What’s the Difference Between Dermal Fillers?

Some people are years away from considering facial plastic surgery, but still want to look youthful and renewed. If you’re one of these people and would like to refresh your look, how about trying an injectable filler? These products, such as JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic, can restore fullness to the face and smooth lines and wrinkles, leaving you looking relaxed and rejuvenated.

The wonderful thing about these products is that they each offer different benefits. Here’s a review of the filler products we offer for facial rejuvenation, and what each one do for you.

JUVÉDERM®—This dermal filler is composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. Think of HA as the best moisturizer you never had to use, because it occurs naturally in your skin. However, over time, your supply of hyaluronic acid decreases, resulting in lines and wrinkles in the facial tissue. JUVÉDERM® replaces the lost HA in your skin, restoring volume by plumping facial wrinkles and folds. The injection process takes 30 minutes or less, you see results right away, and downtime is virtually nonexistent.

• Why JUVÉDERM®? Because of its unique formulation, the benefits from treatment may last up to 1 year. It’s also safe and effective for all skin types and tones, and is especially effective at filling smile lines (nasolabial folds).

Restylane®—Like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane® is made of hyaluronic acid, the great natural hydrator and volumizing agent found in your body. However, the consistency of Restylane® is slightly different and it can be “molded” into shape after treatment. Treatment is quick—usually less than an hour—and results are immediate.

• Why Restylane®? If you’re looking for luscious lips, Restylane® is the filler for you; it is the only FDA-approved product for lip enhancement in those over 21 years old. It is also well-suited for treating severe wrinkles and folds, including smiles lines and marionette lines (the lines at the corners of the mouth).

Sculptra® Aesthetic—A filler of a different kind, Sculptra® works gradually after injection to restore the structure of the skin. As opposed to the HA products that fill wrinkles and lines, Sculptra® helps replace lost collagen. It works over the course of several months, allowing for a more subtle anti-aging transformation, which may be preferable for you.

• Why Sculptra®? Its composition of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material used in dissolvable stitches, provides a long-lasting result—up to 2 years in some patients. The renewed structure of the skin plumps the wrinkles and folds, restoring the fullness of a youthful face and offering refined results.

So while each of these products is called a “filler,” there are nuances that might make one a better choice for you. During a consultation, we can discuss your cosmetic goals and decide on the proper approach for your facial rejuvenation. Depending on your concerns, fillers can be combined with BOTOX® or Dysport® treatment for a more comprehensive improvement. I look forward to discussing your options with you.

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