Injectable soft tissue fillers

Injectable soft tissue fillers are designed to restore the fullness of your face, to emphasize facial contours and to smooth wrinkles.

Procedure

The procedure is performed during the initial consultation. The selected filler (hyaluronic acid, collagen, hydroxyapatite, patient's own fat cells) is injected into the correct location with a special needle. The filler composition determines how the procedure will be performed and how long the desired cosmetic effect will last. Before injecting the filler in the selected location, the skin may be anesthetized with a special cream, but the procedure can also be performed under general anaesthesia while other procedures are being carried out. The cosmetic effect occurs immediately in most cases, although sometimes temporary swelling can mask the final result. The cosmetic result can also improve over time (e.g. if fat cells or stem cells were injected).

The most common locations for filler injections are wrinkles between and around the eyes, the nasolabial folds or the lips, but other locations may be selected as well.

Operation risks

Increasing the volume with soft tissue fillers, like any other intervention, can have adverse effects, such as small bruises, swelling, redness, and pain. Other possible complications or adverse reactions should be discussed with the plastic surgeon during a consultation.

Postoperative period

Patients usually can go home immediately after the procedure and in few hours they may engage in normal physical activity or get back to work. Most injectable fillers have a temporary effect that can last from several weeks to several years.

It should be noted that sometimes after complete absorption of the filler the tissue does not return to its original condition, and so the procedure needs to be repeated or another procedure performed.