Dermal fillers are incredibly popular as they typically offer instant results with little to no downtime. With so many options available today, it’s hard to know what the difference is and which option is right for you.
We definitely recommend meeting with an experienced facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Thompson, to determine what dermal filler, or combination of fillers, is right for you. But here is a quick reference guide that can prepare you for your dermal filler visit.
Juvederm Ultra
Juvederm is one of many dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. It is used to fill fine lines and wrinkles in the face, commonly in the lips or lines around the lips for facial rejuvenation. The treatment is done after a topical numbing cream has taken effect and there is not downtime involved, though there is risk of bruising.
Another very common area Dr. Thompson treats patients with Juvederm Ultra is to the under-eye hollows or tear troughs. It works well to fill in the hollowing that often results from aging and/or genetics.
Juvederm Ultra lasts approximately 6 months to 1 year before a repeat treatment in needed to maintain results.
Juvederm Ultra Plus
Juvederm Ultra Plus is a thicker formulation of Juvederm Ultra and is great for deeper lines and wrinkles in the face. The most common place is to the nasolabial folds, often referred to as the ‘smile lines’ or ‘parentheses’. Juvederm is popular during a non-surgical rhinoplasty to create a more symmetrical nose as well.
The downtime and length of correction is the same as Juvederm Ultra.
Juvederm Voluma
Juvederm Voluma is the newest of the Juvederm products by Allergan and has instantly gained popularity among treating physicians and patients. Voluma is much thicker and is injected deeper into the skin but it also made of hyaluronic acid.
Because of it’s thickness, Voluma is specifically formulated for the mid-face to add volume that is often lost through the aging process. By lifting and plumping the cheek area, patients appear more youthful and typically see improvement to their nasolabial folds (lines around the mouth) as well. Younger patients like Voluma to strengthen their cheekbones and add contour to the face. While Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus are smooth and flow easily, Voluma is thicker and sculptable. The results can last up to 2 years with Voluma, longer than most other dermal fillers.
Treatment is quick with no downtime, although there is always risk of bruising at the injection site.
Restylane
Restylane is also made of hyaluronic acid and is used to smooth facial lines and wrinkles. It is also popular for the under-eye area where hollows often form as well as the lips. Results typically last 6 months to 1 year.
Treatment is quick with no downtime, similar to other hyaluronic acid products.
Perlane
Perlane is made from the same company as Restylane and is a thicker formulation of hyaluronic acid. The particles in Perlane are much larger than they are in Restylane so it needs to be injected more deeply into the skin. The most common area of treatment is the nasolabial folds or smile lines that extend from the nose and around the mouth.
Treatment is done in the office after the use of a topical anesthetic and results last 6 month to 1 year on average.
Belotero
Belotero is also made from hyaluronic acid and is formulated for more superficial lines in the face. It can be injected to the nasolabial folds but is most commonly used for fine lines around the lips and eyes. Treatment is quick and results last approximately 6 to 9 months.
Radiesse
Radiesse is different from all other dermal fillers as it’s not made of hyaluronic acid but of calcium hydorxyapatite, which is heavier but also naturally occurring in the body. The big difference between Radiesse and other dermal fillers is how it works once injected into the skin. It is also frequently used to deeper wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds. The results are instant but the substance also stimulates collagen beneath the skin so that the results continue to last over time. Radiesse typically last slightly over 1 year and is injected during a quick appointment in-office.
Artefill
This is another dermal filler that is different from all those listed above. Artefill is a non-resorbable material, which means that it is neither broken down or absorbed into the body after injection. It is made of a combination of microspheres that are suspended in enhanced bovine collagen. Years of testing have proved it’s safety and efficacy for facial rejuvenation.
Patients first come in for testing to confirm no allergic reaction prior to treatment. After the first injection, approximately 30% correction is permanent. Therefore, 2 to 3 treatments is often recommended for full correction with results lasting anywhere from 5-15 years from the first initial treatment.
For more information about which dermal filler is right for you, call (801)776-2220 for a free consultation with Dr. Thompson in Layton, Bountiful, or Draper. You can also visit our dermal filler page to learn more.