What are facial dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill in lines, wrinkles, and scars. Unlike face lifts that stretch the skin, fillers add volume for a more natural youthful appearance. Fillers can also increase the fullness of the lips (see section on lip enhancement) and lessen the downward slant of the corner of lips. The most common areas treated are the smile lines around the nose and mouth, fine lines above the mouth, frown lines between the eyes, and acne scars.

Our favorite dermal fillers:

Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm) and hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) are temporary fillers. They are naturally present in all the tissue of the body. Once injected, they are absorbed by the body over time, usually in 6 months to 18 months.

Hyaluronic acid

The hyaluronic acid fillers are non-animal-based. This decreases the risk of animal based disease transmission or allergic reaction. No pre-testing is required. They have been approved by the FDA for use in moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. There is usually no recovery after filler injection.

Radiesse

Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxyapatite and a gel carrier. The calcium hydroxyapatite is about 30% of the product; the rest is the gel carrier. The syringe contains about 1.3 cc of material, which is more than Restylane (1.0cc) or Juvederm (0.8cc). 

After the Radiesse is injected, your body will start to make its own collagen around the microscopic beads of the calcium hydroxyapatite. This collagen can last much longer than the Radiesse, which is why some doctors refer to this filler as a semi-permanent filler. The effect lasts about 12-18 months.

What are the differences among the different fillers?

Juvederm and Restylane are both Hyaluronic acid fillers and are competitors of each other. Restylane is similar to Juvederm Ultra and Perlane is similar to Juvederm Ultra Plus. Radiesse is calcium hydroxyapatite filler. In experienced hands, we can get very nice results with any of them. There are subtle differences that might make us choose one versus the other based on the specific area being treated. For example:

• Juvederm is often used for lips and for nasolabial folds because it's softer and a bit more hydrophilic (attracts fluid to the area). It tends to provide very smooth results.

• However, when we treat around the eyes, we want to avoid any swelling. Restylane is preferred for the tear troughs (area underneath the lower eyelids).

• For deeper wrinkles or to add volume to the cheeks, Radiesse provides excellent results.

There is also difference in cost and longevity of these products. So the treatment plans are individually designed. Our doctor will tailor your treatments according to your need.

How will I look after my treatment?

Following your injections, normal activities can be resumed immediately. Discomfort is minimal. The treatment site may have a little swelling, which may last a few hours. There may be some slight bruising which can be covered with make-up. If the lips are treated, initial swelling and tenderness may occur within the first several days, but subsides after two or three days.

For more information on the Skin Fillers, contact the Medical Laser & Skin Rejuvenation Center at (732) 485-0840