What are Restylane, Perlane
and Juvederm?
These are dermal fillers composed of Hyaluronic Acid suspended
in an inert gel. Restylane and Perlane are made by Medicis,
Juvederm by Allergan (the makers of Botox). Sometimes called
“soft fillers”
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural component of the body that
works to hold moisture in your cells while increasing the
elasticity, durability and radiance of your skin.Why use one
HA filler vs. another?
The choice of which filler to use to volumize depends on many
factors including but not limited to what region is to be
filled, how much volume correction is required, expected
duration of effect, cost, and client and injector preferences.
Sometimes it makes sense to use more than one type of filler at
the same time.
Common uses for Hyaluronic Acid fillers include:
- Wrinkle correction
- Diminishing worry lines, smile lines, marionette lines at
corners of the mouth,
and smoker's lines
- Lip enhancement
- Reducing the severity of nasolabial folds
- Chin augmentation
- Filling cheek depressions
- Redefining lip border
- Softening acne scars
Other, less common, uses for these filler include:
- Filling hollows under the eyes
- Creating a temporary eyebrow lift
- Correcting facial depressions caused by fat loss
- Softening the appearance of jowls
Perlane® is primarily the same product as Restylane®, but
Perlane® filler contains a larger concentration of hyaluronic
acid. Because of this higher concentration of hyaluronic acid,
Perlane® is usually used for larger folds, while Restylane® is
better suited for smaller wrinkles or to maintain the results of
a previous Perlane® injection. Juvéderm® has a higher
concentration of hyaluronic acid than Restylane®, so the results
of a Juvéderm® treatment might last longer than those of a
Restylane® treatment. However, for some areas it is not the
filler of choice because it may be too soft for some
applications.
Are they safe?
Dermal fillers have been used as a nonsurgical option for facial
rejuvenation for more than 2 decades. Complications and side
effects associated with these products are extremely rare. Any
side effects are generally short term and usually mild (mostly
minor swelling and/or bruising, redness).
What should I expect?
A topical anesthetic may be used. For lip enhancement, a dental
block will be performed to numb the region. After cleansing the
skin, the filler is injected in small amounts using a very fine
needle. Most clients are carrying on relaxed conversation during
the entire process. Periodically, Dr. Hatzos may pause and let
you see your progress in a mirror, which helps alleviate the
anxiety of wondering “Will it look natural?”. A cold pack may be
applied to a region once the injection is completed. There will
be some degree of swelling (minimal in some, modest in others)
which resolves over a day or two in most cases. Occasionally
minor swelling and redness will persist longer in a region but
will resolve over time. This is particularly true if bruising
occurs. The filler will feel firm at first, but will soften over
the course of 2 weeks at which point it feels very natural.
Will I bruise?
This is difficult to predict in any one person. Light skinned,
fair haired clients tend to bruise more easily. The use of
aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Motrin, Aleve,
Naproxen, etc…) or other agents which affect the clotting of
blood will increase the risk and extent of bruising. If you have
a tendency to bruise easily you may wish to discuss with us the
use of Arnica which may help minimize the extent and duration of
swelling and bruising. We have 5 day Arnica packs available for
purchase ($10) at Renew. Additionally, avoidance of using
vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3's (fish oil supplements) and
flaxseed oil for 10 days is helpful.
How long will it last?
6 months to 1 year in general. It may vary slightly from one
filler to another, but more importantly it varies depending on
where the filler is placed. Filler placed in hyperdynamic
regions like the lips will disappear more quickly that that same
filler when it is placed in a more static region such as the
cheek. At some point you will want a touch up injection (perhaps
at the 6 to 9 month stage for example) to maintain the full
volume correction you have enjoyed previously. Touch up
injections do not necessarily involve the same amount of filler
and thus may be less expensive than your original fill .
How much will it
Cost
?
Fillers are sold by the syringe. The national average for a
syringe is $550 to $850. At Renew we charge $425 per syringe
regardless of the brand of filler used.
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