A youthful face has ample collagen, which gives structure and volume to a face. As you age, collagen breaks down, which causes wrinkles and a loss of facial volume. One way that you can reverse some of the signs of aging is to replenish the volume that you’ve lost.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers help to restore that lost volume by filling in wrinkles, lines and facial folds. Many of the dermal fillers out there are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is found naturally in your body. Restylane® was the first HA on the market and is the only one FDA approved for the lips; it lasts about 6 months. Perlane® is from the makers of Restylane®. It is also an HA and lasts about 9 months. Juvederm Ultra® and Ultra Plus® (Ultra Plus® is 20% thicker than Ultra®) are also composed of HA. Juvederm Ultra Plus® lasts about a year. I prefer Perlane® and Juvederm® for moderate to severe wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds (the lines from the mouth to the nose). Belotero® is a new HA on the market for fine lines, and I find it very effective for the under eye area. Radiesse® is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite, which is found in bone and teeth. It is a volumizing filler that I love to use in the cheek, temple, and hand areas. Radiesse® is a deep filler that also stimulates your body to produce more of its own collagen. It is not used in lips or superficial lines. Results typically last about a year.
Sculptra®
Sculptra® is a facial injectable that is made from poly-L-lactic acid. Whereas other fillers are used for wrinkles, lines, and folds, Sculptra® works within the deep dermis to replace lost collagen. is gives your face a foundation that restores the look of fullness. Sculptra® is also different than other fillers because it works gradually over a series of treatments, and the results can last more than two years. Sculptra® gives you subtle results over time, which some people prefer, whereas the other fillers I mentioned give you immediate results. Most all of these fillers have Lidocaine in the syringe for added comfort during the injection. With the advancement in dermal fillers, many of our patients are able to avoid the need for surgery. e best way for you to know which filler is appropriate for you is to have a consultation with your medical practitioner.
by Erin Owoc, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
Erin Owoc, ARNP-C has been practicing cosmetic dermatology for the last 7 years in Florida. Erin can be reached at (954) 680-8330.