How to Choose a Dermal Filler

With so many dermal fillers available on the market, patients in the McAllen, Texas area and around the country should turn to a cosmetic specialist to discuss all of their options. There are several factors that they should consider when choosing a dermal filler that is right for their particular situation. Each dermal filler may differ from others in a couple of ways. Knowing these differences and understanding what the differences mean is very important for those interested in dermal fillers as a means of reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

For instance, patients are encouraged to discuss what each filler is made of. Generally, dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, collagen (animal or human), calcium hydroxyl apatite, poly lactic acid, etc. Lidocaine anesthetic is used with dermal fillers in many cases as well. Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm contain human collagen mixed with Lidocaine anesthetic, while Elvess contains hyaluronic acid mixed with Lidocaine anesthetic. Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane contain hyaluronic acid and Evolence contains cross-linked porcine (pig) collagen. Artefill contains poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and bovine (cow) collagen.

Different dermal fillers have different uses as well. Determining the use of each dermal filler should help patients narrow down their choices. Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane and Elvess may be used to treat the nasolabial folds, cheeks, around the mouth and the lips. Prevelle Silk may treat the nasolabial folds, around the mouth, lips and fine lines. Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm may treat fine lines, nasolabial folds and the lips, while Artefill may be used to treat nasolabial folds, cheeks and the chin, but may not be used in the lips. Radiesse is another example of a dermal filler that should not be used to treat the lips. For more information about the uses of these and other dermal fillers, interested patients are encouraged to seek further information from a trained professional in the McAllen area.

Skin testing is generally not required, although Artefill is one example of a dermal filler that does require skin testing before treatment. This is because of the risk of hypersensitivity to the bovine collagen used in the filler. Hypersensitivity is rare for most dermal fillers, although Elvess may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to Sulfa.

Finally, the price of the dermal filler is a factor that should also be considered when choosing a treatment. Prices vary depending on many different factors, but the longevity of the results is a major influence. Generally speaking, the longer the results are expected to last, the more expensive the treatment. Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm offer results that last between two and six months in most cases, and are among the cheaper options available. Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Perlane and Evolence offer results that last between 6 and 12 months and are in the middle of the price scale in most cases. Also note that when used in the lips, results from Juvederm and Restylane are expected to last between three and six months.

Among the more expensive options are Artefill and Sculptra. Results of Sculptra typically last two to four years, while results of Artefill may last for more than five years. For more information about the longevity of results, patients are encouraged to seek consultation with a medical professional in the McAllen area.

Those interested in learning more about a specific dermal filler or dermal fillers in general should discuss their goals with a medical professional. This is usually the very best resource for further information pertaining to fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging, as well as treatments such as dermal fillers to provide relief.

Learn more about dermal fillers in McAllen, Texas.

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