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5 Facts about fillers

The history of fillers stretches back over 120 years. In this article, we look at five interesting facts about filler treatment.

Fillers have been used for over 120 years

As early as 1899, physician Robert Gersuny injected Vaseline into the scrotum (testicles) of a patient to make it appear as if he had testicles. The unfortunate patient had previously lost them due to tuberculosis and wanted it to look as if he still had testicles.

The first documented attempt at lip fillers was published way back in 1906. A surgeon tried injecting paraffin wax(!!) into the lips to make them look thicker. As expected, this attempt was not a success.

Paraffin wax was used as a filler until well into the 1900s, before it was discovered that a large proportion of patients developed infections. Infections caused by paraffin wax could occur many years after it was injected into the skin.

Injured soldier who has had his face reconstructed after being shot in the face.

Filler is produced entirely naturally

Restylane was the first and only naturally produced cosmetic filler made from non-animal hyaluronic acid (NASHA gel).

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies and is one of the skin's most important building blocks, capable of holding 1000 times its own weight. It gives the skin volume and helps to keep it supple and elastic. When we are young, our bodies maintain a constant production of hyaluronic acid, but by our mid-20s, the body's production of hyaluronic acid decreases significantly, especially in the deeper layers of the skin. A reduction and loss of hyaluronic acid causes the familiar signs of aging, such as loss of volume, lines, and sagging skin. TBL Medical only uses fillers from Restylane.

Synthetic fillers, also known as semi-permanent fillers, will never disappear completely, as the body is unable to break them down even over a long period of time.

Hydroxyapatite filler

Facts
Hydroxyapatite filler, known by its English name calcium hydroxyapatite (abbreviated CaHA), is already found naturally in our bones and teeth. In fact, 50% of our bones consist of hydroxyapatite (better known as bone mineral) and 97% of our tooth enamel. CaHA fillers often have a thicker consistency than HA fillers and are therefore used more for very deep wrinkles and in areas where the volume needs to be increased significantly. Radiesse is a filler manufacturer that uses CeHA as the main ingredient in its fillers.

Polymethyl methacrylate filler

Facts
Polymethyl methacrylate filler, known by its English name Polymethylmethacrylate (abbreviated PMMA), is, like polymilk acid, a biodegradable substance that is widely used in medical treatments. In addition to fillers, PMMA is used, for example, to make so-called bone cement for bonding implants and as a filler in teeth. PMMA is also used in other industries outside the medical field, where perhaps the best-known product is Plexiglass. PMMA fillers will also contain collagen. Bellafill is a filler manufacturer that makes fillers based on PMMA.

Polylactic acid filler

Facts
Polylactic acid filler, known by its English name Poly-L-lactic Acid, is a synthetically produced but biodegradable material. This means that it is safe to use in medical treatments. Polylactic acid is widely used in the medical world, for example in sutures (thread) for stitches after surgery or injury. Stitches made with thread produced from polylactic acid will be broken down by the body itself, so there is no need to remove them – in other words, they are biodegradable in our bodies. Polylactic acid fillers are defined as collagen-stimulating fillers due to their ability to increase the body's natural production of collagen. Collagen is known to be the body's glue and helps to keep the skin supple and elastic. Typical areas for polylactic acid fillers are deep facial wrinkles. Sculptra is a filler manufacturer that makes fillers based on polylactic acid.

Hyaluronic acid filler

Facts
Hyaluronic acid filler, also known as HA, is completely natural and is already found in most organs in the body, especially in our skin. Hyaluronic acid in the skin is what keeps it hydrated, elastic, and voluminous. When the body's natural hyaluronic acid production declines from the mid-30s, the typical signs of aging such as sagging skin, loss of skin volume, and wrinkles begin to appear. Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero are fillers that use HA in their fillers.

A filler treatment should give you a natural look

When talking about fillers, many people first think of unnaturally large, swollen lips. Yes, it is possible to end up with so-called "duck lips" if you want them, or if the practitioner does not perform the treatment correctly. But if the practitioner is skilled, filler treatment should give you a completely natural and younger appearance without it being possible to see that you have had treatment.

comparison photo1 comparison photo2
A skilled practitioner will give you a natural look without making you look "treated."

Fillers are temporary

Filler treatment is a quick and effective treatment for adding volume and elasticity to the skin, but as with many other cosmetic treatments, the results are not permanent. Fillers in the lips typically last 3-6 months, while in other areas of the face they may last 12-18 months before the body breaks down and absorbs the filler.

Anyone can put on a HA filler

In Norway, there are actually no laws stating that you must be a nurse or doctor to inject fillers, as they are not defined as a medicine. Although there is little risk involved in filler treatment with Restylane and Juvederm, it is very important that the practitioner is an approved healthcare professional (doctor/nurse) authorized by either Restylane or Juvederm. There have been cases where people without the necessary expertise have performed the treatment incorrectly, which in turn led to critical complications after the treatment (blindness and necrosis).

Injection