JUVEDERM is a popular dermal filler, but there are some other treatments that have similar results. JUVEDERM is very similar to several of the alternative dermal fillers, being very close in composition to other hyaluronic acid based fillers.
Other Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
There are several other dermal fillers that have a hyaluronic acid base similar to the one used in JUVEDERM . These fillers include Restylane and Perlane. While these dermal fillers are composed of the same type of hyaluronic acid base as JUVEDERM , the particle sizes vary. The dermal filler with the largest particle size is Perlane. Perlane is generally more painful during injections than the other dermal fillers. It must be injected with a larger needle, and is meant for use only in the deeper folds of the face. Restylane is very similar to JUVEDERM , but is not approved by the FDA to last as long as JUVEDERM is. Restylane is approved to last around 6 months, while JUVEDERM is FDA approved to last up to one year.
Collagen Fillers
There are other dermal fillers that have a similar effect to that of JUVEDERM , but are made of an entirely different type of substance. Collagen based fillers such as Zyderm, Zyplast, Cosmoderm, and Cosmoplast are used for the same reasons that JUVEDERM is: The filling in of lines and creases, or the plumping up of lips or other areas of the face. Collagen fillers are derived from a different source than JUVEDERM is, however.
There are two types of collagen fillers, those that are created from bovine collagen (Zyderm and Zyplast) and those created from bioengineered human collagen (Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast). The bovine derived fillers are generally considered to be a less viable option for most patients than the hyaluronic acid or bioengineered human collagen fillers are, due to the fact that any bovine filler will require allergy testing prior to treatment. Typically patients must undergo two skin tests in which a very small amount of the bovine collagen is injected into the forearm. If an allergic reaction occurs on either occasion, the patient will not be able to proceed with bovine collagen treatment.
A patient who has an allergic reaction to a bovine collagen filler is normally still able to use a bioengineered human collagen dermal filler. No allergy test is required for the human derived fillers, and thus far there have been no documented cross reactions in patients who have demonstrated a bovine collagen allergy. The collagen fillers are often less expensive than hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, but have the disadvantage of lasting only 3 to 6 months.
JUVEDERM is a temporary dermal filler, and patients who are seeking a non-permanent correction often choose this or another similar filler, since they will not be forced to keep any results they do not like. Permanent dermal fillers do exist, but the long term safety of such fillers has been called into question in some cases. JUVEDERM is a popular dermal filler, primarily due to its long lasting nature and reasonable cost.
