Battle against Aging and Folds: Benefit and Risks of the Semi-Permanent Fillers Polylactic Acid and Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Background: Semi-permanent fillers are among the most favorable fillers on the market. Through their unique mode of action and its associated lasting aesthetic effect, they take an exceptional position. Objective: To compare the two semi-permanent fillers Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in reference to the aesthetic result, patient satisfaction and side effects. Methods: Studies on side effects, patient satisfaction and aesthetic results after augmentation with semi-permanent fillers were analyzed. Results: Semi-permanent fillers seem excellently suited for the augmentation of very deep wrinkles particularly in the lower half of the face. In general, high patient satisfaction can be determined with both fillers. Here, the effect from the polylactic acid can be verified for up to two years while no effect could be verified already after one year in a majority of the patients augmented with CaHA. Short-term side effects such as bleedings or erythema in the region of the augmented area have been observed in both fillers during augmentation. The incidence of nodules and granulomas seems significantly higher in augmentations with PLLA compared to CaHA. Rare side effects such as an embolization of a blood vessel caused by the implant have been described for both fillers in case reports. Conclusion: Semi-permanent fillers are superbly suited for wrinkle augmentation. Which filler is the preferred one in what case depends strongly on the individual needs of the patient and the therapist’s experience.

A Self‑Regenerable Fiber Sloughing Its Heavy Metal Skin for Ultrahigh Separation Capability

Developing efficient separation materials for recovering metal resources from aqueous environments is crucial for the sustainable water–food–energy nexus,which addresses the interdependence between energy production,water production,and energy consumption.Various material-based separation processes have demonstrated outstanding performance.However,electric energy and chemicals are used to frequently replace the separation materials used in such processes owing to their short life span.This study presents a methodology for designing the self-regenerable fiber(SRF)according to the types of metals through a self-regeneration model.The SRF can semi-permanently recover the metal resources from water through a repetitive adsorption–crystallization–detachment process of metal ions on its surface.The ionic metal resources are adsorbed and crystallized with the counter-anions on the SRF surface.Next,the metal crystals are self-detached from the SRF surface by the collision between the crystals and curvature and non-sticky surface of the SRF.Thus,a module containing the SRF maintains its metal recovery capability even during continuous injection of the metal solution without its replacement.These findings highlight the significance of interfacial engineering and further guide the rational design of energy/environmentally friendly resource recovery modules.

Intradermal fillers for minimally invasive treatment of facial aging

The ever-increasing interest in retaining a youthful physical appearance has facilitated the development of various minimally invasive dermatological techniques.The use of intradermal fillers can be incorporated into dermatological practices with minimal overhead costs.This strategy addresses facial volume loss and dynamic lines,which are the main features of facial aging.Moreover,intradermal fillers provide an array of flexible treatment options for a balanced and holistic result to dermatological practitioners.This paper reviews the different intradermal fillers categorized by biodegradable and non-permanent fillers including collagen based materials,hyaluronic acid and autologous fat,semi-permanent fillers including poly methyl methacrylate,poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres,and permanent fillers including silicone.A discussion is provided of the commercial products made of these materials and their clinical efficacy in the treatment of facial aging.