Dermal Fillers

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An Overview

Injectable dermal fillers have become the easiest way to smooth away those unwanted wrinkles. New dermal fillers are hitting the market every day and it can be a little confusing to sort through them, or even tell the difference between them. A lot of cosmetic dermal fillers are very similar, but the difference really depends on what you’re using a particular wrinkle injectable for. Some dermal fillers might be better at filling in crow’s feet, laugh lines, or forehead creases, while others are great at enhancing lips, or filling in acne scars or dark circles under the eye.

Botox® Cosmetic – Botox injections are derived from botulism toxin. While that may be unsettling to some, the low dosage is perfectly safe when administered by an expert. While not technically a "dermal filler," BOTOX is a similar injectable that works by relaxing your facial muscles, causing the skin to relax and smooth out. BOTOX is great for eliminating fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Since BOTOX Cosmetic impedes muscle control, you should not use BOTOX for lips or laugh lines.

Collagen Injection – Collagen is the original cosmetic dermal filler. It’s been around for quite a while and, maybe, and is considered the go-to filler because it produces reliable, effective results. Collagen injections are great for smoothing wrinkles or for lip augmentation. Collagen is not permanent (as no dermal filler is) and generally wears off within 3-6 months. Since regular Collagen is derived from bovine, Collagen injections contain some risk of allergies, so starting with a test area is generally required.

CosmoPlast™ – CosmoPlast and CosmoDerm™ are made from natural collagen as opposed to animal derived Collagen. CosmoPlast injections offer the same results as standard Collagen, but there’s virtually no chance of an allergic reaction, which means that you won’t need to have a test spot done before treatment. CosmoPlast has been proven especially successful at treating very deep wrinkles on the forehead or around the eyes and mouth.

Restylane® – This is a relatively recent dermal filler made from a synthetic Hyaluronic Acid, a natural component of healthy skin. Restylane injections are similar to Collagen, but since it’s a synthetic substance, the allergy risk isn’t there. Restylane generally lasts a little longer than BOTOX or Collagen, and Restylane is great for lip augmentation as well as overall wrinkle removal.

Juvederm™ – Juvederm is another Hyaluronic Acid (HA) gel like Restalyne. Juvederm has been FDA approved and is safe for use on all skin types. Juvederm as a dermal filler has proven effective at filling nasolabial folds (laugh lines) and as a lip enhancer. For longer lasting options, Juvederm offers Juvederm™ Ultra and Juvederm™ Ultra Plus, which can last up to 12 months.

Perlane – Perlane, like Restylane is composed of Hyaluronic Acid, but at a higher concentration. This makes Perlane injections great for smoothing deep lines that Restylane might not be able to fully remove. Perlane can also last a bit longer than Restylane.

Radiance/Radiesse™ – Radiesse might be the most exciting dermal injectable today. Radiesse contains calcium and phosphate ions, found naturally in our bones and teeth. This makes Radiesse a very strong and versatile dermal filler. It has the same effects as Restylane or Collagen, allowing it to eliminate wrinkles and augment lips. Radiesse, however, can last for up to 3-5 years! Radiesse might be a bit much for your first cosmetic dermal filler, but if you already like Restylane, you’ll probably love Radiesse.

Dermal Fillers Side Effects:

Most side effects of dermal fillers are minor but include redness at the injection site, swelling, and minor bruising.  You may also feel a slight headache after treatment, which can be alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Can Insurance Cover Dermal Fillers?

Due to the cosmetic natural of dermal fillers, insurance is usually not involved.  However, some providers will cover BOTOX for migraine headaches.

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