Dermal Filler Comparisons
The current generation of dermal fillers has progressed to the point where they can be a great alternative to more invasive options like facelift surgery. These non-surgical injectable treatments have the power to dramatically smooth and plump the skin; instantly reversing the most common symptoms associated with facial aging like wrinkles and volume loss to the lips or cheek area.
With so many different fillers on the market a common question fielded by cosmetic dermatologists is how do they all differ? Here’s a quick overview of today’s most popular fillers:
Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus
- Primary Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
- Uses: Juvederm Ultra is very effective in addressing both fine lines and adding volume to the face were mild correction is needed. Juvederm Ultra is a light dermal filler, which enables it to be used on areas with thinner skin. It is also used for adding smaller amounts of volume in the lips or even giving the lips a nice contour—somewhat like putting on lip liner.
- Juvederm Ultra Plus is thicker and more viscous, used for filling moderate to severe folds (like the nasal labial folds) and adding more volume in the lips
- Duration: Juvederm has been FDA approved to last up to a year
- Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase
Voluma XC
- Primary Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
- Uses: Voluma is the only dermal filler approved by the FDA to increase the volume of the midface. Voluma gives a nice countoured look that smooths out the cheeks and moderate lines around the eyes. It makes the skin look and feel tighter because of its vycross technology that lifts and puts volume back in the area of volume loss. It is also non-hydrophilic so it doesn’t cause a lot of swelling after the injection. Voluma lifts and tightens areas by filling out the nasal labial folds, lifting the jawline, smoothing the fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes, and reducing the smile lines that gravitate into the cheek when we smile.
- Duration: Typically it has a duration of 2 years with full correction
- Antidote/Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase
- Note: Voluma is relatively new on the market. Our practice was one of the first clinics in the country to offer Voluma and we’ve had some excellent results as shown by these before and after photos.
Radiesse
- Primary Ingredient: Calcium hydroxylapatite in the form of microspheres.
- Uses: Radiesse is ideal for the treatment of moderate to severe folds and wrinkles (like the nasolabial folds). It can also be used to plump the cheeks, chin, and jawline (it is not approved for the use in lips).
- Duration: Results of a single treatment can last a year or longer.
- Reversal Agent: Radiesse cannot be reversed, though the effects gradually disappear over time.
Restylane
- Primary Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
- Uses: Restylane is a great filler to use in plumping the lips. It can also be used to smooth wrinkles and folds.
- Duration: Restylane’s can last to up to 18 months (with maintenance injections at 4 months or 9 months). A single injection of Restylane may last up to 6 months.
- Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase
Perlane
- Primary Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
- Uses: Perlane is used to add volume to flat areas. While similar to Restylane, Perlane is thicker, which makes it more effective for smoothing deep or prominent folds.
- Duration: FDA studies indicate the average duration of Perlane is around 6 months.
- Reversal Agent: Hyaluronidase
Sculptra
- Primary Ingredient: Poly-L-Lactic Acid
- Uses: Sculptra is FDA approved for use to correct nasolabial folds, contour deficiency, and other facial wrinkles. Sculptra can build cheek volume, fill hollow areas of the face, and increase skin thickness. It is not currently used to enhance the lips.
- Duration: Effects can last up to 2 years after the first full treatment (note that a full treatment consists of three separate injections done 4-6 weeks apart).
- Reversal Agent: Sculptra cannot be reversed.
Ultimately, the right dermal filler for you will depend on your physician’s experience and preference along with your individual goals, and facial aging issues.
About The Author
Kelly Wala, RN BSN MEP-C is an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist currently practicing at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Austin, Texas. Kelly helps patients realize a vibrant youthful look by providing a full complement of non-surgical aesthetic services such as facial injectables, laser and light therapy, body contouring, and skin care.
