Dermal Fillers (Juvederm | Restylane | Radiesse)

Dermal Fillers (Juvederm | Restylane | Radiesse) ~ The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon

 

Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse, have become very popular when it comes to reducing  unwanted wrinkles and creases of the face.  These dermal fillers can be injected into those furrows between the brows, marionette lines, crow's feet and even thinning lips.  The most popular dermal fillers (Juvederm & Restylane) are the ones made from hyaluronic acid, a key component of skin connective tissue.  

Fast Facts about Dermal Fillers

• On a more technical level, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that is found in all of the body's tissue, with the highest concentrations located in the extracellular matrix of the skin and the synovial fluid that bathes the joints and cartilage.
• Since wrinkles and the poor texture of skin are usually a result of reduced levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body secondary to aging,  dermal fillers can act as a ‘filling’ agent to plump up and nourish the skin with the the "deficient acid". 
• Radiesse is a synthetic dermal filler made of calcium microspheres that stimulates the production of collagen.
• Juvederm and Restylane are composed of hyaluronic acid gels.
• These dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of acne scars or uneven skin texture.
• Occasionally, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be used in conjunction with a dermal filler in areas that are affected by repeated muscle use, such as the forehead. 
• Dermal fillers would not correct or improve the "sagging" of the face from aging.  
• The cost of dermal filler injections among medical providers, such as your nurse/dentist/dermatologist/plastic surgeon,  is most likely very similar and comparable.

Fast Facts about Juvederm and Restylane  

• Both are dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid. 
  
• Both are approved by the FDA: Juvederm received FDA approval in the summer of 2006, while Restylane has been the filler of choice since 2003.
• The dermal filler injections are both minimally invasive and require little to no recovery time.

What are the Difference between Juvederm and Restylane?

• The swelling effects of Restylane may take two to three days whereas Juvederm may take 24 hours 
• The results for Juvederm are reported to appear instantly while the results of Restylane may not become apparent until about 1 week after the procedure 
• Juvederm may last longer (3 to 9 months) whereas Restylane can last 6 months or more

I recommend asking one of your Houston plastic surgeons about these dermal fillers as an alternative to surgery to reduce those fine wrinkles.

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD

Other articles related to dermal fillers:

1) The Truth About Botox
2) Are You a Good Candidate for BOTOX?
3) Which Dermal Filler is Best For Me?

4) Potential Complications of Dermal Fillers (Restylane/Juvederm)