While there are many who believe that the only way to achieve a more youthful and aesthetically desirable appearance is to have some type of cosmetic surgical procedure performed, there are those who, while eager for the chance improve upon their appearance, are leery of undergoing such a procedure. For these types of people there are alternatives to having a type of surgery. One such solution to this dilemma is the use of Dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are chemicals or other types of substances that are injected into the various areas of the body, most popular is that of the facial area.

Popularity of dermal fillers

Dermal fillers have grown in popularity because of the minimal invasiveness of the procedure and the minimal cost as compared to major cosmetic surgery. One of the most popular of these fillers is Botox. Botox opened a doorway for equally non-invasive, adjunctive treatments for more superficial contour irregularities and wrinkles.

While dermal filling might seem like something of a new idea, the fact is that dermal filling is not a new treatment. Doctors in as early as the 1890′s were utilizing the technology of taking fat from patient’s arms and injecting it into their faces. Actually, fat is still the most popular substance used by some practitioners today. The idea is to remove fatty tissue from an area of the body where it is not required and inject it somewhere else.

History of dermal fillers

During the mid 1900′s, doctors were using paraffin as a filler in the skin, that is until a high incidence of foreign body granuloma formation or the formation of cancers due to foreign substances was discovered. The next attempted substance used as a dermal filler was that of highly refined injectable silicone. This substance emerged during the 1940′s as a dermal implant with excellent cosmetic results and high use potential. Unfortunately, because of the high abuse potential and problematic adverse effect from the contaminated composites, this use of this substance was banned.

It seemed that there were no suitable dermal fillers to be found, aside from the fat of the human body until the 1970′s. During this time an injectable bovine collagen was developed and, later in 1981, approved by the FDA. This collagen was the industry leader for many years until the development of a human derived collagen filler.

Thanks to the popularity of the liposuction procedures, human fat was once more made a convenient source for tissue augmentation. Now, due to the recent advance in dermal filling technology there are more fillers available, having been derived from the hyaluronic acid derivatives.

Advances in technology has led to massive growth in popularity

With all of the advances in the field of dermal fillers, not only has the use of dermal fillers grown substantially, but the choice in dermal fillers is almost as expansive. Patients have a choice from the traditional dermal filler of human fat and it’s derivatives to the bovine collagen and now the synthetic compounds being produced. This variety is thanks to the evolution of dermal fillers, especially over the past 25 years.

Of all of the cosmetic procedures that can be used to improve one’s appearance, the most simple of these methods are the chemical peel. The chemical peel is a techniques that not only does not necessarily require a physician, although it is recommended to seek the professional help from a Dermatologist, Plastic surgeon or Otolaryngologist when using a specific type of chemical peel before the procedure is performed. This type of treatment involves using a chemical solution in order to improve the texture of the facial skin. Many of these solutions can be purchases and administered without a Medical license.

What is a chemical peel?

The chemical solution is applied, causing the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel away, leaving the skin looking younger, healthier and more radiant. This is an especially good idea if you suffer from dry skin, because dry skin can have a tendency to flake and peel naturally. Using a chemical peel can help keep this to a minimum by eliminating the dead, flaky skin.

Although chemical peels may seem something of a novel cosmetic surgical procedure, the truth is that, in some form or another, these types of treatments have been in use since the beginning of times. Although they may not have been utilizing the chemicals we now have access to today, the desire to remove dead and flaking skin from the body, especially the face is as natural as any instinct.

Items such as sand, tree saps, the juices from plants, fruits and even some foods have always been utilized in these types of treatments. One of the most popular methods, utilizing mud, is still in practice today.

There are many types of chemical peels available, from the ones that can be used by the individual to the ones that need to be administered by a professional in the cosmetic surgical field.

What chemicals are used in the peel?

Alpha Hydroxy Acid is one of the most popular substances used. These acids are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid found in substances such as sugar can juice and lactic acid, which is found in sour milk and tomato juice. This particular peel is the mildest of the peel formulas available and is used for light peels meant to treat fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Alpha Hydroxy Acid can be mixed with facial washes or creams in lesser amounts to use as a part of a daily skin care regimen.

Beta Hydroxy acid peels are becoming more common due to their ability to get deeper into the pores than what Alpha Hydroxy Acid can. While Alpha Hydroxy works on the surface level of the skin, Beta Hydroxy is better able to control oil and get deeper into the pores, helping remove dead skin cells more efficiently. Thanks to the presence of Salicylic acid, Beta Hydroxy is becoming more widely used.

Any other type of chemical peel, due to their strength, should only be performed by a cosmetic specialist to insure that there are no ill effects.