Cosmetic Facial Fillers
The injectable fillers are an exciting tool in the field of aesthetic medicine. They are used for correcting wrinkles, restoring lost volume and camouflage of depressed scars. Many injectable types of dermal filler are now available on the market and it is becoming more complicated to choose the right one. It is important for the physician administering dermal fillers to have a good understanding of which substance is best suited to address a particular defect and your individual aesthetic goals. The following information may help you gain additional information on the most common fillers since each have their advantages, drawbacks and indications. One of the most popular temporary injectable dermal fillers on the market is made from a natural substance called hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps to hydrate and add volume to the skin. In addition to its use as an aesthetic treatment, hyaluronic acid has also been used for more than 20 years for injection into arthritic joints to aid movement as well as for eye surgeries and wound repair.“Uncross-linked” hyaluronic acid in its natural form is in a liquid state. “Cross-linking” is the process through which hyaluronic acid is made into a gel product that can be eased under the skin to smooth folds and wrinkles. The following is an overview of the common injectable dermal fillers used in facial rejuvenation procedures. Most injectables fall into the category of “fillers”. Fillers are designed to fill in wrinkles and depressions in the face.They include such products as Collagen, Restylane, Sculptra, Radiesse, and Juvederm.
Botox and Dysport are different in that they weaken the facial muscles thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines.
As you read the following you will probably find that more than one of these products addresses your concerns. When you meet with our board certified cosmetic surgeon, he will be able to advise you as to which product or products will best help you achieve your desired result.
Botox® Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin drug that acts by temporarily blocking nerve pulses in facial muscles. It tends to be most effective in muscles related to expression lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth. It is often effective in areas where fillers may not be. Botox is a very safe and effective injectable and therefore very popular among patients.
Juvederm™ This product is a dermal filler that is based on hyaluronic acid and works together with the body's own hyaluronic acid to create volume. Allergan officially released the product in January 2007. Studies show that results last up to 6-12 months. Juvederm is effective for the nasolabial folds, under the eyes, between eyebrows and lip plumping.
Perlane® This dermal filler is the newest member of the Restylane family. The difference in Perlane is the gel particle size. Perlane gel particles are larger and designed for deeper injection than Restylane. It works well for severe facial wrinkles and folds.
Radiesse® Another product within the “filler” category, Radiesse is made up of calcium hydroxiapatite (CaHA) a primary component of teeth and bones. No skin testing is required. This product has a thicker consistency and is best for deeper nasolabial folds and rebuilding hollow areas. The consistency of this product allows it to last longer than most fillers, up to a year or longer.
Restylane® Next to Botox, Restylane is the second most common injectable. It is a hyaluronic acid filler that plumps up creases under the skin. Restylane is similar to Juvederm. This filler is also used for nasolabial folds, under the eyes and between eyebrows Patients experience results that can last up to six months. Restylane is the most popular product for creating fuller looking lips.
Sculptra Another product in the line-up of fillers, Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material and does not require a skin test. Again, this product fills in wrinkles and depressions in facial areas such as the nasolabial folds. Sculptra is injected in small amounts so for certain areas multiple treatments are necessary but results can last a year or more.
LATISSE®
LATISSE is a prescription solution treatment for hypotrichosis (not enough eyelashes) used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.
Botox and Dysport are different in that they weaken the facial muscles thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines.
As you read the following you will probably find that more than one of these products addresses your concerns. When you meet with our board certified cosmetic surgeon, he will be able to advise you as to which product or products will best help you achieve your desired result.
Botox® Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin drug that acts by temporarily blocking nerve pulses in facial muscles. It tends to be most effective in muscles related to expression lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth. It is often effective in areas where fillers may not be. Botox is a very safe and effective injectable and therefore very popular among patients.
Juvederm™ This product is a dermal filler that is based on hyaluronic acid and works together with the body's own hyaluronic acid to create volume. Allergan officially released the product in January 2007. Studies show that results last up to 6-12 months. Juvederm is effective for the nasolabial folds, under the eyes, between eyebrows and lip plumping.
Perlane® This dermal filler is the newest member of the Restylane family. The difference in Perlane is the gel particle size. Perlane gel particles are larger and designed for deeper injection than Restylane. It works well for severe facial wrinkles and folds.
Radiesse® Another product within the “filler” category, Radiesse is made up of calcium hydroxiapatite (CaHA) a primary component of teeth and bones. No skin testing is required. This product has a thicker consistency and is best for deeper nasolabial folds and rebuilding hollow areas. The consistency of this product allows it to last longer than most fillers, up to a year or longer.
Restylane® Next to Botox, Restylane is the second most common injectable. It is a hyaluronic acid filler that plumps up creases under the skin. Restylane is similar to Juvederm. This filler is also used for nasolabial folds, under the eyes and between eyebrows Patients experience results that can last up to six months. Restylane is the most popular product for creating fuller looking lips.
Sculptra Another product in the line-up of fillers, Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material and does not require a skin test. Again, this product fills in wrinkles and depressions in facial areas such as the nasolabial folds. Sculptra is injected in small amounts so for certain areas multiple treatments are necessary but results can last a year or more.
LATISSE®
LATISSE is a prescription solution treatment for hypotrichosis (not enough eyelashes) used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.