To paraphrase GENESIS - First, there was COLLAGEN. (Closed herd, cow derived Collagen) and Plastic surgeons / Dermatologist liked it "and it was good". But it lasted only 3-4 months and required 1-2 skin tests separated by 3-4 weeks before administration (to avoid giving it to people with allergies) and that was definitely NOT good. Then, came human cadaveric Collagen CosmoDerm™ and CosmoPlast™ human collagen mixed with Lidocaine, a numbing medication. They required no skin tests and could be given immediately without waiting to check a skin tests. They were BETTER but not popular because it came from dead donors (and few people liked the idea of some of ol' Joe in their lips and wrinkles). Then came Radiance / Radiesse a mixture of sea coral powder - calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres (diameter of 25µm to 45µm) suspended in a sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier. It lasts nearly a year and acts by causing scar tissue to replace the gel carrier. It was better but cannot be used anywhere where a hard scar may be objectionable (lips, lower lids etc). Then came Hyaluronic acid fillers - Restylane/Perlane and Juvederm. They lasted as long. Had no allergic reactions. Acted by holding on to water not by causing scar tissue. Caused NO allergic reactions and they ARE THE BEST. The End. Peter A Aldea, MD