Dermal Fillers Face-Off: Comparing Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, and More

Restoring youthful-looking skin can be simple. Dermal fillers are convenient, don’t require surgery, and only call for minimal recovery time—if any. Dr. Marguerite Germain and the team at Germain Dermatology offer a wide range of dermal filler choices in Charleston—such as Juvederm^®, Restylane^®, Radiesse^®, and Sculptra^®—so they are used to explaining the similarities and differences between the options.

Some of the substances used for fillers include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, and autologous fat. Despite the relatively superficial nature of the procedure, there are certain safety precautions that patients should take to avoid complications. Whether you’re a novice to dermal fillers and are planning to try them out for the first time, or have “been around the block” a few times before, it’s wise to be choosy when it comes to the person administering the treatment, the facilities, and the specific products being used.

Dermal fillers should be injected only by a trained, licensed board-certified dermatologist or an experienced medical professional overseen by a dermatologist. There is no one injectable that’s perfect for everyone. Each patient’s needs are different, depending on unique facial features, bone structure, skin type, severity of wrinkles, and expectations of results.

Juvederm^®

Juvederm^® is perhaps the world’s most popular dermal filler brand. The Juvederm^® family includes a full collection of products designed to address various aspects of facial aging. Individual injectables in the line can minimize moderate to severe wrinkles, particularly on the middle and lower areas of the face, such as nasolabial folds between the mouth and nose. Some forms of Juvederm^® tackle fine, delicate lines, such as those on the lips. Others are used for more general facial contouring and enhancement. Juvederm^® and some other hyaluronic acid-based fillers also have off-label applications for tear troughs (undereye hollows).

Fillers in this family are made up of a soft, transparent, gelatinous sugar called hyaluronic acid, which binds to and collects water. This is the same substance naturally produced in the skin, responsible for providing a dewy, radiant, and youthful complexion. With increased age, production of hyaluronic acid declines, leading to changes in the skin.

 

Restylane^®

Like Juvederm, Restylane^® contains hyaluronic acid as its active ingredient. Both fillers are “reversible,” meaning the gel can be dissolved if desired. This makes them an ideal option for first-time patients. Another advantage of hyaluronic acid-based fillers is that they produce subtle results that blend well with existing features. The Restylane^® family is used on multiple facial features to address several different signs of aging, including cheek volumizing. There are differences in how long it takes different brands of fillers to have an effect, as well as how long they last and how much they cost. Restylane^® Silk and Juvederm Voluma^®, for example, have similar uses: to contour the midface by adding volume to the apple of the cheeks. That said, Silk may be less expensive, take a bit longer to show results, and may not last quite as long as the other option.

Radiesse^®

 

Radiesse^® is an FDA-approved filler intended for promoting collagen production in addition to adding volume. Its key ingredient is calcium hydroxylapatite, which contains substances naturally found in the human body—such as phosphate and calcium—and helps gives structure to the skin while at the same time stimulating the creation of new collagen molecules that outlast the filler itself. This option is good for treating wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, chin lines, and deep scars. Results commonly last a year or more.

Sculptra^®

Sculptra^® is another dermal filler intended for kickstarting collagen production in the skin. It contains biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA, the same substance found naturally in the body) to soften and add “padding” to facial features. Once injected deep in the dermis, the fully dissolvable serum produces gradual improvements that can last for up to two years.

Want to learn more about the various dermal fillers available? Call the Germain Dermatology team in Charleston at (843) 881–4440, or visit the website to schedule an appointment.