Fillers- What They Are, What They Do, Which One Is Right For You?
When opting to get a facial filler, it can be a bit confusing as to which filler does what, where each filler is best used and why it is best for those certain locations. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group, we want to keep you as informed as possible regarding the different options that are available for non invasive facial rejuvenation. Dermal fillers can be used to plump thin lips, lift your eyebrows, define cheek bones, decrease hollowing under the eye to help reduce dark circles, decrease the appearance of smile lines and overall give you a well-rested and rejuvenated appearance. They can usually be done in less than an hour and have little to no downtime. In some people, dermal fillers may cause some mild bruising, temporary swelling, or temporary redness at the injection site; however these side effects will disappear within 24-48 hours. Below are the top 5 dermal fillers used in our practice.
Uses: Good for medium or deeper lines and wrinkles of the faces, such as the nasolabial folds. It is also useful for plumping up lips and cheekbones, and filling acne scars. This version of Juvederm is heavier than its counterpart Juvéderm Ultra. Hence, it is generally reserved for deeper wrinkles and lines and plumping up flattened areas. The XC version of Juvéderm Ultra Plus includes the addition of lidocaine. Lidocaine, an anesthetic, reduces the pain associated with injection.
How It Works: The hyalruronic acid absorbs water and augments the injected area.
Price: One syringe of Juvéderm Ultra Plus is priced at $700.
Antidote/Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase can be used to reverse the effects of Juvéderm Ultra.
Uses: Perlane is used to add volume to flattened areas, to plump up lips, and to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep folds. It is manufactured by the same company that makes Restylane. Perlane is thicker than Restylane, thus it is better for deeper or more prominent folds.
How It Works: Water is absorbed by the injected hyaluronic acid. This has the effect of building up the area of injection.
Duration: Some people find Perlane to be longer lasting than Restylane. However, the FDA commentary is that it lasts up to six months.
Price: One syringe of Perlane is $650.
Antidote/Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase is the antidote to Perlane.
Main Ingredient: Radiesse is made up of calcium hydroxylapatite in the form of microspheres.
Uses: Radiesse is used for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds. It can also be used to plump up cheek bones.
How It Works: Radiesse stimulates the body to form new collagen. This is supposed to make the product last longer, thus reducing the need for a touch up. Additionally the gel and calcium-based microspheres add volume to the injected area.
Duration: Results are clinically proven to last a year or more.
Price: Radiesse normally costs $700 per syringe.
Antidote/Reversal Agent: There is no antidote for Radiesse.
Uses: Restylane is used to improve moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles. It can also be used to enhance the lips.
How It Works: The area of injection is enhanced due to absorption of water by the hyaluronic acid.
Duration: Restylane’s manufacturer claims results can last to up to 18 months. That is however, with repeat injections at 4.5 months or 9 months. Without repeat injections, Restylane may last up to 6 months.
Price: Restylane is priced at $700 a syringe.
Antidote/Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase is the antidote to Restylane.
How It Works: Unlike the hyaluronic acid based fillers, Sculptra’s mechanism of action encourages the formation of new collagen in the injected area and the effects are not immediate. Multiple treatments are required, approximately 4 weeks apart. The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of the facial aging. The skin thickness increases gradually.
Duration: In a clinical study, the effects of Sculptra lasted up to 2 years after the first treatment session. A full treatment consists of an average of three injections approximately 4-6 weeks aparts.
Price: Sculptra comes in a vial as opposed to a syringe. One vial will cost around $1000.
Antidote/Reversal Agent: There is no reversal agent for Sculptra.
To summarize, Juvéderm, Perlane, Restylane, and Radiesse will offer immediate results that you will see upon leaving the office. While Radiesse and Sculptra do not have an antidote to remove the product, they do offer longer lasting results and also promote the formation of collagen which in the long run will give your skin that youthful appearance.
Finding the right dermal filler can be a process, however here at BHPSG we try and make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. During your consultation, Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will evaluate you and discuss which fillers will give you your desired result. Every person is different and different fillers will be more effective for some than others, so we always recommend you come in for a consult before deciding on which filler you prefer.