When people discuss dermal fillers, one of the benefits that’s often mentioned is that fillers tend not to be permanent. If you don’t like the results you get from an injectable, all you need to do is a wait a few months and the results will fade. In some cases, you can even ask your surgeon to reverse the results, by injecting a special enzyme to dissolve the filler.
But, not all fillers are the same. Some are made from tougher, more long lasting stuff than others. When it’s time to choose the filler for you, duration of results is just one of the many things to consider. Here are a few other things to think about.
What the Filler Does
Different fillers are created and designed to treat different areas. For example, Belotero is a hyaluronic acid filler that’s considerably thinner than other fillers on the market. Its thinness is what makes it ideal for easing lines in the more delicate areas of the face, such as the crow’s feet by the eyes and the lip lines around the mouth.
On the other hand, Juvederm Voluma is a thicker form of hyaluronic acid. Its thickness makes it a good option for enhancing volume and the fullness of the cheek area. Sculptra is another filler designed to enhance the volume of the cheek area. It works differently from Voluma, which provides volume instantly.
Sculptra contains poly-l-lactic acid, which works slowly, stimulating the production of collagen beneath the skin. The boost in collagen production means that the skin has more of a support system, so that volume in the cheek area improves. The injectable also helps reduce the appearance of certain lines, such as the nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth.
What It’s Made Out Of
The ingredients in the filler are another important consideration. Most of the fillers available today are made from ingredients that aren’t likely to cause an allergic reaction, as the body naturally produces these ingredients. The ingredients in a filler also determine how it will work and how long its results last.
For example, Radiesse is made out of calcium hydroxyapatite, an ingredient found in bone. It works by providing instant lift and by stimulating the production of collagen beneath the skin, so that the results continue even after the initial filler has worn away. Radiesse is made from a heavier material compared to other fillers, meaning it’s not the best option for use in thinner or more delicate areas of the face.
Fillers made from hyaluronic acid can be reversed, which can be a big determining factor for many people. The enzyme hyaluronidase dissolves the substance, reversing your results within a day or two. There’s no way to easily reverse the results from fillers such as Sculptra or Radiesse.
Results
Temporary fillers, such as those made from hyaluronic acid, tend to last for less than one year. So-called semi-permanent fillers, such as Sculptra and Radiesse provide results for longer than a year, in some cases, for as long as two years. While getting a filler that lasts for a longer length of time can seem like the way to go, there’s more to think about than just the length of results. You want to make sure the filler is the best one for the concern you have, as well.
Pick Your Injector Carefully
One thing that might matter more than the type of filler you choose is the person you choose to inject those fillers into your skin. The process of injecting a dermal filler is a delicate one. In the case of Radiesse, for instance, if the injections are too shallow, you can end up with bumps or a blueish tint. In the case of hyaluronic acid, if you work with an untrained or inexperienced injector and he or she injects too much into the area, you can end up with an overfilled, puffy face.
Make sure your injector is trained in administering the filler you end up choosing. Take a look at before and after photos of patients who’ve received the same injectable and ask to speak with past patients, to get a sense of how they honestly rate the injector’s skills and abilities.
At the Naderi Center in Virginia and Maryland, Dr. Jessica Kulak, an aging face specialist, offers a wide variety of injectable fillers. To learn more about each option and get an idea of which one is right for you, call to make an appointment today. For the Virginia practice, call (703) 481-0002. For the practice in Maryland, call (301) 222-2020.
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