Lise Petersen spoke with Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Mark Kohout about facial fillers or acid based dermal fillers ideal for facial rejuvenation.
Acid is a major component of skin tissue and helps to maintain local moisture content. Over the years, a highly purified type of acid in the form of viscoelastic gels have become a popular solution in skin soft tissue fillers around the world. Although it is not yet available for general release in Australia, Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Mark Kohout has been trialling the product for the last six months.
These new types of facial fillers are somewhat similar to already existing dermal fillers in the market such as Hylaform,’ he says. ‘The difference is that its formulation is more cross-linked and this means that it actually last longer which makes it so popular for patients looking for a better and longer lasting solution.
Because acid is a non-permanent filler it is completely broken down within the skin over a period of months. The product’s duration depends upon the degree of correction required, the patient’s age and lifestyle, and correct placement of the product by a practitioner. Generally the effects last for at least six to nine months, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on skin type. A follow-up procedure a few weeks after the initial treatment can optimise the outcome. Regular top-ups are required to maintain the aesthetic effect.
Dr Kohout says that these facial fillers are a good addition to any surgeon’s product range because it can be used for many facial areas. It is ideal as skin wrinkle fillers and smoothening fine lines or deeper folds such as the nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, marionette lines and smoker’s lines. It is also used to enhance the lips or the border of the lips, and for correcting small facial scars and minor imperfections.
Each type of facial filler has a different size of gel particle and is designed for use in different parts of the face. ‘Of all the types of facial fillers, I tend to use viscoelastic gel-based acid because they work well for areas such as the nasolabial folds and the lips,’ says Dr Kohout. ‘These facial fillers also give a smooth and uniform result, with none of the lumpiness that sometimes occurs with other products I have used.’
The new type of facial filler has a range of benefits: it does not require a skin test, is of non-animal origin, is highly biocompatible, requires no downtime, has proven to be safe and effective, and is a cost-effective treatment. In addition, it is long lasting and gives a very natural rejuvenating effect. Patients also experience no swelling after treatment. All of this makes it a popular product with both doctors and patients.
These Facial fillers can have different uses, for example:
The new facial filler can be injected into the middle dermis which effectively fills forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines, obvious mild to moderate nasal furrows and cheek wrinkles, and highlights lip contours.
It can also injected into the middle or deep dermis, the densest version which fills the deep naso-genian folds, returns volume to lips, sculptures cheeks and provides better definition of the facial outline.
