Last week I gave you the 411 on the popular injectable fillers derived from hyaluronic acid; so this week I’ll go over some popular collagen- based fillers and popular injectables for uses other than just the treatment of wrinkles.

Radiesse® is a dermal filler made up of calcium-based microspheres (calcium hydoxylapatite.) It is unique in its claim to promote natural collagen reproduction, causing the body to form its own collagen around these microspheres, and ultimately making the effects of Radiesse® last longer with multiple treatments. The first treatment is expected to last from 3 to 6 months, but can last from 12 to 18 months after the second treatment.  Radiesse® is typically pricier than other popular dermal fillers.  It is effective for nasolabial folds, cheekbones, and jawlines, but not usually for lips. Because it is not a hyaluronic acid (HA filler) based product, it cannot be dissolved by hyaluronidase (enzymes that eat away HA) if the patient is unhappy with the results.

EVOLENCE® is a collagen based injectable made from porcine (a.k.a. pig collagen), which is very similar to human collagen, yielding natural looking results.  EVOLENCE® recently announced FDA approval of the claim that results last though 12 months – making it the first and only filler to provide immediate results and last longer than a year.   EVOLENCE® is approved for the treatment of wrinkles and folds and causes minimal to no swelling and bruising.

Artefill® is unique in that the injected particles do not absorb into the skin like other popular fillers – this making results last longer (some reported results lasting up to 5 years).  In the US, Artefill® is only FDA approved for nasolabial folds and requires a skin test to be done 4 weeks ahead of the scheduled injection.

Sculptra® is an injectable in a whole new ball game than other popular dermal fillers.  It is made of poly-lactic acid and is used for the treatment of lipotrophy, or lost facial volume.  This filler is commonly recommended for HIV patients who can add volume to their cheeks and other facial areas.  Unlike most fillers that require only one treatment to immediately achieve desired results, Sculptra® requires 3 or more injections spaced between 1 to 2 months apart. While Sculptra® can be more expensive than other fillers, it can last up to 2 years.  It is also less painful than its volume-building counterpart: human fat.

Fat Grafting, or the removal of fat from one part of the body to shape or rebuild another, can be used as an alternative to facial fillers. Fat injections can build volume in the face and fill in deep wrinkles with no risk of allergic reaction (seeing as it is your own fat!).  However fat injections can be painful because plastic surgeons must use liposuction first to extract the fat before it can be injected into areas of the face. 

Hopefully this information has helped you sort out “who’s who” in the dermal filler world so that you may make more informed decisions about your procedures.  For more information about injectable fillers or to schedule a consultation, visit the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta website and schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul McCluskey today.