For most people, dermal fillers start and stop at Botox, but the fact of the matter is that there is actually a much more extensive range of dermal fillers. For the past several years, an increasing number of people are looking at dermal fillers, to fill out the fine lines and plump up sagging skin, in an attempt to look younger, for a little bit longer. Modern medicine has made dermal fillers incredibly safe and actually quite easy to use, which is why several doctors are now opting for the same to improve the skin texture and condition for people all over the world.
However, while Botox still remains one of the most popular dermal fillers, it is important to realise that there are other options available and in this two part article, we will be looking at some of the other popular dermal fillers, that are being used globally.
Let’s start with what exactly dermal fillers are used for:
In the simplest of terms, dermal fillers are used to fill out fine lines and wrinkles, as well as plump out areas of the face that might have become slightly deflated, because of age. Here are the issues that dermal fillers can help with:
- Frown lines or laugh lines
- Lines from the mouth to the nose and from the mouth to the chin
- Lines above the upper lip and under the eyes (the lines under the eyes are treated, only in certain situations and the same should be undertaken, only by a doctor with immense experience)
- Give volume to lips, cheeks and cheekbones
- To reduce the prominence of veins in hands
Some of the most popular and commonly used dermal fillers include:
Restylane – Restylane or Medicis is a sterile gel, which contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring element in the body. The filler works really well to improve the structure of the nasolabial fold.
Juvederm – This too is a sterile gel which contains non-animal hyaluronic acid, which is also cross linked. The gel is formulated in a laboratory and has no animal or human DNA in it. A lot of doctors are preferring this dermal filler, because it causes minimal puffiness in the days immediately after the treatment.
Juvederm Ultra Plus – This too is a cross linked hyaluronic acid, but as compared to Juvederm, Ultra Plus is denser as well as has a higher molecular weight. This dermal filler is ideal for greater volume is required or the lines are deeper.
Perlane – Manufactured by the same company that formulates Restylane, Perlane is also like Juvederm Ultra Plus in the sense that it is thicker and has a higher molecular weight. Yet again, Perlane is ideal for areas where higher density is required or a greater volume is needed.
Radiesse – A modern day version of calcium hydroxlapatite, this is an injectable version of the element that forms the bone and the cartilage. This dermal filler however is known to produce bumps, which normally do disappear after a while.
Sculptra – This is actually poly-L-lactic acid and works more as a volumizer, rather than a line filler. If you are someone who has facial hollowing in the family, then this would be a good solution for you. Sculptra is a good option to increase volume in facial features and also for people who are above 60 years of age. however, Sculptra is slightly difficult to inject, which is why you should get this dermal filler only through truly experienced doctors.
Fat – One of the best solutions for filling out facial features is the fat from one’s own body. However, it is important to remember that fat is not as predictable as the other dermal fillers. The filling could last a few months or even a few years, but there is no real guarantee. You should be prepared for swelling and bruising for the immediate weeks after the procedure.
The period for which these fillers will last do tend to differ:
If the Restylane and Juvederm have been administered properly, they should last anywhere between four to six months, while Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane, will last almost double the time.
You will also need to know how quickly these dermal fillers will start showing effect:
All these fillers will need some time to settle in, and during this time, you could feel bumps in your skin and there could be some swelling as well. But within a day or two, things should settle down and you should be able to see the results.
Before you actually decide to get the dermal filler, you will need to know about the price factor as well:
Normally, most of these dermal fillers are charged by the syringe – this means that the final billing will be based on how much area of your face needs to be covered. While Restylane and Juvederm will cost you slightly lesser, the thicker versions, that is Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane will cost you a little more. In addition, you might also have to pay for the doctor and this means that the posher and more experienced doctor you choose, the higher the final bill will be.
You should make your decision with the help of the doctor or dermatologist, because you will need to choose with care. You will want a solution that goes easy on your pocket and gives you true value for money as well.
In the next article, we will continue to look at the other aspects of popular dermal fillers.
Image Credit : www.melroseskin.co.za
