertical lines on the mouth
Some facial scars
Worry lines across the brow

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in your body. Soft connective tissues and the fluid around your eyes have high quantities. It's also found in cartilage, joint fluids, and skin tissue. It is collected and reconstituted, and it is currently one of the most common types of injectable fillers.

If the phrase sounds familiar, it's because the same chemical is frequently injected into the painful joints of arthritis patients to relieve pain and offer more cushioning.

Polyalkylimide:

Aquamid is the brand name. Polyalkylimide is a semi-permanent dermal filler that is frequently used by plastic surgeons to:

Treat deeper wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds or depressed scars.
Plump thin lips.
Enhance cheekbones and jawline, and replace face volume lost with age.
Treat facial wasting caused by HIV drugs.

Polyalkylimide has relatively low reactivity with human tissue, making it biocompatible and eliminating the need for an allergy test. It is radiotransparent, which means it will not interfere with x-rays.

Over the course of roughly a month, a thin coating of collagen grows surrounding the injection. Eventually, the gel is totally enveloped. A big amount can be injected in a single operation. This substance, which is believed to be rather stable over time, can even be eliminated if necessary.

Polylactic acid:

Sculptra is the brand name.

Polylactic acid is a synthetic body filler that is injected into your face to stimulate your body's own collagen synthesis. A stimulator is the name given to this form of body filler. This non-toxic, biodegradable compound has been utilized as a suture material for over 40 years. Polylactic acid is recognized to be very effective in the bottom half of your face and is used to:

Fill the lines caused by laughing.
Plump thin lips.
Treat deep nasolabial folds.

This chemical differs from other body fillers in that it does not generate quick results. It instead encourages your own body's collagen production, so improvements occur gradually over a few months.

You will most likely require three monthly treatments to attain the desired outcomes. Your own collagen is re-stimulated with each treatment. The complete impact might then take four to six weeks. While this form of body filler is considered semi-permanent, you may still require touch-ups from time to time.

Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA):

Bellafill is the brand name.

PMMA is a semi-permanent filler that is commonly used to address medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds, and furrows, especially nasolabial folds. It may also be used to conceal pitted scars and to plump up thin lips.

PMMA is frequently utilized instead of collagen replacement treatment or hyaluronic therapy when a more permanent remedy to body creases is needed. For many years, PMMA has been employed in permanent surgical implants. As a result, your surgeon would most likely under-fill the first treatment, adding more later if necessary.

One disadvantage of PMMA is that it requires many injections to generate volume, and it might take up to three months to see the full benefits. It might also be seen beneath the skin. It is critical that your plastic surgeon is knowledgeable with the right procedure, which involves injection at the dermal subcutaneous junction utilizing threading or tunneling methods.

What are the uses of body fillers?

To combat cellulite and dimples:

While there are natural ways to remove cellulite and dimples, there are also some operations. When most people think about cellulite or dimple procedures, they see lasers or radiofrequency (RF), operations such as Cellulaze, or massage therapy such as lipomassage.

Unbeknownst to most, body fillers can be used to reduce divots by filling in the unwanted dimples and even lifting up some of the skin to reduce cellulite.

Sculptra is a kind of body filler that is not specifically authorized for the buttocks but is occasionally used to treat dimples and cellulite. Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) synthetic substance that is slowly absorbed into the skin to repair missing collagen. Patients typically require a therapy provided once a month for three months by a qualified expert, with results lasting up to two years.

To plump up earlobes:

Ears may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of aging indicators, but they may also become wrinkled and drooping. This is especially frequent in elderly women who have worn heavy earrings for the most of their life and may also have stretched out earlobes. Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers can swiftly plump up the lobe to cover wrinkles, drooping, and straining.

A dermatologist performs the operation, which takes around five minutes and is virtually painless. The operation costs roughly $500 and lasts around six months, costing about $1,000 each year for youthful-looking earlobes.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are already elevating sagging skin around the face and neck, so adding volume restoration to the earlobes completes the process.

To restore volume in the temples:

Facial volume reduction is prevalent with age and fat loss, particularly in the temple areas (located on each side of the face above the top of the cheekbones and below the brow ridge). A lack of volume might result in an unappealing, tired-looking shadow.

There are numerous types of fillers to pick from, such as hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen-replacing fillers, but your dermatologist should be able to recommend the optimum type or mix of fillers for you. The injections will plump up the sunken area as well as raise the outer corner of the eyes, shaping the face for a more youthful appearance. Depending on the kind of filler used, filler injected into the temples normally lasts six months to a year.

To smooth wrinkles on knees and/or elbows:

Skin sagging and wrinkling around the knees and elbows is another symptom of aging. While it is not the most popular operation, it is absolutely possible.

The treatment for smoothing the knees and elbows is quite similar to that for cellulite or dimples. Again, Sculptra is one injectable that is not specifically authorized for the knee or elbow area but is occasionally used to soften the lines surrounding them.

Because the knees and elbows are less typically treated locations, patients should choose a practitioner who has substantial experience with injectables for the knees and/or elbows.

To augment the chin and/or nose:

Surprisingly, rhinoplasty (nose operation) is not the sole option for reshaping the nose. Small quantities of dermal filler can be used to raise the tip of the nose and smooth out dorsal humps. While injectables can produce considerable alterations to the nose, they do have limitations. For example, you cannot remodel the nose (e.g., make the nose smaller or narrower).

Furthermore, body filler gives a non-surgical and non-permanent alternative for chin augmentation by adding fullness to give the chin more definition.

To smooth out scars:

Another significant application of body fillers is to smooth out acne and surgical scars by raising up the skin so that it is flush and no longer produces shadows.

There are many various types of body fillers that may be utilized because there are so many different sorts of scars. You can evaluate which filler will best lift the depression and enhance volume from the scars by consulting with a dermatologist. For example, Bellafill is a popular option for treating acne scars. Bellafill is an FDA-approved collagen and acrylic combination that provides long-lasting results. Bellafill is called a semi-permanent filler since it lasts around 12 months when treating acne scars and up to five years when addressing nasolabial folds.

To rejuvenate the hands:

While most cosmetic operations focus on the face, the hands are one of the most age-revealing aspects. They are frequently at work and are inadvertently exposed to sun damage, particularly while driving. As a result, the hands may become droopy and bony, with vein and/or joint protrusion.

Radiesse is a versatile face injection that has grown in popularity for hand rejuvenation due to its ability to restore volume and smooth out the back of the hands. It is now the first and only FDA-approved filler for correcting volume loss in the hands. Its effects are instantaneous and are predicted to persist between one and two years.

To slim the face:

Most people are unaware that Botox injections may do more than simply erase lines and wrinkles; they can also slim the face.

While most people associate liposuction with fat reduction, Botox is a considerably less intrusive technique to get similar benefits in the face. Botox is injected into the masseter muscle (the chewing muscle) to relax it, which can smooth out a square jawline or slim down "chubby" cheeks. Results normally take two weeks to become apparent and can last three to four months, with prolonged results after completing a few sessions.

What happens before a Body filler procedure?

You'll meet with your healthcare physician before getting body fillers. You might want to consult a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin care. They will assess your body and inquire about your objectives and areas of improvement. They may use a pen or marker to indicate the location of the injections on your body. They may also photograph your physique. Your doctor will prescribe a specific type of filler or fillers, as well as discuss potential side effects and recovery time.

Your healthcare professional will also inquire about your medical history during your initial visit. It's critical to inform them if you're taking any medications, as some might raise the chance of problems following fillers. Inform your doctor if you have:

Allergies.
History of bruising or bleeding after similar procedures.
Neurological problems.
Skin conditions.

What happens during a Body filler procedure?

Body fillers are available at your doctor's clinic. Some people choose to get body fillers done at a medical spa (also called a medspa or medispa). This is a medical facility that offers cosmetic operations in a spa setting.

Your healthcare professional cleans your skin and may apply an anesthetic lotion or cream. The anesthetic numbs the region, making the therapy more pleasant.

Your healthcare professional injects little quantities of fillers under your skin with a fine needle. Although the needle will pinch or sting, most people do not feel much pain during these injections.

Fillers may be injected in many sites by your healthcare practitioner. The entire procedure might take a few minutes to an hour.

What is Body filler after care?

Your skin will be cleansed after obtaining body filler injections from your healthcare practitioner. They could offer you an ice pack to help with the discomfort and swelling.

Following the injections, you may have bruising, swelling, or soreness. These side effects are usually minor and disappear within a few days.

Many patients report immediate effects after receiving these shots. However, everyone's outcomes vary. The length of time it takes to see effects (and how long they persist) is determined by a number of factors, including the type of therapy you had.

Aftercare is fairly comparable to that of a face dermal filler procedure. For 48 to 72 hours, the treated region may feel mildly sensitive, irritated, bruised, or swollen. You will need to return to the clinic in two weeks to confirm that everything is forming well, and the region may need to be massaged to ensure that the substance is settling properly. Strenuous activity, hot steam and saunas, baths, and wearing overly tight clothing should be avoided for 48-72 hours after the treatment.

How long do the results last?

Depending on your body's reaction to hyaluronic acid and how rapidly you metabolize your body filler, the effects may last 9 to 12 months. If you take care of yourself, eat correctly, and don't over-exercise, your benefits should stay longer than if you smoke, don't eat well, and engage in extremely hard activity.

What are the adverse effects of Body fillers?

Serious consequences are uncommon, and some of the adverse effects are merely transient. However, there are complications, like with any cosmetic surgical operation. They are as follows:

Asymmetrical appearance.
Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain and swelling.
Damage to your skin, which can cause scars.
Infection, which can lead to necrosis (death of the infected skin) in severe cases.
Lumps or bumps under your skin.
Numbness.
Pimples that look like acne.
Rash and itching.

You should call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms after receiving body fillers:

Bleeding or pain.
Signs of infection, including fever or redness and swelling at the injection site.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).

How much do Body fillers cost?

Unfortunately, it is hard to put a single price for body fillers. Fillers are vulnerable to significant cost variance for a variety of causes, including:

Location. Body filler prices are determined by location for a variety of reasons. For example, clinics and practitioners in more costly locations will have greater operational costs, which will undoubtedly be reflected in their charges.
Competition. Because the providers are in close competition with one another, the more clinics and practitioners you have accessible to you, the more likely you will be charged reduced pricing.
The number of syringes used. The majority of body filler pricing is stated "per syringe," although this isn't a particularly helpful statistic because the number of syringes required to perform a single treatment varies across individuals. If you need more than one syringe for every application, the overall cost of the therapy will undoubtedly be more than if you just need one syringe.
The competence and expertise of the person delivering the fillers. The operation is likely to be more expensive if the individual giving body fillers is highly skilled and experienced.

Body fillers’ cost varies depending on a variety of circumstances; therefore, it is typically better to contact a skilled practitioner and inquire about their precise costs for the various types of fillers. You may then compare the cost to your budget and, if necessary, investigate any financing alternatives that may be available.

Conclusion

Body filler, like dermal fillers, is used to enhance, shape, and volumize certain areas, as well as correct any asymmetry and fill any hollowing or loss of volume. Because they are non-invasive, body fillers have become a popular option for patients looking to restore lost volume, smooth out fine lines, or decrease wrinkles. Body fillers work by plumping up the injection site to fill out the targeted wrinkle, fold, or line, making patients seem younger.

Because not every filler is acceptable for every wrinkle or skin type, several types of filler might be used based on the patient's goals. The most often used FDA-approved fillers are hyaluronic acid, collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite, and PPLA. While certain fillers are only allowed to be used in specific places of the body, some surgeons utilize them in other locations as well.

The benefits may last 9 to 12 months, depending on your body's sensitivity to hyaluronic acid and how quickly you metabolize the body filler. If you take care of yourself, eat properly, and don't over-exercise, your advantages should last longer than if you smoke, don't eat well, and participate in the highly difficult activity.

The cost of body fillers varies based on a variety of factors; thus, it is usually best to contact a trained practitioner and learn about their specific charges for the various types of fillers. You may then compare the cost to your budget and, if necessary, look into possible financing options.