Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers: Your Comparison Shopping Guide
Today, dermal fillers are about as indispensible as mascara in your “must have” beauty arsenal. Simple, effective and non-surgical, these handy tools can turn back the clock as never before. And the choices are plentiful: Of the many fabulous options--Juvéderm, Restylane, Sculptre, Radiesse and Belotero--how do you know which to choose? Here’s a handy rundown of each filler’s particular features.
First, a crash course in Dermal Filler 101. All five of these formulas fill in facial lines, wrinkles and folds--plumping up the skin for a smooth, natural look. Different formulas have different ingredients, though. Juvéderm, Restylane and Belotero Balance rely on Hyaluronic Acid, Radiesse contains Calcium Hydroxylapatite, and Scupltra is formulated with Poly-L-Lactic Acid. One formula might suit you better than another.
Beyond this basic difference, here’s rundown of each filler’s fine points:
Juvéderm comes in several different grades. The thinner formulas--Juvéderm Ultra and Ultra XC--are ideal for fine lines and wrinkles, including crows’ feet and the delicate skin around the eyes. There are also thicker Juvederm formulas for deeper facial lines. Juvederm is versatile: different forumulations can be used to plump up lips and cheekbones, add definition to earlobes, and even fill in acne scars.
Restylane handles the deeper areas: it’s designed to target moderate to severe facial folds, as well as enhance the size and shape of lips.
Sculptra is FDA-approved to plump up cheeks, fill in hollows on the face and increase skin thickness (it’s not for the lips, though). Multiple treatments are needed, usually 4 weeks apart. Unlike the other four fillers, Sculptra doesn’t offer immediate results. But the upside is that those results do last longer.
Radiesse doesn’t just fill in lines: It also stimulates the production of new collagen, so you can go a longer time between touch-ups. Like Sculptra, Radiesse is not used on the lips.
Belotero is particularly versatile, helping banish deep folds and giving an “airbrushed” look to fine facial lines. This filler also promotes its ability to “mold” to your distinct facial contours for an especially natural look.
Other comparative features? Juvéderm, Restylane and Belotero are less costly, but Radiesse and Sculptra help skin stay smoother longer.
If you’re still not sure which filler to choose, call us! We can assess your facial features, skin elasticity, budget, lifestyle and other particulars and then advise accordingly. Our end goal is to help you achieve a vibrant and youthful appearance--to be the best “you” you can be!