Did you know that there are options among collagen filler types that provide permanence of 5 years and longer? Today, these minimally invasive procedures used in the field of aesthetic medicine for skin rejuvenation can effectively reduce signs of aging.
As specialists, we recommend different types of collagen fillers such as hyaluronic acid filler, calcium hydroxyapatite filler, and polycaprolactone filler according to our patients' needs.
What Is a Collagen Filler?
Collagen is an important protein that provides the firmness and elasticity of our skin. As we age, the body's natural collagen production decreases due to the harmful effects of the sun and environmental factors. This leads to signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss in the skin.
Collagen filler is an aesthetic treatment method applied to re-support the natural structure of the skin and reduce signs of aging. This procedure is performed by injecting specially produced filler materials under the skin. Thus, the skin is firmed, plumped up, and achieves a more youthful appearance.
Collagen fillers generally belong to the group of biological or absorbable filler materials. For this reason, the obtained effects are temporary and have an average duration of three to four months. However, some types can show a longer-lasting effect. The duration of effect varies depending on the individual's lifestyle and habits. For example, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and an irregular lifestyle can significantly reduce the duration of the filler's effect.
Collagen fillers available on the market generally consist of synthetic or natural collagen-based preparations. Among these are varieties containing hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and polycaprolactone (PCL).
Collagen fillers not only add volume but can also stimulate the body's own collagen production. With this:
- Skin quality can improve.
- Acne and scars can fade.
- Wrinkles can be reduced.
- An increase in skin elasticity can be experienced.
- Sagging skin can be tightened.
The application is performed with the help of a fine needle or catheter. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Results generally begin to appear immediately. However, the best results emerge within a few weeks. Collagen filler is an especially suitable option for those who want to alleviate signs of aging and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Types of Collagen Fillers
Various substances are used in facial filler procedures. These substances differ according to their structure and mechanisms of action. Now let's examine the most commonly used types of collagen fillers.
Hyaluronic Acid Filler
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our body and helps preserve moisture in the skin. This type of filler helps eliminate wrinkles and fine lines by adding volume to the skin. It has the ability to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used in many different areas such as lip filler, cheek filler, and chin filler. Since it does not cause allergic reactions, it is often preferred for increasing the volume of soft tissue. The duration of permanence generally varies between 6 and 18 months.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite Filler
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral found in the structure of teeth and bones. This filler material adds volume when injected under the skin. It also stimulates collagen production. It is especially used in the treatment of deep wrinkles and in defining facial contours.
Since it is biocompatible, no test is required before the application. The effect of calcium hydroxyapatite fillers lasts an average of 12-18 months. These fillers are especially effective in:
- Defining cheekbones
- Shaping the jawline
- Reducing signs of aging on the back of the hands.
Polycaprolactone Filler
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polymer used in aesthetic medicine and medical applications. It has become popular in recent years in the fields of skin rejuvenation and face shaping.
PCL-based fillers provide a long-term rejuvenation effect by increasing the skin's natural collagen production. Polycaprolactone fillers contain PCL microspheres in a carboxymethyl cellulose gel. When applied to the skin, this content provides a rapid volume effect with the gel, while the PCL microspheres stimulate collagen synthesis.
It has been shown that with applications of polycaprolactone-containing fillers, the desired filler effect in the tissue with new collagen production lasts 18-24 months. Due to it being a biocompatible and safe material, it has a wide range of uses.
Which Filler Is Suitable for Whom?
First and foremost, collagen filler is suitable for those who want to alleviate signs of aging and want their skin to look younger and fresher. This treatment can help people with fine lines, wrinkles, or volume loss in the skin. When choosing among the types of collagen fillers, the individual's age, lifestyle, and expectations from the treatment should be considered.
In general, collagen filler is suitable for people in the 25-65 age range. After the age of 25, it can be applied at any age either preventively or to address signs of aging that have formed and loss of elasticity. People aged 35-60 in particular prefer collagen filler to minimize signs of dull skin appearance, fine wrinkles, and loss of elasticity in the skin.
When choosing the appropriate filler, the particle size, concentration, permanence, side effects, and late complications of the material should be carefully evaluated. Products with small particles are used in the treatment of fine lines, while products with large particles are used in the treatment of deeper lines.
However, collagen filler is not suitable for everyone. Collagen filler is not recommended in the following cases:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those with allergic or skin diseases
- Those with allergies to dairy products
- Those experiencing skin problems such as active wounds or infections
- People with bleeding and clotting disorders
- Those undergoing cancer treatment
- Those with uncontrolled diabetes
- Those with a history of keloid (excessive tissue healing)
- Those with an active autoimmune disease
In addition, all types of collagen fillers can be applied regardless of gender. Both men and women can have collagen filler. However, the individual's needs, expectations, and skin structure play an important role in determining the type of filler.
For this reason, it is extremely important to have a detailed consultation with a specialist physician before having a collagen filler. The specialist physician will evaluate the individual's medical history, skin type, lifestyle, and expectations to determine the most suitable type of filler.