Background: The use of injectable soft-tissue fillers has become an essential tool in esthetic rejuvenation. Rheology, the study of flow of matter, helps to understand the function of these products.
Aims: The purpose of this article is to review the rheologic properties of soft-tissue fillers currently available in the United States and to evaluate how these properties relate to clinical performance.
Methods: This article explains basic rheologic terms and describes how rheologic properties of specific soft-tissue fillers affect filler performance.
Results: The currently available soft-tissue fillers have unique rheologic and physicochemical properties that influence performance and cosmetic outcome. These properties determine that filler product is most appropriate based on degree of soft-tissue defect and anatomic location.
Conclusion: It is imperative for physicians to have an in-depth understanding of the rheologic properties of soft-tissue fillers in order to appropriately select and utilize these products for the desired cosmetic outcome.
Keywords: cosmetic dermatology; dermal filler; elasticity; hyaluronic acid; intradermal injections; rheology.
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