Injectable Fillers

Injection of various "fillers" to eliminate some of the undesirable lines and depressions of the aging process is among the most commonly used non-surgical techniques for cosmetic improvement of the face.  While there are dozens of fillers in use throughout the world, only a few have been approved by the FDA for use in the United States.  The most popular filler in this country is hyaluronic acid (Restyland and Juvederm).  Results usually last 6 to 12 months.

The FDA recently approved a permanent injectable filler, Artefil.  The prospect of a permanent result from a filler has obvious appeal.  Because facial structures and tissues change as the face matures, however, many plastic surgeons are hesitant to inject a permanent material.  The placement of the filler that creates a perfect result today may give an unattractive bulge or line as the face ages.  This could result in an uncorrectable aesthetic problem.