Fillers, sometimes called facial or dermal fillers, are among the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures available today. These diverse products can be used for a number of aesthetic and medical aims, including plumping lips, erasing under-eye bags, lifting eyebrows, enhancing cheekbones, and can provide a rejuvenating boost to help you look a few years younger.
At Oasis Aesthetics, we consider several factors to help determine which filler is right for you, including your degree of skin elasticity, sun damage, age, goals, and much more. We take a personalized approach to each patient’s treatment, and below, we’ve outlined some of the key differences between the types of fillers and what they tend to be best for.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural chemical produced by your body with several medical and skincare benefits. HA-based fillers, which are used in many cosmetic applications, have become widespread thanks to their reliability and efficiency.
Several brands offer HA fillers, including Juvederm, Restylane, Captique, and many others. Each company’s formula varies slightly, so we’ll be able to recommend which brand is best for you based on your needs.
HA fillers improve the skin’s contours while also reducing any depressions caused by injuries, scars, or wrinkles. These fillers are an excellent option if you are hoping to address:
- Acne scarring
- Crow’s feet
- Cheek depressions
- Deep smile lines (aka nasolabial furrows)
- Furrow lines between the brows
- “Marionette lines” at the corners of the mouth
- Redefining the lip border
- Scars including burns
- Smoker’s lines; vertical lines on the mouth
- Some facial scarring
- Forehead worry lines
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium Hydroxylapatite, most commonly sold as Radiesse, is a biosynthetically produced filler (meaning no animals or animal products are involved). This filler significantly lowers the risk of allergic reactions and typically requires no prior skin testing.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers have a long safety record and are known to be very natural-looking, with infrequent incidences of migration or side effects. This filler is best suited to:
- Treat moderate-to-severe creases, including frown lines, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds
- Enhance facial contours
- Provide improved cheek fullness
- Improve volume in cases of facial wasting, as may occur amongst HIV-positive patients taking particular prescription medication
Polylactic Acid
As for Polylactic Acid (sold as Sculptra), this synthetic dermal filler works a bit differently. Once injected, PA fillers trigger the body’s natural production of collagen. As such, it’s known as a “stimulator.” With over 40 years of use as a suture material, PA fillers are entirely non-toxic and biodegradable.
Polylactic Acid doesn’t provide immediate results. Instead, results will appear over a few months as your body continues to generate new collagen. Patients must usually wait about three monthly treatments before seeing their best results. While this option is considered to be one of the most semi-permanent fillers, some patients may require touch-ups.
Generally, we recommend PA fillers for:
- Filling laugh lines
- Plumping thin lips
- Treating moderate to severe nasolabial folds
Schedule Your Consultation
Fillers can differ in name, chemical makeup, longevity, and degrees of softness. Softer fillers are used for supple tissue like the lips, while sturdier options will enhance areas like the cheekbones. The only way to truly determine which filler is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified expert.
As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Wallin offers patients an incredibly high degree of expertise in administering fillers. To get in touch, please give Desert Bloom Plastic Surgery a call at (435) 627-8150 or contact us online today.
