Posted on February 5, 2018 in Blog
![Dermal Fillers: A Guide](https://drellen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Dermal-Fillers-A-Guide.jpg)
You might have heard about the many injectables available on the market, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the differences and what’s best for you. Here’s a quick guide to some of the popular brands and how they work to help make your decision easier!
Hyaluronic Acid
These common types of fillers use hyaluronic acid (or HA) which is a natural substance found in the skin that helps retain moisture and nutrients. When used as an injectable, it creates volume and fills out wrinkles before being naturally absorbed by the body over time. Some of the common types are:
- The Juvéderm family of injectables, which use a different configuration of HA for each specific part of the face it’s used for. The most common ones are Voluma XC, used as a deep injection in the cheeks, and Juvéderm XC, which fills in laugh and smile lines around the mouth.
- Belotero Balance, which fills in vertical wrinkles around the mouth and lips that commonly form through aging, as well as nasolabial folds, often called parentheses lines.
- The Restylane family also uses HA to correct facial folds and wrinkles, and enhance the lips and cheeks.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Different from HA fillers, these use a mineral-like compound found in the bones called calcium hydroxylapatite to stimulate your own collagen growth. The most common brand of this type is Radiesse, which can be used in both the face and hands to restore lost volume with lasting results for a year or more. Along with most HA-based injectables, this one contains Lidocaine, which helps reduce discomfort during injection.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
This substance, most commonly used in dissolvable stitches and sutures, is biodegradable and stimulates collagen growth. Unlike other fillers, common brands like Sculptra don’t produce immediate results, but instead gradually stimulate your own body to fill in folds, wrinkles, and loss of volume. These injections sometimes last the longest (up to two years) because of the natural, stimulated growth of collagen.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer procedures are one of the most natural forms of volume restoration. It can either be done immediately following a Liposuction procedure, or through using donated and sterilized fat. Renuva and Allofill both use fat and adipose tissue from another source to restore volume to the areas that need it. Best results usually occur around three months after the injections.
Dr. Ellen offers a selection of dermal fillers and injectables and can help you find the best one for you. If you are interested in a consultation, contact our office and ask about our current specials.
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