Optimization of augmentation of an aged face with fillers based on stabilized hyaluronic acid

The basis of gels for facial contouring is hyaluronic acid. It is found in human skin cells, retaining moisture, maintaining volume, providing elasticity and a healthy color, but with age, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid noticeably decreases.

Facial contouring with hyaluronic acid fillers is safe. Their biological compatibility with tissues is high, and over time the body eliminates the drugs naturally.

The gel is injected using a needle or cannula intradermally, subcutaneously or into the periosteal layer. The main task is to change the volume of tissue at the injection site. If the drug is injected into the wrinkle area, the defect is filled. Also in this place, metabolic processes improve, the active synthesis of collagen fibers and elastin is resumed. As a result, the skin becomes hydrated, elastic and smooth again.

Preparation for the procedure

Before contouring, a consultation with a doctor is required, during which the following aspects are discussed:

Patient expectations;
History - has the client ever resorted to contouring, and if so, what medications were used;
Features of the upcoming technique and, as a result, the possibility of achieving the desired result;
Presence of contraindications;
Selecting the required one or more drugs.

The day before injections with hyaluronic acid fillers, you must refrain from drinking alcohol and heavy physical activity.

How are fillers different?

The main active ingredient. This could be hyaluronic acid, a substance produced in the human body and responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Our dermis ages and sags due to dehydration and a decrease in hyaluronate. With such fillers, we artificially add missing building material to the dermis to maintain skin turgor (tone).

The second version of the main active ingredient is calcium hydroxyapatite. This compound triggers reactions in tissues, as a result of which they synthesize new molecules of hyaluronic acid. That is, we help the body to rehabilitate and renew itself. A kind of “kick from the outside” for the skin.

Fillers differ in density (viscosity), which affects the location and method of drug administration.

Progress of the procedure

Facial contouring with hyaluronic acid should be performed by qualified specialists in a clinical setting, since this procedure requires not only knowledge of anatomy and masterly technique, but also sterile conditions. GMTClinic doctors perform all types of correction and will also help correct the unsuccessful result of contouring.

The features of the procedure depend on the area of influence, the desired effect and the individual characteristics of the patient. Therefore, you must first sign up for an initial consultation with a doctor, during which indications, contraindications and choice of drug are discussed.

The duration of the procedure itself and the number of injections are determined depending on the tasks facing the cosmetologist. One injection with preparation and correction of the filler injection area takes 10 minutes or more. The duration depends on the volume of work and the individual approach to each patient.

The following stages of facial contouring with hyaluronic acid are distinguished:

The skin is cleaned and disinfected using a disinfectant solution;
The doctor marks the areas where the drug will be administered;
A local anesthetic is used at the site of the intended impact to reduce discomfort from injections (if the gel contains the anesthetic lidocaine, additional anesthesia is usually not required);
The drug is injected using a syringe, after which a special ointment is applied to soothe irritated skin.
After a few days, you need to visit a cosmetologist for an examination for possible correction.

Correction zones

Cosmetologists identify certain areas that can be successfully corrected:

forehead – with the help of injections, creases and deep age wrinkles are filled;
the area between the eyebrows is a vulnerable area, where vertical creases form during active facial expressions;
area around the eyes - you can cope not only with small expression wrinkles, but also with dark circles under the eyes;
cheekbones – injection of the drug into the skin on the cheekbones tightens the lower jaw and cheeks;
nose – correct the line of the back of the nose and make the nostrils more expressive;
nasolabial folds – correction allows you to increase elasticity in these areas, smoothing out unevenness;
lips – you can replenish the volume that is reduced with age;
chin - this area can be rounded or added volume, as well as remove the horizontal fold that forms with age.

In addition to the face, fillers are actively used for the neck and décolleté area, as well as for the skin of the hands.

Effect of the procedure

The whole procedure takes on average 30-40 minutes. Of these, 20-30 minutes are occupied by anesthesia of the injection zone with an anesthetic cream, which includes one or more anesthetics (lidocaine, ultracaine, procaine).

Microneedles are used for injections, leaving no traces.

The effect of the procedure is noticeable immediately.

After the procedure, slight bruising and swelling may appear, which will disappear in a few days, and then the effect will become even more obvious.

The aesthetic result depends on the initial objectives:

Small wrinkles disappear, deep creases and folds are smoothed out.
Facial features take on the desired shape. The lips become fuller, the chin becomes larger (important for men), the bridge of the nose is straightened, etc.
The effect of age-related ptosis (tissue drooping) is eliminated.
Visible signs of skin rejuvenation appear.

The final result of filler injection can be assessed 1-2 weeks after the procedure, when the drug is finally distributed in the tissues.

If necessary, the result of the procedure can be corrected by introducing an additional dose of filler, or reducing its volume by introducing enzymes that hydrolyze hyaluronic acid.

To ensure that the drug is distributed evenly and does not undergo fragmented degeneration, after the procedure you should not sunbathe, visit the bathhouse or solarium for two weeks. It is also recommended to exclude sports activities for three days and refuse massage. You can use decorative cosmetics the very next day.

Repeated facial skin contouring with fillers is indicated after the drug has been absorbed. The speed of this process depends on the characteristics of the gel, the area being corrected, and the individual characteristics of the body.

Preparations for contouring

The list of fillers that can transform your appearance is quite extensive. New ones are constantly appearing, but it is important that the drug has a certificate and is approved by the FDA and Roszdravnadzor, confirming its safety and quality.

GMTClinic uses classic fillers from the best foreign manufacturing companies:

Juvederm (France) - hyaluronic acid gels containing lidocaine for a painless procedure. Juvederm Volift and Juvederm Volume can correct nasolabial folds, correct the shape of the cheekbones and chin. To fill severe wrinkles and correct the shape of the nose, GMTClinic specialists choose Juvederm Ultra. Juvederm Smile gels are suitable for lip augmentation.
Restylane (Sweden) - fillers from this manufacturer were among the first to be used in cosmetology. Gel fillers “Restylane”, “Restylane Vital”, “Restylane Perline” and “Restylane Sub-Q” have proven themselves in excellent reviews and are used for procedures in various areas, including the skin of the neck and décolleté.
Belotero (Germany) - this line of the German company MertzFarma is represented in GMTClinic by gels with lidocaine Belotero Soft and Belotero Balance. While the first drug fills facial wrinkles well and refreshes the skin, the second is injected into the cheekbone area to make it possible to restore lost tissue volumes, as well as eliminate scars and correct wrinkles of varying depths.
Revaness Pure (Canada) - the filler provides a long-lasting effect due to its longer retention in the skin. It copes well with both expression lines and more pronounced wrinkles. It is used to smooth out nasolabial folds, enlarge lips, and add volume to cheekbones.
Radiesse (USA) - drugs from this manufacturer are intended to correct skin changes associated with insufficient tone and hydration. A good effect is achieved by filling sagging, flabby tissue in the chin and cheek area. According to numerous reviews, it removes scars well.
Yvoire (Korea) - new generation gels from the manufacturer LGScience. The series consists of three fillers: Yvoire Hydro, Yvoire Classic and Yvoire Volume. The drugs vary in viscosity and are injected into the skin at different depth levels. Due to the special structure of the drugs, the results of their use are noticeable over a longer period of time.
ReDexis (Canada) - high-tech skin rejuvenation in different areas of the body. Together with hyaluronic acid, the drug contains special microspheres that attract substances to the injection site for the synthesis of its own collagen. The skin is renewed and remains fresh and tight for a long time.
Etermis (Russia - Germany) - two types of hyaluronic acid allow you to quickly restore skin hydration and take care of volume. The composition also includes mannitol, which prolongs the lifting effect. For small wrinkles, use Etermis 3, and for pronounced wrinkles, use the denser Etermis 4 gel.
Novacutan FBio (France) - a unique formula ensures uniform distribution of filler in tissues, preventing movement. The line consists of three drugs: Light, Medium and Volume. They differ in density and are used in various areas of the face: from the nasolacrimal groove to the chin.
Neauvia (Nyuvia) (Italy) - preparations of ultra-pure hyaluronic acid. GMTClini uses the following fillers from this line: INTENSE FLUX (for delicate areas in the eye area, etc.), STIMULATE (for correcting deep folds) and STIMULATE MAN, designed taking into account the characteristics of men's skin.
Endoret Gel (Spain) - the drug is obtained using a special technology using the patient’s own blood. After administration, the gel starts the process of skin renewal, slowing down aging at the cellular level. Allows you to eliminate wrinkles of varying depths in the eyes, lips and chin.
AestheFill (South Korea) is a powerful stimulator of collagen production. Ball-shaped microspheres actively interact with skin cells, helping to smooth out wrinkles and create new tissue. The quality of the skin noticeably improves, and the effect lasts up to two years.
Sculptra (Sculptra) (USA) - this filler is made on the basis of polylactic acid, which makes its use possible even in those patients who do not want to use hyaluronic acid. An excellent result for severe signs of aging is achieved by stimulating collagen synthesis, filling lost volumes and moisturizing the skin, with a gradual increase in effect, and lasts up to two or more years.

Indications

Presence of age-related changes and/or wrinkles, furrows;
“Floated”, asymmetrical oval face;
Wrinkles in the eyelid area and corners of the eyes;
Nasolabial folds of different depths;
Changing the shape of the nose, restoring the volume of the cheekbones and chin;
Elimination of asymmetry, changing the shape/volume of lips;
Decreased skin tone, enlarged pores;
Skin defects (atrophic scars, including stretch marks, post-acne);
Various types of atrophy of facial and body tissues.

Benefits of contouring

Safety. Hyaluronic acid gels are biologically inert preparations of non-animal origin that do not cause allergic reactions and are absolutely compatible with the tissues of the human body;
The result of aesthetic correction made with gel fillers is visible immediately;
The rejuvenation effect after contouring is as natural as possible;
The procedure does not require anesthesia, unlike plastic surgery;
No scars or marks on the skin;
A large amount of work can be done in one contouring procedure - for example, increasing the volume of the lips, eliminating deep wrinkles and emphasizing the cheekbones;
There is no rehabilitation period. Slight swelling is possible for 2-3 days;
The result lasts up to 12-18 months, and the use of some drugs helps to extend it up to three to four years.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, the absence of a rehabilitation period, and a noticeable result on the first day after visiting a cosmetologist. Fillers are a good solution for those who plan to get rid of many facial wrinkles and smooth out folds. The procedure can be chosen by those who are faced with sagging tissue and lack of volume, especially after acne or injury.

Injections are a fairly effective procedure, but temporary. Gradually, the effect will begin to disappear, and a repeat session will be required. In addition, the result largely depends on the professionalism of the master. Another possible disadvantage of injections is the possibility of allergies. It is very difficult to predict the body's reaction to a drug, even if it is of high quality.