Fillers: Juvederm, Restylane, & Radiesse... Oh My!

by Stacy Bazan, RN, BSN, Aesthetic Nurse Specialist

I often find that many patients are overwhelmed by the options and choices they have to treat wrinkles. There are so many options! How do I choose, and what is best for me. This article will review each filler, the benefits, and what is best for your specific needs.

Fillers are used to plump or add volume where there is volume loss. Volume loss happens to everyone with age. There are a few things that make this occur more quickly smoking and sun exposure are the largest culprits. As we age we lose volume which causes sagging skin and wrinkles. There are 5 main products of dermal fillers used to correct this. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, fillers like Restylane® and Juvederm® have seen a 110% increase in procedures performed in the past three years. Botox®, which is used to relax the muscle that forms the wrinkle, has seen a 115% increase. Within this same time period, facelifts have only seen a 20% increase. Some physicians state that those clients who use fillers consistently can effectively put off the aging time for a face lift by 10 years. So now that you know you could benefit from these amazing products how do you choose what is best. Every face is different and needs vary. A good injector will be able to discuss all of these products with you a aid you to make the right decision that fits your needs best.  

Let's review each filler and its benefits. 

Juvederm® has two products Juvederm® Ultra and Ultra Plus. Juvederm® is a hyaluronic acid based gel. Hyaluronic acid is found in our skin where it serves many functions including adding plumpness and volume to our skin. Juvederm® ultra is the thinner product and Juvederm® ultra plus is the thicker product. If you have an area that needs more filling go for the thicker product, Ultra Plus. This filler is a good go to choice as a starter filler. I would choose this product for the lips every time to add fullness and give that pouty luscious look. Juvederm® Ultra plus is an excellent option for the nasolabial folds as well. This is a great over all filler, excellent for those clients new to fillers and a little on the younger side 30's to 40's.

Restylane® also has two products Restylane® and Perlane®. Like Juvederm®, they are hyaluronic acid based gels. Because the body already produces this chemical naturally it gives a smoother, more natural appearance, just like Juvederm®. Restylane® is the thinner product and Perlane® is the thicker. Any time I would choose Juvederm®, Restylane® and Perlane® are good options as well. The products are similar. This product is especially great for the under eye area and fine lines around the lips or Areas that are very thin and need detailed injection.

Radiesse® is an injectable filler also used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkle lines. It is made up of calcium hydroxylapatatite (CaHA) particles suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel. It also contributes to facial rejuvenation by stimulating the skin production of new collagen in a process known as neocollagenesis. Radiesse® is a perfect choice for that patient that is very close to needing that facelift, but is not quite ready to make that move towards surgery and needs a large amount of volume or lift. I choose Radiesse® for the patient in their 50"s to 60's. My favorite areas to inject Radiesse® is the cheeks, the marionette lines, and very deep nasolabial folds. Radiuses lasts a few months longer than the other products (12 to 14 months)

So what's the down side? Fillers are temporary (lasting anywhere from a 6 months to a year). Bruising and swelling is common. I recommend the use of Arnica Montana pills at least 1-2 weeks prior to injections to minimize the risk of bruising. I also use icing throughout the treatment. All these filler options come with lidocaine (a medication that numbs the area) within the product so any discomfort throughout the procedure is minimal. 

Chose your injector wisely. They make recommendations and ultimate decisions on where to sculpt this product in your face, so find a good artist and practitioner in one.

What will this cost me? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, the nations average cost for filler is $800 per syringe. It seems that this is the most economic way to go considering a facelift is in the $10,000+ range. Although I am far from having a facelift, my plan of action at 33 years old is little by little, so one day I won't have to be correcting everything at once. So I choose to have my filler every 8 months, this builds on the filler I placed before and allows the new product to last a little bit longer. 

Come in and let's find a specific anti-aging plan that fits you!