One of the most common requests in cosmetic dermatology is wrinkle reduction. Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the first signs of aging to develop, and understandably, many of our patients at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA) want to continue to look as young as they feel. But there seem to be endless ways to address wrinkles, from laser skin resurfacing to injections to chemical peels. So today, we’re taking a closer look at a highly popular treatment, facial filler injections, to help patients understand their options.

Patients who choose to tackle their wrinkles with cosmetic facial injectables should first understand the two basic categories—facial fillers and muscle-relaxing injections. Botox® and Dysport® release the tense underlying facial muscles that cause wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes (like “crows’ feet”), and between the eyebrows. Facial fillers (or dermal fillers), on the other hand, smooth wrinkles that are caused by the loss of facial fat and skin firmness with age. There are many different facial fillers available with different formulations and focuses, so here’s a brief summary:

• Restylane® – Made from hyaluronic acid, which is also found naturally in the body, Restylane® adds volume to smooth fine line and wrinkles for 6-12 months.
• Restylane Lyft® – From the same manufacturer as Restylane®, Restylane Lyft® is very similar to Restylane® but uses larger particles of hyaluronic acid, so for some, it can be more effective for deeper wrinkles and creases.
• Juvéderm® – Juvéderm® also uses hyaluronic acid to add volume to the facial skin, with results lasting up to one year.
• Sculptra® – This facial filler is made of a different compound called poly-L-lactic acid. The results gradually appear after a series of three to give treatments, and can last up to two years.
• Radiesse® – Radiesse® is a calcium-based filler. Like the other fillers, it provides quick volume improvement, but Radiesse® also stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, making skin plumper and firmer for up to a year or more.
• Belotero Balance® – While Belotero Balance® is made with hyaluronic acid like many other fillers, it also uses a formulation that allows it to assimilate with the skin and produce results that are fast and particularly natural-looking.

The decision about which dermal filler is best for a patient depends on the qualities of each filler as well as the area(s) of the face that the patient would like to focus on. The picture below illustrates the specific wrinkles and lines that each filler is able to address.

While the information above can help patients learn about their facial rejuvenation options, the decision regarding which filler will be the best fit for your needs should be made during a consultation with one of our skilled providers at DAA. Contact us to schedule your consultation, or join us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest dermatology news.