Dermal fillers can be a good option for patients who want anti-aging treatments but are not interested in surgery or who want nonsurgical treatments to support their surgical results. These injectable treatments can treat many of the most common aging concerns, like lost volume or lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers work quickly, and there is very little downtime.
One of the first things we do when you come for a consultation is narrow down which filler is right for you. We will break down some of the most commonly used dermal fillers so you can come to your appointment with a basic knowledge of the products we may mention. At AM Facial Plastics, we see patients in Beverly Hills and offer consultations in Santa Barbara.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers add volume beneath the skin to improve the appearance of lines and add volume and contour to areas that have hollowed with age. The products are made with materials that are already naturally found in the body or can be broken down by the body over time. Injectable fillers are placed into specific facial zones, like the cheeks and lips, to address the specific concerns of each patient. Each formula has its own benefits and applications, and we choose the right one based on factors like treatment area and patient preferences.
What Dermal Fillers Are Made Of
Dermal fillers use biocompatible substances that integrate with the tissue after it has been injected. Each product has unique properties that influence how it performs, including how long it lasts and how firm it feels after injection. Two of the most widely used materials are hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA).
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that naturally binds to water and is useful for hydration and increasing volume. It is commonly used in the lips to make them plump or treat vertical lip lines, as well as in the cheeks and around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid has a flexible texture and is reversible with a product called hyaluronidase that breaks down HA in the skin.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like substance found in bone, and can be suspended in a smooth gel for use in cosmetic fillers. It provides structure with time as the body responds to its presence and produces more collagen around the framework that it leaves once injected. It is used in the jawline and cheeks, and in the lines around the mouth. After a year or more, the body breaks down the CaHA into calcium and phosphate ions, which are filtered out by the body, leaving the new collagen behind.
About Biostimulator Injectables
Biostimulators are different from dermal fillers, but are often discussed at the same time. These products are both injectable treatments that produce volumizing effects, but biostimulators do this over a longer period of time. They promote volume through ingredients that stimulate collagen production, such as calcium Hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid. Some biostimulatory products combine the two strategies to provide the patient with immediate results and collagen stimulation.
JUVÉDERM: Hyaluronic Acid and Crosslinking Technology
What Is JUVÉDERM?
JUVÉDERM is a line of facial fillers known for their smooth consistency and versatility across multiple areas of the face. Each product within the JUVÉDERM family is created with slightly different properties that allow us to address volume loss, fine lines, contour concerns and other signs of aging.
JUVÉDERM Crosslinking Technology
The way hyaluronic acid molecules are bonded together, known as crosslinking, affects how a filler behaves once it is injected. Without crosslinking, hyaluronic acid would dissolve too quickly to provide any meaningful correction. JUVÉDERM uses two crosslinking methods, HYLACROSS™ Technology and VYCROSS® Technology, which alter the filler’s integration into the tissue and its durability once you leave the office.
Hylacross technology is used in JUVÉDERM products like ULTRA XC and ULTRA PLUS XC, and relies on a high concentration of high molecular weight HA with uniform particle sizes. These gels have a smooth and cohesive texture and a higher water affinity. VYCROSS Technology, used in options like VOLUMA® XC, VOLLURE® XC and VOLBELLA® XC, crosslinks high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid with low-molecular-weight HA to create a more elastic gel.
What Does “XC” Mean?
When you see “XC” at the end of the names of JUVÉDERM cosmetic fillers, this simply means that lidocaine has been added to the formula. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that keeps you comfortable during and after your injections. The inclusion of lidocaine does not affect how the filler performs.
Restylane: Hyaluronic Acid With NASHA and XpresHAn
What Is Restylane?
Restylane is another well-known family of HA fillers with products that vary in flexibility and structure. The line includes fillers for lip volume as well as options for treating nasolabial folds, under-eye hollowing, cheeks and the chin or jawline. Restylane products, in general, have a firmer and more structured formulation than JUVÉDERM and can be suitable for certain individuals.
About NASHA® and XpresHAn Technology™
Restylane products use one of two technologies:
- NASHA: NASHA stands for Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic acid. These gels are firmer and made to mimic bone once injected. Injectable fillers made with NASHA technology provide more structure and hold their shape.
- XpresHAn Technology: Fillers made with this technology are softer and more flexible when placed in expressive areas. We use these products in areas like around the mouth, where there is more motion.
Radiesse: Biostimulatory Filler With Calcium Hydroxylapatite
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a filler that provides immediate volume while triggering a longer-term collagen response. It contains calcium-based microspheres that are injected with a gel that lifts and shapes the treated area right after injection. As the gel is absorbed, your body responds to the remaining microspheres by forming new collagen around them, with results that continue to build for several months.
Best Uses for Radiesse
Radiesse is commonly used for structural enhancement in the mid and lower face, including the jawline, pre-jowl sulcus, chin and marionette lines. It provides a longer-lasting lift compared to softer fillers. It is also FDA-approved for hand augmentation to reduce the visibility of veins, tendons and hollows. Because of its unique properties, Radiesse is not typically used in delicate or high-movement areas like the lips or tear troughs.
Find the Right Filler for You With a Consultation in Beverly Hills, CA
Both men and women turn to dermal fillers as a way to restore volume and enhance facial features without surgery. At AM Facial Plastics, you will be under the care of Dual Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Arash Moradzadeh, MD. Dr. Moradzadeh combines artistry and science in all of his treatments, including non-surgical options like dermal fillers. He provides natural-looking results that are based on your anatomy and treatment goals. To request a consultation in Beverly Hills, CA, call 310-659-9900 or contact us using the online form.