What is a Dermal Filler: A dermal filler is an injectable substance generally used to treat wrinkles or depression. Dermal fillers work to correct these issues by lifting the targeted areas. In this Q&A video, Dr. U (Dr.Umar) answers a question commonly asked by his Los Angeles patients: “what is the best dermal filler that is right for me?”
The Best Dermal Filler Injection & Choosing From Three Types
Dr. U discusses the three basic categories of dermal fillers that are available to patients. These include:
- Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero)
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
- Poly-L-Lactic (Sculptra)
How long do results of fillers like juvederm, radiesse, restylane last?
Dermal fillers can replenish lost volume or even improve the contour of the face. Dr. U discusses the approximate time frames they can be expected to last an…
Hyaluronic Acid As The Best Dermal Filler For Soft Tissue Volume – Selecting Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane or Belotero
Why Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers are Best for Adding Soft Tissue Volume: Dr.U explains that hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance already found in our bodies, in areas like the skin and joints, among many others. The pharmaceutical products are manufactured using a sterile version of HA that comes from bacteria, not people or animals, to avoid inflammation and allergic reactions. This compound is considered sugar and has an exceptional ability to hold a large amount of water, often its weight giving it excellent lubricating properties. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Belotero blend in seamlessly as they hydrate the skin and its soft tissue surroundings.
Each hyaluronic acid filler brand (Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, or Belotero) has different consistencies allowing them to create desired results for specific applications.
Hyaluronic acid is the best dermal filler for depressed areas that require more volume to regain a youthful look. It is ideal for early or milder forms of nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth. HA fillers are popular for lip augmentation as well.
Brief Description of Each Hyaluronic Acid Filler Brand: Juvederm and Belotero can be used for filling and adding subtle levels of volume. Belotero, however, has been cross-linked to be a continuous substance that is ideal for filling fine lines closer to the skin’s surface. The nature of Juvederm is a particulate gel suspension. Light passing through it will produce a bluish discoloration through the skin (i.e., the Tyndall effect). With Belotero’s unique configuration, this will not occur. Juvederm cannot be used for superficial applications. It needs to be injected much deeper below the skin to avoid clumping and the Tyndall effect.
Restylane and Perlane are firmer, more particulate, and much thicker in viscosity. These HA injectables are better suited for areas of the face that need significant lifting and volume, such as deep creases. They can also be sculpted to a moderate extent.
The Best Dermal Filler Injection for Laugh Lines and Facial Contouring
What is The Best Dermal Filler for Laugh Lines & Facial Contouring: Radiesse is a dermal filler made of tiny calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres. Since calcium exists in our bones, its properties offer greater firmness. The particles within the injection gel will gather together tightly or diffuse to mimic its surrounding tissue. This makes it possible to use Radiesse for various applications, including non-surgical facial contouring on the nose, cheeks, and chin. Treatments with Radiesse often last 9-12 months, but actual timelines may vary depending on how fast individuals metabolize the filler.
What Type of Patients are Radiesse Dermal Fillers Best For: Many patients with moderate to more severe forms of laugh lines (i.e., nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth) can benefit from injections with this product. Besides laugh lines, Radiesse is also the best dermal filler for non-surgical jowl lifts.
What is The Best Dermal Filler for Under The Eyes?
Best Dermal Filler of Eye Wrinkling: One of the most common cosmetic issues that men and women seek to address is wrinkling and the appearance of darkness beneath the eyes. However, the skin in this area is very thin and delicate. Due to this characteristic, it is highly susceptible to the Tyndall effect.
Since Radiesse is a dermal filler made of a white substance, it will not result in a bluish discoloration under the eyes. It is ideal for reducing the look of shadows or darkness. Also, since it can be shaped, Radiesse offers an effective solution for mild forms of under-eye bags.
Sculptra: The Best Dermal Filler for Long-Term Results
Why Sculptra is the Best Dermal Filler for Long-Term Results: As Dr. U explains, Sculptra is made of the same material as water-soluble sutures. This substance is known as Poly-L-Lactic. Since it is a synthetic substance, the body will not metabolize it as quickly as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite. Results produced with the Sculptra dermal filler will last up to two years.
Sculptra is used for restoring facial volume. It helps fill deep depressions and creases like laugh lines. Its original intent was to help patients struggling with facial lipoatrophy. This condition is often seen in patients with AIDS or HIV. It is caused by facial fat tissue wasting away.
To speak to Dr. U about getting treated with dermal fillers, sign up below for a complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Los Angeles Patients – Choosing the Best Dermal Filler
What is the best dermal filler for the temple area?
The most common type of wrinkle in the temple area is crow’s feet lines. These wrinkles emanate like branches from the outer corners of the eyes. They are caused by muscle contractions that crease the overlying skin. Initially, crow’s feet wrinkles are only visible when the individual smiles or laughs. Over time, the lines become permanently etched on the skin’s surface.
Some patients will choose Botox or Dysport to relax the muscles around the eyes. Others may choose to fill in the etched creases that appear when the face is at rest. Since Belotero is specially formulated for fine lines, this is an excellent dermal filler for these types of crow’s feet wrinkles.
Can dermal fillers cause toxic reactions?
Dermal fillers are generally safe as long as qualified physicians use them. These include cosmetic dermatologists, facial plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and oculoplastic surgeons. Like all other drugs, they may incur side effects. If you are concerned about unwanted reactions, talk to your doctor about the individual likelihood of experiencing these issues.
How long do hyaluronic acid fillers last?
Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to last anywhere between six to eighteen months. Because they are made of sugar molecules, the body will metabolize this filler much faster than Radiesse or Sculptra. Individuals will differ in terms of how fast this will occur. Also, the placement of the injection affects its longevity. More active areas of the face (e.g., lips) will experience shorter timeframes than less mobile regions, such as the nasolabial folds.
Further Reading
Learn more about the calcium hydroxyapatite filler on plasticsurgery.org
