Decoding Dermal Fillers: Understanding Your Options for Facial Rejuvenation
Looking over my website recently, I realized that some of the many options for filler treatments may not be obvious or clear to everyone. Being so immersed in the terminology of this field, I can forget that calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) is not second hand knowledge. It’s also common for me to bring new products and techniques into my practice. So this week, it feels important to offer some clarity around the main types of filler treatments that I offer.
Hyaluronic Acid fillers are typically the most common filler. What’s so beautiful about this is that our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid. Generally, however, hyaluronic acid filler is used to increase volume and maintain hydration by adding to a specific area of the face. While there are many excellent products to use, I mostly work with Juvederm in my practice. Hyaluronic acid fillers naturally dissolve on their own over time. You can also dissolve them with an enzyme, if needed.
Skinvive is a form of hyaluronic acid filler that is more focused on hydration than a volumization. It is a liquid hydrating treatment that injects microdroplets into the superficial layer of the skin. Skinvive helps to maintain the skin’s natural hydration and creates a stunning glowing effect. It is dissolvable by intervention as needed and will dissolve on its own over time.
Sculptra is another popular filler option. Sculptra comes from Poly-L-lactic acid and this injection will encourage collagen generation and restoration. Because Sculptra encourages the body’s organic and inherent processes, it is considered a bioregenerative treatment. Sculptra effects are gradual, and it dissolves naturally on its own over time; however there is not an enzyme that makes this filler dissolve as needed.
Radiesse, aka calcium hydroxylapatite, is the thickest product on the market when used as is. While Radiesse has this amazing unique property, I currently use Radiesse primarily in its hyper diluted (HD) form. HD Radiesse is another bioregenerative treatment that encourages your own production of collagen to thicken the skin and elastin to tighten the skin. I also work with Radiesse to tighten cellulite and loose skin of the body. Radiesse will dissolve on its own, however is not dissolvable as needed.
Good candidates for all of these fillers are generally folks who have more unreactive immune systems or who do not take prescription blood thinners. The risk profile for all of these fillers is similar, and working with hyaluronic acid fillers has the added benefit of being dissolved should we need to. However, if you do have a more reactive immunity and you are wanting to explore a treatment, platelet rich plasma PRP fillers are an option.
PRP fillers is a process of creating gel from your own blood plasma and then reinjecting it into areas where we desire volume. Because this rich injection is all one’s own bodily material, we minimize risk for adverse effects. PRP is useful for total face rejuvenation, encouraging the production of more collagen and overall vitality.
If you ever have questions about any of these treatments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you are curious about any of these treatments for you, book a complimentary consultation and we can talk about the best options for you.