31 Aug Choosing the Right Dermal Filler
There are a lot of dermal filler brands on the market, and you’ve probably heard of them—Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, and Radiesse are just a few. RefinedMD is dedicated to helping you understand the differences between dermal fillers so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to the lip filler, cheek filler, or other type of facial rejuvenation you choose to use. Different dermal fillers might use different types of core ingredients, and although hyaluronic acid (HA) is very popular and prevalent, it’s not the only key ingredient in dermal fillers.
For example, Radiesse relies on calcium hydroxyapatite, which is already naturally occurring in human bones. Radiesse can be used to address a number of concerns like moderate to severe marionette lines, frown lines, and nasolabial folds. It can also volumize the cheeks, beautify overall facial contours, and improve volume loss caused by facial wasting (which can be caused by certain medications or diseases).
When used as a dermal filler, calcium hydroxyapatite is produced through a biosynthetic process. In other words, there are no animals or animal products used in the production of Radiesse, making it vegan and cruelty-free. Radiesse is a favorite for its natural results and “staying power.” It doesn’t migrate to unwanted areas. Radiesse was initially used in reconstructive surgery and dentistry, and has an impressively long safety record.
What about HA fillers?
Hyaluronic acid is used in a number of popular dermal fillers including Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane, Captique, Esthelis, Hylaform, and Puragen. HA also occurs naturally in the body, particularly in soft connective tissue as well as fluid near the eyes. HA is also in joint fluid, cartilage, and some parts of the skin tissue. HA as a dermal filler is reformulated, and quickly became one of the most in-demand dermal fillers. HA in a non-aesthetic medical setting can be used to treat arthritis pain.
Injecting HA can help reduce skin depressions (from lines to scarring) while improving overall contour. Patients who opt for HA fillers can enjoy dramatic yet organic looking results. HA can be used to treat crow’s feet, deep smile lines, acne scarring, and cheek depressions. Marionette lines can also be treated with HA fillers, and you can also address smoker’s lines with some products containing this ingredient. Some facial scars beyond acne can be treated with HA, such as scars from burns or wounds. Worry lines can be “filled in” with HA, and you can also use this dermal filler to redefine the lip border.
Other Types of Dermal Fillers to Know
Polylactic acid can be used to encourage the body to produce its own, natural plumpness and it’s the key ingredient in Sculptra. Although this acid occurs naturally in the body, Sculptra products use a synthetic form of this acid. It works by kickstarting the body’s collagen production, so it’s more of a stimulator than a traditional dermal filler. Sculptra is non-toxic and totally biodegradable. It’s been used for over four decades as a suture material, so it’s proven to be safe.
Polylactic acid can be especially helpful to address concerns in the lower half of the face. Sculptra is often used to plump up lips, fill in laugh lines, and to treat nasolabial folds. It’s not like other dermal fillers because the results aren’t immediate. Sculptra goes to work right away stimulating collagen production, but results take a few months to show. Most patients require three treatments spaced one month apart for maximum results.
Fillers for Everyone
You might prefer a dermal filler with polyethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), which is found in Bellafill. PMMA is a semi-permanent dermal filler ingredient designed to treat medium or deep wrinkles (particularly the nasolabial folds). However, it can also fill in scars or be used as lip augmentation. PMMA lasts longer than collagen therapy or HA—sometimes for several years. It has been a popular tool in surgical implants for years. However, due to the lasting power of PMMA, it’s common for doctors to “under-fill” in the first treatment to avoid any risk of over-filling. You’ll need several injections to build up PMMA, and it takes up to three months to see the full effect.
Finally, there’s polyalkylimide that is found in Aquamid. It’s also a semi-permanent filler used by plastic surgeons to plump lips, treat facial wasting, treat deeper wrinkles, and enhance the jawline and cheekbones. Semi-permanent treatments should only be injected by surgeons.
To find out more about dermal fillers and lip fillers, contact RefinedMD today at (408) 688-2082.