Injectables: Which One Is Right for You?

One of our specials this month is a Free Chemical Peel with the purchase of $1000 worth of any Injectable. Other specials include our Botox and Ulthera treatments; please see our previous blogs for more about Botox and Ulthera.

With five different fillers available, how do you know which one is right for you?

Fillers: Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, Poly-L-lactic Acid?

The main thing to know about fillers is what they are made of. The many fillers available on the market today are either made of hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronan, hyaluronate, or HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, or Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).

Radiesse, is the only filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite, while Sculptra is the only made of Poly-L-lactic acid. All the other synthetic fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. 

Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and Poly-L-lactic acid are naturally occurring compounds that are produced synthetically. Because they are synthetic they are nonallergenic and don’t require a skin test like the old collagen-based fillers did.

Fillers: Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Restylane Lyft and Radiesse

The difference between the fillers, even those composed of hyaluronic acid, is their consistency and thickness. These characteristics influence how they work in the skin to repair and improve imperfections.

Restylane was the first hyaluronic acid approved by the FDA. It was an instant hit and quickly replaced collagen in the marketplace. At this point in time, its density and firmness is in the mid-range of the currently available hyaluronic acid fillers.

Restylane Lyft is from the same makers as Restylane, but is denser and firmer.

Juvederm was the second FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler released to the market, and produced by the same company as Botox. It is softer than Restylane because it is “whipped” thus spreading out more from the injection site.

Voluma (or Juvederm Voluma XC) is a long lasting HA filler specifically approved by the FDA to act as a kind of implant under the cheek area. This added cheek volume restores youthfulness to the face.

Radiesse is the only calcium hydroxylapatite filler and also the thickest and densest. In addition it is white instead of clear like the other HA fillers. For these reasons it is injected below the skin in areas where the skin is thick.

Sculptra is the only PLLA-based filler and the only one by the FDA in 2004 for treating the loss of fat tissue in the face (lipoatrophy). Results of treatment can last up to two years. Used along with Botox and some other fillers it creates what has been called a “liquid facelift.”

Contact MirrorMirror and Book a Free Consultation

If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, or if you have a question about dermal fillers, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.

Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.

The office of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery and the Fine Art of Natural Cosmetic Surgery is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique.