Is There a Difference Between One Dermal Filler and the Next?

Fine lines and wrinkles may be troubling signs of aging for individuals in the Montgomery, Alabama area or other parts of the country. These cosmetic blemishes may be one of the first things that make us feel aged or older and some may be embarrassed by them or grow self-conscious because of them. Injectable treatment options such as dermal fillers may be helpful ways of getting rid of or reducing fine lines and wrinkles in a safe, effective manner. There are several types of dermal fillers available on the market, leaving many individuals wondering how they decide which is best for them.

First of all, those interested in dermal fillers should seek consultation with a cosmetic specialist in the Montgomery area before deciding on any dermal filler. The medical professional will go over the patient's medical history, overall health, current conditions and their goals in helping them decide which dermal filler is right for them. Dermal fillers differ in several ways from what each is made of to the uses of the different dermal fillers to the longevity of the results and to the price of each session.

Dermal fillers may be made of various components. JUVEDERM®, Perlane and Restylane are made of hyaluronic acid, while Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxyl apatite. Collagen is used to compose other dermal fillers including Evolence (porcine, or pig, collagen), Artefill (bovine, or cow, collagen) and Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm (human collagen). Dermal fillers may not require skin testing before treatment may be administered, although those who choose wish to pursue treatment with Artefill may require skin testing before treatment may proceed, as there may be a risk of hypersensitivity to the bovine collagen used.

Next, the uses of each dermal filler may vary. JUVEDERM®, Restylane and Perlane may be used in the nasolabial folds, lips, around the mount and in the cheeks, while Radiesse may be used in the nasolabial folds, around the mouth, in the cheeks and temples, but may not be used in the lips. It is important to discuss the uses of each dermal filler before treatment to ensure that you and your doctor are on the same page and to ensure that you choose the dermal filler that is right for you. Sculptra may be used for general facial volume in the cheeks, chin and temples, while Artefill may be used in the nasolabial folds, cheeks and chin, but should not be used in the lips.

The longevity of the results achieved through each dermal filler varies as well. Results from JUVEDERM® and Restylane may last six to 12 months in the nasolabial folds, but three to six months in the lips. Perlane, Radiesse and Evolence results may last six to 12 months. Some results of dermal fillers may last years such as Sculptra (two to four years) and Artefill (more than five years), although the price of these dermal fillers may be higher than that of dermal fillers that last two to six months such as Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm. In many cases, the longer the results, the higher the price of each treatment.

Sculptra may require several treatments over several months, while many other types of dermal fillers require just one treatment to achieve results. Maintenance treatments may be required, however, to achieve desired effects. Keep this in mind when choosing a dermal filler, as lower priced options may not last as long as higher priced options, and because the results do not last as long, patients may ultimately end up spending more on repeat sessions to maintain the effect of the treatment. More information may be obtained by speaking with a trained professional in the Montgomery area.

Learn more about dermal fillers in Montgomery, Alabama.