Juvederm
The most used dermal fillers in the US are Juvederm and Restalne. These are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring scaffolding molecule in your skin.
Hyaluroinic acid fillers are injected into various areas of the face, including the lips, cheeks, and under the eyes. The procedure restores a more youthful and refreshed appearance by creating an immediate plumping effect. The HA molecules then attract water thus also help to hydrate the skin and may improve results over time. Additionally, the presence of the filler beneath the skin can help to stimulate collagen production, which can further improve skin elasticity and firmness. HA fillers are considered safe and effective. The results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the specific product used and your unique physiology.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a different brand dermal filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, which are suspended in a gel carrier made of water and glycerin. This filler is used primarily to treat wrinkles and add volume to areas of the face that have lost elasticity and fullness due to aging or other factors. When injected into the skin, there is an immediate volumizing effect. Then as the gel carrier is gradually absorbed by the body, the microspheres remain in place, providing long-term results that can last up to a year or more. Then over time this filler stimulates your body’s own natural production of collagen. Radiesse is commonly used to treat the nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the jawline), and to add volume to the cheeks and hands.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a brand of dermal filler that is also used to treat wrinkles and add volume to areas of the face and body. It is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which is a synthetic substance that has been used safely in medical procedures for many years. This filler works primarily by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen, which helps to restore volume and improve skin texture over time. Unlike the other dermal fillers, Sculptra does not provide immediate results, as it takes several weeks or even months for the collagen production process to take effect. Sculptra is commonly used to treat the cheeks, temples, and jawline, as well as to add volume to the hands. The results can last up to two years or more, depending on your individual unique physiology and the injection technique used.
Dermal fillers procedures are considered safe and effective, with minimal downtime and few side effects. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. These include bruising, swelling, and infection from the needle used to introduce material to lower layers of skin. The biggest risk is quite rare and involves the potential risk of introducing filler material into a blood vessel. The materials may occlude, or restriction blood flow tissues can lead to loss of skin or vision. In order to minimize these risks, we often use blunt tipped cannulas, which tend to push blood vessels out of the way instead of puncturing them.
