We all know the feeling of sitting in front of our computers, staring at ourselves on Zoom wondering “where did those wrinkles come from?” and “why is my face falling?”
As we age, facial fine lines and skin laxity inevitably emerge and worsen with time (thanks gravity :<). All those years of fun in the sun come back to haunt us as we are left with crepey, saggy skin. We are left wondering what we can do to slow the process, or restore what is gone.
This is where dermal fillers come in! Dermal filler injections have grown in popularity, and are used to smooth facial lines and add volume back into the aging face. They are a great way to enhance and revitalize one’s appearance without surgical interference. Like with any injections, these procedures require a level of artistry, skill, and practice to ensure safe and accurate administration of product. Our dermatologists are experts in facial anatomy and the art of dermal filler injections.
With so many different types of dermal fillers available, choosing the right one may seem overwhelming. (Don’t worry. Your dermatologist will select the best one(s) for your face and desired outcomes). The different available fillers are designed to treat different concerns and the treatment plan depends on multiple factors including age, location of interest, amount of lost volume, and more. Below, we outline different dermal fillers and their uses.
Hyaluronic Acid
(Common brands: Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Revance RHA)
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring sugar molecule produced by the body that retains water in the tissues. And yes, this is the same HA that is in many skincare products. Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume and plumpness to the aging face and help restore a healthy, glowing appearance. Differences in hyaluronic acid fillers include their level of flexibility and support, which address different concerns. Typically, HA fillers last anywhere between 6-18 months depending on the type of filler and treatment area. Some examples of the more common fillers include:
● Juvederm Ultra XC: has high flexibility and usually used to treat smile lines and add fullness to the lips.
● Juvederm Voluma: has low flexibility and commonly used to add volume to the mid face and cheek areas.
● Restylane Lyft: has high support and used to add structure and volume to the cheeks or chin.
● Restylane-L: has high support used to treat under the eyes (tear troughs) and smooth wrinkles/folds around the mouth.
● Belotero Balance: has low support and used to treat fine, skinny lines, commonly the upper lip “smoker’s line” wrinkles.
● Teosyal RHA 3: has a balance of flexibility and support used to treat dynamic (moving) wrinkles/folds including the nasolabial folds “smile lines” and cheek accordion lines.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
(Common brand: Sculptra)
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) is a biostimulatory injectable dermal “filler” used to stimulate collagen and smooth wrinkles. Sculptra requires a series of treatments and lasts up to 2 years. It is not a filler per se, as much as a stimulatory injection—it helps your tissue create its own new collagen! Common treatment areas include the full face, lower face, and chest (for décolletage wrinkles). Unlike HA fillers, which are immediately visible, results from a Sculptra treatment continue to show months after the treatment, providing a natural result overtime.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
(Common brand: Radiesse)
Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) filler is often used to treat wrinkles and folds, while also simultaneously stimulating collagen. Radiesse lasts from 9-12 months. Treatment areas include the face and hands. Radiesse is fantastic for blurring the appearance of hand tendons and veins which make them appear aged.
A specialized newer technique uses “Hyperdilute“ Radiesse, in which the product is diluted and injected in a fan-like pattern, stimulates collagen production, while improving skin texture and tone. Common treatment areas of this technique include the face, neck, and décolletage. It’s a solution for crepey skin of the neck. It may be suggested along with Ultherapy or Fraxel Dual laser resurfacing for further collagen promotion. Learn more here.
In summary, dermal fillers are great non-surgical cosmetic procedures with a myriad of benefits—from adding volume, smoothing wrinkles/folds, and improving skin texture of the aging face, neck, or chest.
When choosing a provider for your dermal filler, it is important to consider their prior training, experience, and aesthetic preference. We highly recommend consulting with a Board-Certified Dermatologist who has extensive experience with these products. Who injects these products is more important to the final result than the product itself. Trust us, we know. 🙂
Want to learn even more? Check out the dermal fillers available at Southern Marin Dermatology here.
Written by Irene
Reviewed by Dr. Smith