Injectable fillers for facial rejuvenation: a review

Health care practices are moving toward a more preventative focus. In addition to leading healthier lives and seeking help to eradicate disease, patients are enlisting the help of plastic surgeons to reduce the visible signs of aging. Traditionally, facial rejuvenation focused on skin tightening through resection and resurfacing. In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on minimally invasive cosmetic improvement. Today, plastic surgeons combat the effects of aging with a variety of non-incisional methods such as soft-tissue augmentation with facial fillers. A multitude of soft-tissue fillers exist, each with their own chemical constituents, indications, and effectiveness. It is imperative that plastic surgeons understand these agents when treating patients with cosmetic complaints. (C) 2008 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.