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Self-Derivative Injectable Products
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Semi-permanent, self-derived injectable fillers such Autologen and autologous fat offer augmentation options from your own body They can be used for wrinkles, and deep folds such as the nasolabial area (lines that run from nose to mouth) and the glabellar region (frown lines between the brows. |
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They are also used for augmentation of the lips and for filling out acne scars and other types of tissue deficiencies. They can be utilized after a temporary "try on" product has been used or used as a first time product for the above indications. In this section, we will discuss the various options in soft tissue augmentation with the use of self-derived options
These "products" are of your own body. This means there is no chance of rejection and you have your own storage bank of options. Be advised that natural "fillers" can be absorbed by your body resulting in decreased augmentation down the road. Some surgeons incorporate newer techniques to increase the longevity but it is not an exact science although every body is different.
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1. Isolagen: (technically: cultured human fibroblasts) This can be considered a self-derived catalyst so it falls under two categories. It is currently being run through the required clinical trials in the U.S. as we speak. Its make up is primarily from cultured human fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are connective-tissue cells of mesenchymal origin that secrete proteins; especially molecular collagen from which the extracellular fibrillar matrix of connective tissue forms. Mesenchymal means: loosely organized undifferentiated mostly messodermal cells that give rise to such structures as connective tissues, blood, lymphatics, bone and cartilage. Messoderm (as in Messodermal) is the middle of the three primary germ layers of an embryo and is the source of many bodily tissues and structures. Broadly, tissues derived from this germ layer are considered Messodermic.
Basically it is an injectable cultured (grown in a petri dish, in a lab, from skin taken from a punch graft behind your ear) tissue that, when injected into the body, encourages tissue growth for an undetermined amount of time. The human fibroblasts are not known to cause any negative reaction and be extremely tolerated, rather, accepted wholeheartedly, by the body. In addition to sparking actual tissue growth from the live fibroblast injection.
Allergy test: reportedly not necessary
Longevity: reportedly indefinite although the collagen is susceptible to natural aging.
Approximate Cost: unknown
Available in the United States? Isolagen has not been approved by the FDA for use in the US as of yet.
Website: www.isolagen.com
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2. Fat grafting, transfer or transplanting: Fat from your own storage banks (i.e. your tummy pooch or inner knee) can be suctioned out after say, a Liposuction procedure or just from an incision in your thigh. The fat is then processed in-office and re-injected into your lips.
The pluses: it is your own fat and doesn't get rejected.
The drawbacks: many of the fat cells do not survive the procedure and die off being absorbed into the body if not performed correctly or if your metabolism is very high and the fact that your body does not normally store its excess fat there (don't you wish?).
Granted it doesn't absorb as fast especially since we lose fat as we age anyway. Actually in many cases 30%-50% augmentation remains on average after 1 year due to the movement of the lips and if proper vascularization was not produced. Another thing is that some surgeons are still severely over-inject the area with fat cells to compensate for the natural fat cell necrosis. This usually kills the fat cells instead of helping them. It has shown in studies and procedures where a small amount of fat irrigated with a serum of oxygenated saline laced with vitamins or your own plasma or albumin are injected in intervals instead of all in one lump sum. The fat cell survival rate is better.
Allergy Test: not necessary as it is your own fat
Longevity: anywhere from 6 months to several years. Yet, some doctors are claiming semi-permanency with the newer techniques.
Approximate Cost: about $2,400. - $4,500.
Available in the United States? Yes, quite everywhere, but the trick is finding a fat grafting "specialist".
Click Here For More Information On Fat Grafting
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3. Autologen: (technically: Autologous human collagen) It is derived from the patient's own skin, usually from the excess removed at the time of a rhytidoplasty (facelfit), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction), breast lift or other type of procedure involving tissue extraction. It is sent to a lab and processed, removing the patient's own natural collagen. It is preserved and kept frozen in the special cryo-freezers at the lab and sent to your doctor's office whenever needed. It is rather expensive and may seem like a hassle, but there is no risk of rejection as it is your own collagen. It is reported to be well tolerated when re-injected into your body.
Allergy Test: not necessary as it is your own collagen
Longevity: anywhere from 4 months to 9 months.
Approximate Cost: $1,200. - 4,000. for 3.0 cc
Available in the United States? yes
Find out about other procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks.