Dermal fillers are used to minimize wrinkles around the face. The most common area that these fillers are used for are the smile lines around the nose which are known as the nasolabial folds. The fillers can also be used to minimize wrinkles around the mouth, the corners of the mouth and wrinkles or scars in the cheeks.

The fillers are usually made from hyaluronic acid such as Restylane and Juvaderm but can also be made from hydroxyapitite (Radiesse) or poly-L-lactic acid (Scupltra). There are also many formulations of hyaluronic acid which are crosslinked to last longer (Perlane, Juvaderm ultra plus).

What are the risks of dermal fillers?

Dr. Lee primarily uses nonpermanent fillers which include Juvaderm, Restylane, Perlane, Juvaderm Plus, Radiesse, and Sculptra. The benefits of the nonpermanent fillers are that most complications are reversible. The complications include bruising, swelling, papule formation, tenderness, small bumps in the skin. Most of these complications if they develop, resolve in 3-7 days.

Restylane

Restylane is made up of hyaluronic acid and is injected into the mid layer of the dermis or skin. It fills the skin to decrease the appearance of a wrinkle and can also help fill areas of atrophy and scarring

Restylane usually lasts four to six months and is most often used to fill nasolabial folds/wrinkles, wrinkles around the mouth and lip augmentation. It can also be used to help with hollowing of the lower eyes. For more information regarding restylane, please visit www.restylaneusa.com.

Juvaderm

Juvaderm is made up of hyaluronic acid and is similar to Restylane. According to the company, Juvaderm reports slightly longer lasting resorption rates up to 6-8 months.

Juvaderm is used for the nasolabial fold/wrinkles, wrinkles around the mouth and lip augmentation. It can also be used to help with the hollowing of the lower eyes. For more information regarding juvaderm, please visit www.juvadermusa.com.

Perlane

Perlane is made up of crosslinked hyaluronic acid and is reported to last up to one year. Because of the density of the product, it is injected slightly deeper in the skin and is used more for deep folds around the mouth, hollows underneath the eyes, and volume loss of the cheek or mouth area.

Juvaderm Ultra Plus

Juvaderm Ultra Plus is a more crosslinked product of hyaluronic acid and is reported to last up to one year. Because of the density of the product, it is injected slightly deeper in the skin and is used more for deep folds around the mouth, hollows underneath the eyes, and volume loss of the cheek or mouth area.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a filler that is made up of hydroxyapitite, the substance found in bone. Radiesse is used to fill deep nasolabial folds and can also be used for volume loss around the mouth and cheek area.

Sculptra

Sculptra is made up of poly-L lactic acid which is an absorbable product. It is injected into the subcutaneous areas of the face and not into the skin itself. It is used mostly for volume loss of around the mouth and cheek areas as well as the jowls. It is not used for wrinkles or lip augmentation. The usual protocol for Sculptra requires 2-3 monthly injections to reach the desired result. After this result is reached, the product usually stays in the face for up to two years.