Soft tissue fillers offer a range of treatment options for patients. There are two main kinds of soft tissue fillers: PRP and dermal fillers
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma, is extracted from the patient’s blood and then injected into the skin. This gives off the appearance of blood coming out of the skin and can treat “crepey skin.” This is when the skin texture is wrinkly and papery because the dermis and the epidermis have thinned out. In addition, these platelets can help improve cellular activity and also boost collagen production.
The reason that PRP works for patients is that their blood sample is placed into a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich from the platelet-poor plasma, as well as the red blood cells. This is an alternative to dermal filler or can be used together with dermal fillers.
The PRP treatment works to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, focusing on helping to reduce the appearance of folds and lines at the same time. If patients choose to use PRP and dermal fillers together, these are great for lengthening the effectiveness of treatment.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are focused on finding ways to fill the hollow parts of the face. Patients who experience volume loss on their faces can benefit from dermal fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurs in the body and is entirely safe to use. These dermal fillers can add more to your cheeks and the recessed areas of the lower half of your face. This can also encourage collagen production at the same time.
Some dermal fillers are also formulated with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA). This also acts as a suitable filter and a way to procure more collagen in the skin. These are injected into the skin and do not need anesthesia or recovery time for this reason. They can be easily performed at your dermatologist’s office.
Dermal fillers are not permanent solutions and require maintenance treatment to sustain the results. The results after one treatment can last up to one year. This treatment aims to permanently restore the fullness and smoothness of the skin for the patient.
What is unique is that they can work for many more concerns than BOTOX can offer solutions for. Dermal fillers also have a lower risk and more minor side effects. For example, patients might feel bruising, redness, swelling, and infection. These are not as common when the dermatologist administers these with the patient’s health and safety in mind.
The most common dermal filler treatments include:
Juvederm
Restylane
Belotero
Radiesse
These treatments are commonly known to help with hollow areas, lines and wrinkles, and anti-aging. Many patients also use dermal fillers as a means of improving their lip appearance or their under-eye bags.
