I think the most encouraging news to cosmetic plastic surgeons and patients is the authorization of the use of silicon gel in breast implants by FDA in the United States. The other one, permanent injectable filler Aquamid, is also authorized to be used by the Department of Health.

The main ingredient and its advantages and disadvantages of Aquamid have been already discussed in the previous article. Readers, which are interested in knowing more details, can refer to the article called “Long lasting effect injectable fillers – a future revolution for plastic surgery?” As I, the author, had the opportunity to go to Europe to learn the clinical applications and effects of this type of product during the middle of last year. Also from communicating with surgeons from Europe, Japan and Korea, significant amount of learning about usage of Aquamid in therapies were accumulated. Thus, I have the obligation of explaining the various applicable usage of Aquamid to allow consumers to fully understand the characteristic and suitability of this injectable filler. Consequently, consumers are reassured about the safety of this material.

97% of the Aquamid’s ingredients are made from distilled water, therefore, one month after the injection the appearance would look like the area has been covered with a layer of thickened skin (the same feeling as the touch of your chin). This is because it has fully integrated with the skin. Also problems of hard lumps or bumpy skins would not occur nor does the unnatural expression of the face. Furthermore, as Aquamid is injected into the fatty tissue layer instead of the skin layer, where HA is injected, any redness or bruise can hardly be seen. With a short recovery period, no one would notice about anything have been done to your face when returning to work on the next day. Besides, its effects can at least last for more than 8 to 10 years. Thus, there is no need to worry about re-injecting the filler repeatedly. Due to the three specific advantages mentioned above, many European, Japanese patients can happily accept the changes brought by micro cosmetic surgery as they have chosen to avoid worrying or fearing for the surgery.

Actually, the authorization of the usage of Aquamid let cosmetic plastic surgeons have an extra useful tool which to apply on various applications. This injectable filler can be used across a wide range of applications. I, the author, will describe its applications and required dosage in the following.

1. Forehead and cheek augmentation
The result for common practices of fat transplant to lift forehead and cheek in the past is not effective and is easy to be absorbed by the human body. In addition, there are the risks for issues such as hard lumps and bumpy surface. Aquamid is able to prevent these disadvantages. Normally, a forehead lift requires 6 to 8cc; 夫妻宮 requires 2-3cc per side, where as cheek lifts require 3-5cc per side in order to be able to see the result of the injection.

2.Nasolabial fold correction
For nasolabial fold correction, Aquamid can replace fat transplants, artificial skin filling or the ordinary functions of HA injections. It is also able to prevent the disadvantages mentioned above. However, as the depth of nasolabial fold can vary, normally it requires 1 to 3 cc per side.

3. Nose augmentation
Aquamid can partially replace the effects of a nose job. Normally it is often used for localized area such as padding up of the bridge of the nose and nose dorsum. However if you want to have a nose shape that is tall, pointed or highly raised, then it is best to rely on surgery. Normally the bridge of the nose requires 1cc but the nose dorsum requires 1 to 1.5cc of injections.

4. Chin augmentation
Due to the thick skin tissues of our chin, in order to achieve an effect similar to the three dimensional effects of cosmetic surgeries, around 3 to 5 cc of Aquamid dosages is required.

5. Post cosmetic surgery adornment
Aquamid can be used flexibly in some post cosmetic surgery adornment, such as unevenness after fat transplant, the bridge of the nose is still not high enough or too obvious after a nose job or tilted or other smaller degree amendments and etc. With suitable amounts of Aquamid to mend the unsatisfied area, patients do not have to go through another painful surgery and still get the result they desired. Dosage will depend on the degree of adornment.

Although the applicable usage of Aquamid is very broad, but I still need remind everyone that keeping the dosage of injection under 15cc is the safest. If dosage is over the safety limit, there are the possibility of concerns about ageing and having loosened skin. Also, Aquamid cannot imitate the stiff and three dimensional effects that are similar to the traditional surgery. Therefore it still cannot substitute cosmetic plastic surgery. In addition, patients must be certain about what their requests are as the cost is high. Most importantly, is to choose a certified professional surgeon to perform the injection. Only this way, you can get the desired outcome of Aquamid and bring yourself a long lasting and natural change.