The Science Behind Hydrology's Dermal Fillers:
Dermal Fillers: Are They Right for You?
Introduction:
Dermal fillers represent another breakthrough in cosmetic enhancement, offering a multifaceted approach to addressing various aesthetic concerns. Recognized across diverse medical disciplines, dermal fillers provide customized solutions for individuals seeking enhancements beyond traditional cosmetic procedures. Their objectives extend beyond mere wrinkle reduction, encompassing facial volume restoration, lip augmentation, scar correction, and contouring. This article delves into the versatile applications of dermal fillers, illuminating their efficacy in enhancing facial features and overall appearance while underscoring their increasing significance in contemporary cosmetic and medical practices.
Benefits:
- Facial Volume Restoration
Dermal fillers are effective in restoring lost volume in the face, which naturally diminishes with age. As people age, they may experience a loss of fat and collagen in their face, leading to sunken cheeks, hollow under eyes, and flattened contours. Dermal fillers contain substances like hyaluronic acid that can plump up the skin and fill in areas where volume has been lost, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Evidence:
A study conducted by Kestemont et al. (2023) examined Art Filler Volume (AFV), a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based filler, for midface volume restoration over 18 months. AFV, containing "Tri-Hyal" technology, a unique blend of three HA chain sizes, was injected into each cheek on Day 0, with a possible touch-up on Day 21. The main evaluation, using the Medicis Midface Volume Scale (MMVS) on Day 21, showed significant improvement in MMVS scores from Day 0 to Day 21 and Day 42. Additionally, MMVS scores for each cheek improved significantly, with 22% of injections maintaining benefits at Day 540 without further touch-ups. Adverse events like pain, erythema, and edema were mild to moderate and resolved within two weeks. Overall, AFV effectively restored midface volume in both genders, often without additional touch-ups, and was well tolerated.
- Wrinkle Reduction
Dermal fillers can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by filling them in and smoothing out the skin's surface. These fillers are often injected into areas such as the nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin), and vertical lip lines. By adding volume to these areas, dermal fillers can minimize the depth of wrinkles, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Evidence:
This study by Li et al. (2020) confirms that Maxigen Biotech Inc. (MBI-FD), an HA-based dermal filler, effectively reduces nasolabial folds (NLFs), commonly known as laugh lines or wrinkles around the mouth, with safety. Analysis showed minimal 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) residues in MBI-FD and appropriate injection force for smooth treatment. Fibroblast cell tests indicated MBI-FD's non-cytotoxic nature. Clinical trials involving 95 participants over 24 and 52 weeks demonstrated reduced NLF wrinkles without adverse events, validating MBI-FD's efficacy and safety as a dermal filler for wrinkle reduction.
- Lip Enhancement
Dermal fillers can be used to enhance the volume and shape of the lips, providing a fuller and more defined lip contour. Many individuals seek lip augmentation to achieve plumper lips or to correct asymmetry in their lip shape. Dermal fillers injected into the lips can add volume, define the lip borders, and create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. This procedure is popular among individuals looking to achieve a more youthful and attractive smile.
Evidence:
A study by Czumbel et al. (2021) examines how hyaluronic acid (HA) performs in lip augmentation, considering its impact on speech, chewing, and facial appearance. It reviews 32 records to gauge the response rate to HA injection and any associated adverse effects (AEs). Findings reveal a 91% response rate two months after injection, declining to 74% and 46% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Common AEs include tenderness (88.8%), swelling at the injection site (74.3%), and bruising (39.5%), while rare ones encompass foreign body granulomas (0.6%), herpes labialis (0.6%), and angioedema (0.3%).
Conclusion:
In summary, dermal fillers provide a versatile solution for various aesthetic issues, including facial volume restoration, wrinkle reduction, and lip enhancement. Evidence from multiple studies confirms the effectiveness and safety of these fillers in achieving desired cosmetic results. Research on Art Filler Volume (AFV) and Maxigen Biotech Inc. (MBI-FD) demonstrates their ability to restore midface volume and reduce nasolabial folds with few adverse events. Similarly, studies on hyaluronic acid (HA) for lip augmentation show high response rates and manageable side effects, supporting its use for enhancing lip volume and contour.
References:
- Czumbel, L. M., Farkasdi, S., Gede, N., Mikó, A., Csupor, D., Lukács, A., Gaál, V., Kiss, S., Hegyi, P., & Varga, G. (2021). Hyaluronic acid is an effective dermal filler for lip augmentation: A Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Surgery, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.681028
- Kestemont, P., Fanian, F., Garcia, P., Grand‐Vincent, A., Benadiba, L., Delmar, H., Bodokh, I., Brun, P., Braccini, F., Desouches, C., Paris, J., Nadra, K., Salomon, C., & Trévidic, P. (2023). Long‐term efficacy and safety of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler based on Tri‐Hyal technology on restoration of midface volume. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(9), 2448–2456. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15752
- Li, X., Chiang, C., Lin, G., Chen, T., Wang, C., Tzeng, Y., & Cui, H. (2023). Safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid injectable filler in the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkle: a randomized, double-blind, self-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2023.2190829