Comparing Two Dermal Fillers: JUVEDERM® and RADIESSE®

 

FDA-approved, non-surgical dermal fillers are often used to enhance the look of the skin, especially for people who want a more youthful look, but who do not want plastic surgery. There are fewer “barriers to entry” associated with fillers than with traditional plastic surgery, as the fillers are typically administered in outpatient procedures, provide temporary but long-lasting results, and allow patients to return to their normal activities right away. Women and men with questions about dermal fillers often turn to the Los Angeles-based dermatology team at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, where the physicians have been involved in the FDA research and trials connected to both options. Not all fillers are the same, and patients have a variety of options to choose from—including JUVEDERM^® and RADIESSE^®.

Dermal fillers are applied strategically under the skin to temporarily reduce wrinkles, fill out hollowed areas, and contour, lift, or augment specific features. In general, they have the overall effect of making the skin look fuller and more refreshed. Some of the areas where dermal fillers are typically used include the cheeks, lips, chin, and jawline to address acne scars, smile lines, marionette lines, and more.

As opposed to BOTOX^® Cosmetic and other neuromodulators designed for treating dynamic wrinkles linked to facial muscle contractions, dermal fillers are mainly used for volume loss and static wrinkles. These are lines that tend to appear in a later phase of life than dynamic wrinkles, are visible even when the face is at rest, and are usually associated with age-related volume loss, the pull of gravity, and sun damage. Collagen and elastin are proteins that help to give support and elasticity to the skin. With the passage of time, the structure of facial skin often deteriorates as smaller quantities of collagen and elastin are produced, skin and fat are displaced, some of the bone is reabsorbed, and the face slightly changes shape. 

In addition to addressing moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, calcium-based RADIESSE^® from pharmaceutical company Merz Pharma Group promotes long-lasting collagen growth to rejuvenate the skin. It contains injectable calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) gel microspheres—a synthetic version of the mineral-like substance that is an essential component of the teeth and bones. RADIESSE^® is good for addressing marionette lines, nasolabial folds, chin lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowl sulcus (the folds on either side of the chin), and more. Additionally, it can used for treatment of facial fat loss in people who are living with HIV.

JUVEDERM^® from Allergan is made up of a clear gel called hyaluronic acid. This substance is made by the body and binds to water. In the skin, it regulates moisture levels for ongoing hydration and pleasant pliancy. Each product in the JUVEDERM^® line has its own unique applications. For instance, VOLUMA^® XC adds volume to lift and plump the apples of the cheeks, while VOLBELLA™ subtly augments the lips and smooths out vertical lip lines.

RADIESSE^® and JUVEDERM^® both work well on all skin types and tones, though people with bleeding disorders, active infections, or severe allergies aren’t usually good candidates for either type of filler. Note that unlike hyaluronic acid fillers such as JUVEDERM^®, which can be dissolved if patients are not satisfied with their results, RADIESSE^® takes around a year to metabolize.

Women and men seeking facial rejuvenation are encouraged to talk to a board-certified dermatologist to identify the type of dermal filler that is right for their needs, based on their age, preferences, goals, and the state of their skin. Other treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing, can be used in conjunction with dermal fillers to further improve a more youthful look.

Explore aesthetic dermatology services and more in the Los Angeles area from Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Get in touch with them by calling 310-246-0495 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation.