There are so may "wrinkle fillers" like Restylane, Juvaderm, etc. How can I pick the right one?
Collagen injections erase lines and wrinkles and will last up to six months. Sculptra adds fullness and volume to lift sinking areas of the face. The added benefits of Sculptra are that it stimulates collagen production in the body and can last up to two years.
There are a number of wrinkle filler products available with different characteristics. I will mention them in order of longevity.
The first group are the Hyaluronic Acid products. There are a number of products containing this material. These include:
Rastylane, Perlane, Elevess, Prevelle, Hylaform, Juvederm, and Captique
The differences in the products are subtle despite claims made by the manufacturers. The newest products are Elevess and Prevelle. These 2 contain a numbing medicine that decrease the discomfort associated with the procedure.
All the products mentioned above last about 6 months despite claims to the contrary by the manufacturers. And they are avaiable off the shelf with no preparation.
Other types of fillers include Radiesse and Sculptra. These are also available off the shelf with no preparation.
Radiesse is a hydroxyapatite product (similar to the material found in bone) and lasts about 8-9 months.
Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid product (similar to suture material used in surgery) and lasts about 2 years. This is more of a volume filler than a wrinkle filler.
All of these products can be used to effectively in the face. However, as mentioned, all of the products listed above are temporary fillers.
The only FDA approved permanent filler that is available off the shelf is Artefill. This product can improve wrinkles permanently with excellent results.
Last but not least is fat injections. Fat injections can also permanently add volume to the face. Although this is a surgical procedure, with proper technique excellent results can be achieved.
Juvederm, Radiesse, and ArteFill are all true fillers. That is, the patient looks better the day of the injection. Sculptra is a volume agent that gives volume to the skin but only several months after injection.
Juvederm is a sugar-like substance that can last up to one year from injection. Radiesse is a calcium gel that can last one to two years. ArteFill contains collagen and synthetic beads. It can last five or more years but requires a skin test to make sure the patient is not allergic to the collagen.
Juvederm, Radiesse, and ArteFill can be used for smile lines and a variety of other wrinkles. Sculptra is a synthetic sugar-like substance that over a series of injections done months apart works best at helping sunken cheeks and hollow sunken lower eyes.
Dr. Jennifer Walden shares her expertise with FOX News and compares popular wrinkle treatments:
Radiesse
Radiesse lasts longer than other fillers (e.g. Restylane) and has a thicker consistency. It may be palpable for a longer period, and it works particularly well to fill deeper creases.
Your doctor will suggest what is best for your condition. The depth and width of the lines determines whether a thicker or finer filler would be used. Restylane and Juvederm are virtually equivalent; some doctors prefer one over the other.
There are so many on the market right now. Where do you want to start?
Picking the right one is a matter of personal preference of the physician and what that physician feels is right for you. This is often a long discussion during the consultation.
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