The Differences Between Dermal Fillers
- by DLM Admin
- April 27, 2013
- All,dermal fillers,
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed each year. If you’re considering dermal fillers for concerns like deep wrinkles, vertical lip lines, nasolabial folds, and more, you may have heard of different types of dermal fillers and are wondering which one is right for you. With so many skin enhancement and anti-aging solutions on the market, how do you know what to use? Here’s a quick guide to injectable dermal fillers and how dermal filler injections can help rejuvenate your look here at RSVP Med Spa.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
At their most basic level, dermal fillers are injectable, gel-like substances that provide volume to the face. They do this in a few different ways, but the goal remains the same – to fill in facial wrinkles, improve facial contours, and create a more youthful appearance. Dermal filler procedures are extremely popular for their instant, long-lasting results that avoid the need for plastic surgery. In fact, a skilled injector can help you avoid the need for invasive treatments altogether with the right dermal filler, which involves a quick and easy outpatient procedure right here at our Overland Park, KS office.
What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
Dermal fillers are an incredible tool in the right hands. They can produce a variety of effects, like restore volume in the cheeks, correct facial asymmetry, shape the jawline and other facial contours, and change features like the lips or nose. They’re a great option to smooth smile lines, add volume to the chin, and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. For lips, you can achieve a bolder, fuller look or you can simply fill in vertical lines and keep your natural shape. And for lines and wrinkles, you can enjoy smoother, plumper skin. With the right facial fillers, you can achieve the best version of yourself – and contrary to what you might have seen, a skilled and knowledgeable provider can inject dermal fillers but avoid the overdone or puffy look with natural-looking injectable filler results.
What Are the Types of Dermal Fillers?
Generally, there are two different types of dermal fillers available. Each type of injectable filler has its benefits, and our knowledgeable injectors can help you select the best dermal filler for a more youthful appearance.
Collagen Stimulating Dermal Fillers
One type of facial fillers can stimulate natural collagen production in order to provide volume. Collagen is the connective protein in the skin that gives it thickness and volume, and it tends to break down as we age. Radiesse is an FDA-approved collagen stimulator that erases lines and folds by replacing lost structure with immediate volume. Radiesse and other CaHA fillers are made with synthetic calcium particles called calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). What makes Radiesse truly unique is the ability of the product to act as a scaffold under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen production. This naturally helps fill in areas of volume loss such as marionette lines, smile lines, and other lines and wrinkles.
Sculptra is similar FDA-approved filler made with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Along with being able to smooth lines and replace lost volume, Sculptra is a unique option in that it can be used for body contouring, too. It’s a popular option for butt filler, sometimes called the non-surgical BBL or Brazilian buttock lift. It works to restore volume through collagen, resulting in a perkier, more defined look to the figure. It’s also a great option to smooth lines, restore volume, and rejuvenate areas of volume loss in the face.
For either option, the production of natural collagen continues for several months, which extends beyond the initial effect of treatment. Best of all, the natural results are clinically proven to last a year or more in many patients, which means more value from each treatment and long-lasting results. For patients who want a more natural approach to anti-aging, Radiesse and Sculptra are a great way to restore lost volume using your own collagen.
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Juvéderm fillers add volume and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and nasolabial folds instantly. These dermal fillers are a smooth gel made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the skin that provides moisture and volume. When injected, hyaluronic acid filler binds to moisture in the body and create volume. They come in a variety of thicknesses, allowing your injector to adapt your treatment to your needs, making them one of the most used dermal fillers on the market. HA fillers are ideal for sensitive areas such as thin lips, vertical lip lines, tear troughs, frown lines, and hollow temples. However, HA injections can also be used to change facial features, correct facial asymmetry, and enhance facial contours, as well as fill in deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds, smile lines, and marionette lines.
Restylane is another major HA filler brand with results that last about 6 months, although studies show that with one repeat injection, results can last up to 18 months. Restylane is FDA-approved for an 18-month duration. This can provide on-going “full correction” for up to the specified time frame, thus keeping you satisfied longer, cutting down on re-treatments and costing you less in the long run versus a surgical procedure to produce the same result.
Which Dermal Fillers Are Right for Me?
A wide variety of factors will determine which dermal filler products are best for your treatment goals.Of course, you can benefit from a combination approach, with hyaluronic acid fillers in certain areas and collagen stimulators in others. They can even easily be combined with other injectable treatments like Botox or Daxxify. Our injectors can help you learn more during a consultation.
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers: Instant Results
Generally, if you want to instantly restore volume loss or enhance your facial features, then HA fillers are likely best. Hyaluronic acid filler is unparalleled when it comes to enhancing the lips, smoothing lines and wrinkles, and contouring the face. They can even be dissolved if you dislike your results or change your mind later.
Collagen Stimulating Dermal Fillers: Long-Term Results
If you want a more long-term solution to aging, then fillers that stimulate natural collagen production may be a better fit. Some patients prefer the more natural approach offered by collagen stimulating dermal fillers or don’t want instantly noticeable results offered by hyaluronic acid filler. If you’re looking to smooth wrinkles by treating the underlying cause of aging, then poly L lactic acid (PLLA) fillers or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers are ideal.
Other Important Factors
One important caveat is that HA fillers typically include lidocaine, a numbing agent to minimize discomfort at the injection site. This can be especially beneficial for lip fillers. However, if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to lidocaine, you should avoid hyaluronic acid fillers. Our team will review your medical history to ensure it’s safe and effective for you.
Keep in mind that dermal filler injections can only do so much – they can’t, for example, correct severe facial wrinkles or deeper lines. If you’re looking to smooth deep wrinkles, then our injectors can give you the best idea of what facial fillers can achieve.
Dermal Fillers in Overland Park, KS
If you’re curious about injectable fillers and want to learn more about how to smooth wrinkles, we recommend seeking out a skilled and qualified injector. Dr. Selena Fu is one of the leading providers of dermal filler injections in the greater Kansas City area and can help you select from among our wide selection of injectable fillers. No matter your concerns, we can help you learn more about filler injections and how you can benefit. Schedule an appointment today at our office by calling or filling out our online form. Don’t forget to inquire about our dermal filler specials to save on your next treatment.