Fillers

A number of factors need to be taken into account before providing a treatment for the aging process of the face. These factors include photoaging, wrinkles and the volumetric changes that occur over the years. As the face ages, it starts to lose its subcutaneous fat, while facial skin becomes laxer and tissues (e.g. cheek tissues) begin to sag, as a result of gravity. The use of injectables has increased in recent years. They are used mostly in facial cosmetic surgeries to fill deep wrinkles, such as the ones of the nasolabial folds, and also to increase lip and cheek volume. Soft tissue volume is restored using dermal fillers. The fact that the skin regains its firmness, while deep wrinkles disappear after these operations, attests to their effectiveness.

Fillers can be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable. However, a single filler can also contain both biodegradable and non-biodegradable elements. The fillers that are mostly used in facial procedures are biodegradable and they are absorbed by the body in a few months. Hyaluronic acid, hydroxyapatite, Sculptra and collagen are the most common fillers.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular today. Hyaluronic acid, which is a member of the glycosaminoglycan family, is a necessary skin ingredient, whose function is based on its hydrophilic properties. The level of hyaluronic acid production of the skin decreases with age, causing the skin to lose its firmness. Hyaluronic acid injections increase skin volume by filling the deep wrinkles of the face and increasing lip and cheek volume. In many cases, hyaluronic acid injections can be combined with the use of Botox in order to achieve the optimal aesthetic outcome.

The more modern lipofilling technique has been used in recent years. Through this technique, adipose tissue from the patient’s own body is transplanted to the face (Microfat grafting). The fillers are permanent and completely compatible with the human body. Using the patient’s own body fat increases skin volume and eliminates the wrinkles of the face, hence offering a youthful appearance. The procedure requires local anesthesia. Body fat is collected through liposuction, processed and injected into the desired areas. This technique is also used in hand rejuvenation, as well as in breast and buttock augmentation procedures.

Fillers are also used to correct certain deformities of the face, such as tear trough deformity and saddle nose deformity, as well as to increase cheek and chin volume.

Safeguarding your health is my number one priority.

Dr. Varnalidis always discusses and explains each procedure step by step. He also offers extensive post-surgery advice and is here to answer any question you might have, so that a smooth recovery and the best functional and aesthetic outcome are achieved.