Radiesse Vs Restylane for Deep Frown Lines.

Let me preface this by saying I have no experience with Radiesse in the frown lines.  I do however have extensive experience using Restylane in this area, especially in combination with Botox.  The combination of these two can often be spectacular, and I have seen the Restylane last years when the patient has stayed commited to the use of Botox over time.  I would not recommend any filler in this region unless it is combined with a neurotoxin such as Botox or Dysport, as its longevity will be severely limited.

Thank you for your question. The frown lines between the brows can be address two different ways:
1) Botox or Dysport can be used to soften the deepening of the frown lines when making a frown expression. The treatment may even soften the lines that are present at rest. The effects typically last 3-4 months depending on the dose.
2) Restylane or Juvederm can be used to soften the frown lines that are present even when you don't make an expression. This can last for a year or more when used in conjuction with Botox.
For someone who has concerns with both the static lines (without expression) and the dynamic lines (with expression), then using both products would work well together.
I often find that patients who return after a Botox or Dysport treatment in the frown areas complaining it didn't work, is due to the confusion between the static and dynamic frown lines. They continue to see the static lines even though the dynamic lines have softened considerably.

Hi ELO,

I have found that a combination of neurotoxin (Botox or Dysport) and hyaluronic acid (Restylane or Juvederm Ultra) work very well for vertical glabellar lines (“the angry 11s” or “forehead frown lines”). The results seem to last longer and look better when the two are used in combination.  I would recommend against using Radiesse in the mid-forehead area because of the risk of injecting material into the prominent vessels in this area. Since the hyaluronic acid products are thinner products they can be injected pretty superficially and avoid the vessels. Hope this helps!

Dr.Sunder

HI ELO,

The best treatment for glabellar lines (frown lines) is combining a filler (Restylane or Juvederm) with a neuromodulator (Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin).  Stay away from Radiesse injections in this area!

Dysport does work, but perhaps your injector either misplaced the injections or did not use the proper dosage.

When the glabellar line is filled and the muscles weakened simultaneously, there is a synergistic effect where the line often does not come back even when the Botox and filler would have worn off.

Choose your injecting physician most carefully.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

As there are many blood vessels between the eyebrows, many expert fillers such as myself avoid the use of thicker fillers in this area, to avoid occluding (blocking) any of these important vessels.  Juvederm and Restylane are great choices and can often laser over a year in this area if Botox is concurrently done.  Radiesse, Juvederm Plus and Perlane, on the other hand, I avoid in this area.