Fillers are bioidentical or synthetic substances injected into skin folds, wrinkles or subcutaneous tissue to restore volume to the face, décolleté, neck, back of the hands and reduce wrinkles.

Wrinkles and facial sagging are mostly caused by a lack of subcutaneous tissue, not just thinning skin as we often think. The amount of volume lost also varies greatly from person to person – while younger people usually only need to add a few millilitres, some older people have lost more than 20 ml of subcutaneous volume on their face. Therefore, for a natural and harmonious appearance, they also need a corresponding amount of compensation. In this respect, fillers that break down gradually and last from a few months to a few years, depending on their type and the characteristics of the individual, have proven to be safer than permanent fillers. Silicone or polyacrylate fillings, for example, can have serious side-effects, which is why almost no one uses them anymore, speaking of Slovenia or the rest of the world.

Types

The European market offers many types of hyaluronic fillers, mainly those suitable for volume replacement, and a few stimulants that also enhance skin collagen renewal (Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellanse).

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

HA is a natural component of the human body, similar to a transparent gel found in the skin and joints. It is used as a filler to smooth wrinkles, restore volume to the face, lips, décolletage and back of the hands.

The brand names of hyaluronic fillers are Juvederm, Teosyal, Restylan, Belotero. As there is an enzyme in the skin that breaks the HA down, the effect of the fillers is limited and ranges from six to twelve months. Recently, however, new ones are appearing that last at least a year.

Calcium hydroxyapatite – CaHA (Radiesse)

Naturally present a human bone, this filler is characterised by microscopically small particles that are denser than hyaluronic acid. It is suitable for use on the cheeks, neck, backs of hands and décolleté. While replacing volume, it also stimulates collagen production. The effects of the CaHa filler (Radiesse) last for about a year.

Polylactic acid (Sculptra, Lanluma and Olidia)

Lactic acid is produced all the time during muscular exertion and metabolism in the body. As a degradable filler, it stimulates skin cells to regenerate collagen in a particularly pronounced way, improving tone and reducing the depth of wrinkles. It can be used on the cheeks and décolleté, especially in people whose cheeks are very diminished due to a significant loss of subcutaneous fat. The effect is gradual and lasts for at least two years.

Caprolactone (Ellanse)

It is a synthetic substance that has been used in medicine for more than 40 years. Since it does not cause allergies or irritation, it is proven safe to use. The Ellanse filler consists of small, degradable and perfectly smooth caprolactone beads. Their size determines the duration of the effect, which is noticeable from one to two years. It also significantly stimulates collagen renewal while replacing volume.

Body’s own fat

It is extracted from the subcutaneous tissue on the hips and abdomen and then injected as a filler into the face, décolletage or other parts of the body. The procedure starts like liposuction and sometimes needs to be repeated over a shorter period of time, as some of the fat is always lost. However, the effect is immediate and in most cases lasts for several years.

Benefits 

Injection can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the number of areas injected, and you can get back to your daily routine or even go to work immediately afterwards. The side effects are mostly minimal, with minor swelling and redness usually appearing only at the puncture site and disappearing within a few hours or a day. Bruising is associated with predisposition, intake of certain dietary supplements or medications and can be hidden with cover-up creams or PDL laser. There are very few serious and long-lasting consequences, most of which are successfully treated. The procedure is safe when performed by an experienced doctor.

Long-lasting durability

The youthful appearance and consistency of the facial features are maintained for a year, while some of the denser hyaluronic and stimulating fillers and the patient’s own fat last even longer. We recommend repeating the procedure before the chosen filler has degraded, as the effect will last even longer.

Beneficial for the skin

Most fillers are made from substances that are otherwise found in the skin or elsewhere in the body, which is an added advantage and value. Hyaluronic acid, for example, is a basic building block of the skin, but as its amount decreases over the years, adding it to the skin can strengthen its resistance to mechanical stress, increase its moisture, antioxidant capacity and collagen renewal.

Subtlety

You will certainly love the subtle effect and the convincing, natural look of the face when you use fillers. Who would really want to look completely different? When dermal fillers are applied in an appropriate and calibrated manner, most people do not even notice the “corrections”. Just a fresh and beautiful look.

Building blocks for improving self-esteem

After the procedure, filler wearers often feel more confident as, in the hands of an experienced professional, they look more beautiful, sweeter and natural than ever before.

Perfection of gestures

As the skin is thinning over the years, so does the fat in the subcutaneous tissue, causing facial lines to sag and the youthful fullness of the face to disappear. Since the loss of volume is gradual, many people do not notice it until the appearance of wrinkles, a clear sign of advanced ageing. Fillers are used to replace the lost tissue, which also reduces wrinkles. 

Botulinum toxin complements the effect of fillers

After using fillers, you may notice that some deep wrinkles persist, especially on the forehead between the eyebrows or on the upper lip. In this case, we recommend that you opt for botulinum toxin therapy, which temporarily reduces the activity of the mimic muscles in areas that are not suitable for injecting fillers. This combination will also prolong the effect of the fillers, as they will be crushed” by mimic muscles to a lesser degree.

Lips

Thin or tired lips? Hyaluronic acid fillers restore fullness, shape and moisture. All this happens at the same time, as well as softening the appearance of annoying wrinkles in the immediate area. However, it is utterly important for the procedure to be carried out by an experienced practitioner, for the reasons of safety and a natural final effect.

Smoothing scars

Your doctor may also advise you on the choice of fillers or other treatments to improve the appearance of the indented scars.

Stimulating collagen production

One of the main causes of visible ageing is a significant reduction in collagen production, which is most affected by UV rays from the sun and tanning beds. As this main building block of the skin is less abundant than in youth, uneven surfaces and wrinkles become more and more noticeable.

Moreover, even though we are told otherwise, collagen powders, pills and drinks do not work. Collagen is made by fibroblasts in the skin and, if we consume it, it breaks down into amino acids in the digestive system, like a steak. Unlike dietary supplements, all dermal fillers stimulate the production of new collagen in fibroblasts, especially stimulatory ones such as polylactic acid (Sculptra), caprolactone (Ellanse) and Ca-hydroxyapatite (Radiesse).

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Appointments and further information

To book an appointment, contact us Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 on the following telephone number: 064 12 80 15 or send an e-mail: info@derma-rogaska.si