TIP: Get Smart about Fillers

If you’re in your 40′s or 50′s chances are  you’ve noticed some vertical lines in your face–not wrinkles, but loss of  volume.

To the rescue:  facial fillers.  There are several on  the market now, some of which you’ve probably heard about.  But which one  is right for you??   Your doctor may be the best judge of that, but  here are some things that you should know.

After you have lost collagen and elastin, fillers help the dermis return to a more youthful condition.   They work underneath the skin to trap water, plump the skin and restore volume that has been lost.  They’re frequently  used in the naso-labial folds (on the sides of the nose), the “marionette lines” (around the corners of the mouth). These areas are particularly susceptible to breakdown because there is so  much chewing, talking, smiling.  But facial fillers can also be used to raise scar depressions, plump the lips, enhance the temples, cheeks or lower eyelids.

With fillers there is little pain,  and not much downtime (although swelling and minor bruising can last for  up to a week).  Your doctor will use a fine needle and may use a numbing cream or local anesthetic  to reduce the pain.

Fillers are made from synthetic compounds that are  safe for your skin.    There are lots of different brands, including Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Sculptra, Radiesse and Prevelle.  Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Prevelle are all made  from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural sugar compound and provides fullness  to the skin.  Radiesse is made of tiny crystals that contain calcium  hydroxyapatite, a substance found in our bones and skin.

Here are some  of the pro’s and con’s of each:

Restylane:  particularly good for  nas0-labial folds, smile lines, forehead wrinkles, lips.  You can expect  it to last for about six-twelve months.

Perlane:  injected deeper, so  typically recommended for the cheeks, chin, eyebrows and around the mouth.   The manufacturer claims it lasts 9-12 months.  Not as popular as it used to be.

Juvederm:   you’ve seen this advertised–for the “parentheses” folds.  It’s the leading brand and from the company that brought us Botox.  Lasts  for about 6-12 months in the naso-labial folds; about 3-6 months in the lips.

Radiesse:  recommended for smiles and  nas0-labial folds.  Lasts for up to one year.

Prevelle:  recommended for fine lines, naso-labial folds, lips, lines around the mouth. Lasts for only 2-6 months, but is generally less expensive.  Has lidocaine added to reduce discomfort.

Sculptra:  generally multiple treatments are performed over a period of several months, but then it lasts for 2-4 years.  Has lidocaine added, to reduce discomfort.  Generally more expensive.

At the Obagi Skin Health Institute, Dr. Obagi uses Juvederm, Prevelle and Sculptra.  Ask your doctor to explain his/her recommendations.  It’s your face and your money, so make an informed decision–and be sure to select a provider who is well-qualified.