We are frequently asked which cosmetic filler is best. This article will try to help eliminate some of the confusion around cosmetic fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse. We will also talk about platelet-rich plasma or PRP as a filler, the so-called “Vampire Facial”. Finally, we will discuss one of the best fillers, your own fat.
The most common fillers used today are made primarily from a substance called hyaluronic acid. These fillers include Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero. There are some slight differences in how the different products like Restylane or Juvederm are made, but they all are very similar in use. All of the hyaluronic acid products fill well and all last 6-9 months. After 9 months, most have been degraded by the body and most of the filling benefits are lost.
Restylane and Juvederm Both Stimulate Collagen
Hyaluronic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen, so some long term benefits may result. While there are some differences in how they are made, none of these is truly better than the others. It is usually best to choose the one preferred by your doctor or injectionist. Choosing the cheapest is often the very best idea since there is little difference in how well or how long they work. If they are all the same, get the best bargain!
Radiesse For the Cheeks and Nasolabial Folds
Radiesse is different from Restylane or Juvederm. Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres. These microspheres stimulate collagen and are slowly broken down by the body. Radiesse commonly lasts 9-12 months before needing to be redone. Because it becomes fairly hard, it is not recommended for the lips. Radiesse is very good for the cheeks and nasolabial folds. Some patients like to use Radiesse for their cheeks and Restylane or Juvederm for their lips. This is often a nice combination and gives a longer result than Restylane alone.
Sculptra and Bellafill Injectables
Sculptra is a longer-acting filler made from poly-L-lactic acid. The use of Sculptra is more specialized because it gains volume over time, so you have to underfill at the start. It also lasts up to 2 years. Be sure to only go to someone well trained and experienced when considering Sculptra.
Bellafill (formerly ArteFill) is a filler made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres that are not broken down by the body. Bellafill can give permanent filling. It is used primarily on nasolabial folds and scars. As with Sculptra, be sure to use an experienced doctor.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Vampire Facial
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has seen increasing use in recent years. PRP is prepared from your own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn and placed in a special centrifuge. In the end, we separated the platelets out and mixed our PRP. Since it is “you”, there is no chance of a reaction. PRP is rich in growth factors which are the substances our cells use to talk to each other. PRP stimulates new collagen and is rejuvenating, but right now it is hard to know how it compares with the other fillers.
Facial Fat Transfer
One of the best fillers that is often overlooked is your own fat. Fat is less expensive than injectables, fat can’t be rejected, fat feels and looks entirely natural and is permanent. We do a small amount of liposuction elsewhere on the body to get the fat. We like to mix it with PRP to enhance survival. We typically use blunt cannulas for fat injection. This leads to more bruising than the other fillers. However, the ability to restore more volume and have permanent results makes fat a great option for many people.
Contact Innovations Medical for Lip Filler Procedures
If you’re looking to give your lips a boost, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which filler treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 1984, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if Juvederm or Restylane is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at 214-643-8665 or schedule an appointment.