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We now have many fillers available allowing us to custom “fit” the right filler for each individual person and location. As many of you know, I always feel more confident with a product after it has been approved for cosmetic uses by the FDA. Restylane has been available since 2004. It is a microbiologically engineered hyaluronic acid derivative. This is a non-animal product. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally found substance in our normal skin.
Perlane was approved in May of 2007. This is a thicker form of Restylane consisting of larger particles and can be used for deeper filling and contouring. Juvederm was also recently FDA approved. Juvederm is another hyaluronic acid gel that can be used in numerous areas of the face. It is a different formulation than Restylane and may offer us different advantages. Juvéderm™ injectable gel is available in two formulations. Juvéderm™ Ultra provides versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus is a more robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. Radiesse was approved for cosmetic use at the end of 2006. This product is derived from uniform microspheres of calcium hydroxlyapatite (CaHA) suspended in a water base gel carrier. Once injected, the gel carrier is absorbed over time leaving the CaHA particles to support tissue in-growth. The microspheres (particles) form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows, and this produces the desired long-term effect. It has been used in Europe for many years with excellent results. It is used for soft tissue filling on the face to provide more volume and usually lasts for 1 year or longer.
Sculptra is an exciting product, which is also expected to gain its cosmetic indication shortly. It can be used to fill areas of facial volume loss, such as in the cheeks or temples. Sculptra® is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants. It can last 1-2 years.We expect many new and exciting options in the near future. The table below reviews some of the differences between the fillers. Call for more information.
Injectable |
What it is |
Where it goes |
How long it lasts |
Healing time |
| Restylane and Perlane |
Synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally found sugar normally made in our skin. It pulls water into itself to fill the skin. Perlane is a thicker form used in deeper folds for more volume |
Lines and furrow on the face( nasolabial folds, lips, cheeks, under eyes). |
6-8 months and in some people, longer |
1-3 days of redness and swelling. The occasional bruise will last about 1 week. |
| Juvederm ultra and ultra plus |
Synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid similar to Restylane and Perlane. Slightly thinner and more fluid product. Ultra plus if the thicker version of this product. |
Similar places as Restylane and Perlane. |
6-8 months and in some people, longer |
1-3 days of redness and swelling. The occasional bruise will last about 1 week |
| Collagen (bovine or human) |
Either a cow source (Zyderm / Zyplast) or lab derived human foreskin source (Cosmoderm / Cosmoplast) |
Fine lines are treated with the thinner products (---Derm); thicker lines are treated with (----Plast). |
2-6 months. Bovine collagen requires skin testing to rule out allergies. |
Allergic reactions are rare, swelling redness and bruising but usually milder with shorter healing than Hyaluronic acids(1-2 days) |
| Radiesse |
uniform microspheres of Calcium hydroxlyapatite (CaHA) suspended in a water base gel carrier. Once injected, the gel carrier is absorbed over time leaving the CaHA particles to support tissue in-growth. The microspheres (particles) form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows |
Deeper nasolabial folds, perioral lines and cheeks |
1-2 years |
More redness, swelling, bruising with slightly more discomfort. (5-7 days) |
| Sculptra |
Sculptra® is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). |
Areas of volume loss in the cheeks, temples and around the mouth |
1-2 years. Requires a series of treatments to achieve best results |
Swelling, bruising (5-7 days) and rarely, lump formation |
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For more information, feel free to call our office. |
