This hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler consists of a smooth gel that effectively minimizes the appearance of wrinkles for up to 12 months. Specific areas targeted by Juvederm include:
- Marionette Lines – lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Smile Lines – creases from the corners of the nose around the corners of the mouth
- Lip Lines – vertical lines that appear just above the upper lip
FAQ:
1)Why should I consider a filler? HA’s or hyalulronic acids are perhaps the most abundant substance found naturally in our skin which binds and attracts water, volumizing tissues. We start to lose this beginning in our 20’s due to UV rays and other environmental stressors. Combined with the relaxing effect of Botox type products, we can achieve synergy or superior multiplied effects.
2) What are the advantages? While smooth, Juvederm XC (for extra comfort) is highly crosslinked lending to a longer duration of action and anesthesia during injection.
3)Are there any special concerns? Allergy testing is not required as this is biocompatible. Side effects are mild to moderate and usually last less than 7 days. The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injection site reactions such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.
This relatively new dermal filler is the only one approved by the FDA to restore volume to the mid-face for a more defined cheek line. Clinical studies have shown this filler can last up to two years before a touch-up treatment is required.
FAQ:
How is Voluma different?
From the Juvederm family of fillers, Voluma is the first and only filler FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area (apex, apple and hollow). It gives you a subtle lift, helping to restore contour and a more youthful profile, for up to 2 years, in patients over the age of 21.
Sculptra contains poly-L-Lactic acid, which produces subtle results over a period of time. The filler is usually administered in a series of three or four sessions, replacing lost collagen for a smoother, younger look. Results of Sculptra may last more than two years for some patients. Sculptra is primarily used in the following areas:
- Nasolabial Folds – creases that appear from the nose to the corner of the mouth
- Marionette Lines – lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Chin Lines – vertical lines that appear on the chin below the lower lip
FAQ:
1) How is Sculptra different in action? As opposed to traditional fillers which have an immediate effect, filling in areas of volume loss, Sculptra acts by stimulating collagen production over time leading to a gradual, natural effect restoring the underlying structure. Because of the large amount of diluent injected, appearance immediately after injection can predict outcome and appearance after the course of several treatments.
2) Special concerns? There is a <1% chance of nodule formation due to collagen formation -usually only palpable, not visible which can be treated if persistent. But patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scar formation may not be candidates for this product.
This dermal filler features a base composed of calcium hydroxyapatite, a substance that is also found in teeth and bones in the human body. Radiesse offers the double benefit of an immediate volumizing result but also stimulates the body’s own production of collagen. Radiesse is recommended for the following areas:
- Smile Lines – creases that appear around the corners of the mouth
- Marionette Lines – run from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Pre-Jowl Lines – creases that begin to appear along the jawline
- Chin Wrinkles – vertical lines that appear below the lower lip
FAQ:
1)What is it made of?
Radiesse is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres which are suspended in a natural, water-based gel. These calcium based microspheres are similar to minerals that are found naturally in your body so allergy testing is not required. Over time, your body absorbs these tiny microspheres and the gel and leaves behind only your own natural collagen.
2)Special concerns? Rare side effects may include swelling that lasts longer, unevenness or firmness in the area injected, and as with any injection, there may be a risk of infection.
Featuring a hyaluronic acid base, Restylane is approved for both smoothing facial creases and adding volume to the lips. Lip treatments usually last around six months, while wrinkle treatments can last up to 12 months for some patient. In addition to lip plumping, Restylane can be used in the following areas:
- Laugh Lines – extend from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Marionette Lines – run from the corners of the mouth to the jawline
- Lipstick Lines – vertical lines that appear just above the upper lip
- Tear trough area – where those dark tired circles start to crop up
- Advantages? Restylane is a softer product compared to other HA’s including Perlane so it can have an advantage in tricky areas with lots of movement such as under eyes and the lips. This allows the practitioner to possibly better monitor swelling as all HA’s attract water. In these areas, a treatment plan of follow-up injections is in order to get the most out of the Restylane injections. For most facial enhancements, it is recommended to have subsequent injections every 4-9 months.
Although this dermal filler is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, it is unique in the way it can adapt to various skin types and more superficial wrinkles. The formula molds to skin contours for subtle, natural results. Results typically last six months or more before a touch-up treatment is needed. Treatment areas include:
- Smile Lines – run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Marionette Lines – extend from the corners of the mouth to the jawline
- Lipstick Lines – fine vertical lines that extend from the upper lip to the nose
FAQ:
1)Is it truly different? While still a HA, it does have variable cross-linking making it a better choice for superficial lines and wrinkles similar to collagen products prior to being pulled off the market in the US. There is less worry about lumps and bumps and the Tyndall effect – a bluish discoloration- that can occur if other HA’s are placed to close to the epidermis.
2) One disadvantage? It does not come premixed with lidocaine, but it can be added and of course topical anesthetic creams might be suggested for anesthesia.
Dermal fillers offer natural, long-lasting results for men and women that want to turn back the clock on their appearance. The procedure takes just a few minutes to complete and most patients are back to work and regular activities immediately following treatment. To learn more about dermal fillers or discuss your options with Dr. Jeffrey Olson, contact JPO Aesthetics at 424-652-6576.
