Restylane”, Juvederm”, Radiesse”, Sculptra” and Perlane” are fillers that can be injected under the skin to eliminate facial lines, fill in depressed areas, and actually lift the skin in some areas. These fillers can dramatically rejuvenate facial appearance and are widely used today in anti-aging facial skin care.

What are Restylane”, Juvederm”, Radiesse”, Sculptra” and Perlane” made of?

These soft tissue fillers are FDA-approved liquid or gel medications that are injected under the skin to plump up or plump an area of ​​facial skin that is depressed, such as a line, crease, or atrophied area. Soft tissue fillers are used to fill in facial lines and wrinkles, to camouflage a fold of skin around the mouth, and to fill in depressed areas such as the cheeks that occur during facial aging.

The new fillers are hypoallergenic, unlike the older collagen-type fillers used in the past. Most are a form of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a normal “ground substance” in skin that helps maintain plumpness and moisture in youthful skin. Some HA products are crosslinked or have a larger particle size for longer lasting results. Some newer, more durable paddings are made from other types of materials that I’ll discuss below. The ingredient of common facial fillers is:

“Restylane”-Hyaluronic acid

“Juvedermo”-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid

“Radiesse”-calcium hydroxyapatite

“Sculpture”– Polyglycolic acid

“Perlano”-Hyaluronic acid-large particle

How are Restylane”, Juvederm”, Radiesse”, Sculptra” and Perlane” used to correct facial aging?

Soft tissue fillers are injected into the skin to add volume. Think of fillers as skin plumping agents. With aging, the skin loses collagen and becomes lax. Especially in the middle area of ​​the face and cheeks, the face can develop depressions and make the face look gaunt. Fillers can be injected into these depressions to make the cheek appear fuller and more youthful.

Fillers are also injected into deep facial lines. Nose-to-mouth lines or nasal labial fold lines and marionette lines give the face an aged appearance. Fillers can be injected deep into these lines to fill in the lines and camouflage creases.

Recently, larger filler injections have been performed to plump up the cheeks and plump up and lift the double chin in a procedure called a liquid facelift, with spectacular results.

Are Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and Perlane injections safe?

The FDA-approved fillers discussed in this article are safe when used carefully by an experienced physician. Filler injections are not an easy procedure for a physician to perform correctly. Experience is required to obtain a good result. There may be side effects which will be discussed below under the risks.

How long do filler injections last?

Pure HA fillers maintain the correction for 4-6 months. Longer lasting, cross-linked, large particle, polyglycolic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers can last from nine months to a year.

Do Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and Perlane injections hurt?

I use a combination of topical anesthesia and nerve blocks to keep patients comfortable during filler injections. Cooling the skin also helps numb the skin and prevent bruising.

Recently we have been mixing lidocaine, an anesthetic with some fillers and this also makes the injection more comfortable.

What are the risks of Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and Perlane injections?

” Bruises-Bruises can occur especially when fillings are worn around the mouth. Icing before injection helps prevent bruising. Some also use the herb Arnica Montana, taken in pill form, to reduce bruising.

“Swelling-Some degree of swelling at the injection site is common. Ice helps decrease swelling.

“Long-lasting lumps or bumps-Some patients develop firm lumps at the filler site. This is more common with longer lasting HA-free and cross-linked fillers. While longer lasting results are desirable, fillers must be injected evenly.

Lumps are more common when an irregular injection technique is used due to the inexperience of the doctor. Massage generally diminishes lumps and most go away, even with long-lasting fillers, between nine months and a year.

“Eye Complications-Companies that manufacture fillers do not recommend injecting fillers around and under the eyelid and is therefore off-label use. There have been long-lasting lumps, discoloration, and other issues associated with using fillers under the lower eyelid to correct dark circles.

How much do Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and Perlane injections cost?

Depending on the product used, between $600 and $950 per syringe. One syringe will treat the nasolabial fold and possibly the upper lip. Two syringes are required for the nasolabial fold and marionette lines. The liquid facelift requires at least three and sometimes more syringes.

Warning: Do not use Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Perlane injections around the eyes

Don’t let anyone inject fillers into your lower eyelid to correct dark circles under your eyes. Companies that make fillers do not recommend this use, making it an off-label use of a filler.

A case of blindness after filler injection under the eye has been reported in England.

Many doctors inject fillers under the lower eyelid with good results. I am sure that good results are possible. However, many doctors do not have training in eye surgery and ocular anatomy, and I believe it is dangerous for anyone without detailed knowledge and experience in eyelid surgery to give injections around the eyes.

Who should give me the Restylane”, Juvederm”, Radiesse”, Sculptra” and Perlane” injection?

The most experienced doctors who perform filler injections are board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Experience and technical skill are very important to achieve a good result and avoid complications. Lots of people get filler injections; the company sells to anyone who is a licensed physician.

In my opinion, you should look for a board certified plastic surgeon who is very experienced and performs filler injections several times a week. Ask the doctor how experienced they are and how many injections they do a week.

Soft tissue fillers are remarkably effective products when used by an experienced, qualified physician. They are one of the most valuable, effective, and best non-surgical facial rejuvenation methods available today. Do your homework and find an expert who can treat your unique face with the care it deserves.