This is an extremely comprehensive and well-designed study of short-term and long-term degradable fillers as well as permanent fillers. Having identified and reviewed 109 relevant manuscripts between 2001 and 2013, Ahn and Rao have produced an excellent paper on this rapidly growing treatment. Each of the main soft tissue augmentation materials are discussed under the headings: description, mechanism of action, complications and summary. Hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, injectable poly-L-lactic acid and polymethylmethacrylate are all covered in depth and detail which ensures clinicians can gain a greater understanding of appropriate filler selection for soft tissue augmentation. What the study ultimately concludes is that, due to product variability, treatment can be best guided by knowledge of the product’s action and the individual needs of the patient. A combination treatment using fillers from different classes, or in conjunction with other injectables such as botulinum toxin, may result in longer lasting results.
The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers
Reviewed by Peter Prendergast
The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers.
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Peter Prendergast
ECAMS Founder and President, Medical Director Venus Medical.
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