Which Kind of Injectable Fillers are the Best?
Updated
By Dr. Fan
Injectable fillers are a popular way to restore lost volume to facial tissues. In many cases, Restylane, Juvederm, and other treatments lend a smoother and more youthful appearance to the face. Fillers are also popular for enhancing the shape and proportions of the face including the nose, chin, cheeks, and lips.
For many patients, the convenience of fillers is a major draw. Injectable filler treatments are non-surgical and can typically be performed during an office visit. The treatment can be concluded during a lunch break or another short period of time away from daily duties. Because there is no downtime and minimal recovery, it is no wonder that injectable filler treatments are the fastest growing non-invasive cosmetic procedure in San Francisco.
If you're curious as to what type of injectable filler treatment is right for you, it's important to explore your options in advance. In this blog, you'll learn about the potential benefits of injectable fillers, treatment goals, the types of fillers available, and how to select the right injection provider.
Why Injectable Fillers?
Patients typically seek out injectable filler treatment to target changes in the natural contours of the face that can occur with age. When most prospective patients think of fillers, they may think of treatment for one or more of the following areas of the face:
- Nasolabial folds
- Cheeks
- Under the eyes
- Marionette lines (vertical lines near the chin)
- Depressed corners of the mouth
In addition to fine or deep lines and wrinkles, injectable fillers may be used to modify the contours of the face. Commonly targeted areas can include:
- Cheekbone augmentation
- Jaw contouring
- Lip plumping
- Chin enhancement
- Nose enhancement
The best type of filler for your goals depends on a number of factors, including your facial contours, wrinkles, goals, and the depth of optimal treatment.
Types of Fillers Available
There are a large number of FDA-approved fillers available today. Commonly administered, FDA-approved injection treatments include:
- Juvederm
- Restylane
- Voluma
- Perlane
- Silk
- Belotero
- Radiesse
- Sculptra
- Bellafill
There are several different categories of injectable fillers, and a great degree of variation among FDA-approved formulations. One size definitely does not fit all!
The right treatment for one patient can be drastically different than the right formulation for another patient. Some treatments are more plumping or longer-lasting because of the density of the injectable filler and it's chemical makeup. What is required for one patient to effectively treat marionette lines may not be the right approach for another.
In addition to differences in impact and longevity, the pricing among filler treatments can also vary. In some cases, the cost difference between injectable filler types can be significant
What are the Most Popular Types of Injectable Fillers?
The most commonly-administered injectable fillers are hyaluronic acids. This classification of fillers includes Juvederm, Voluma, Restylane, and Restylane Silk. These are the most popular fillers today among patients of plastic surgeons because they are safe and effective. In addition, they provide a soft feel and natural appearance. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons writes that these "may be a good choice as a dermal filler because of its compatibility with the human body."
However, it's crucial for patients to keep in mind that there are a vast amount of injectable fillers currently on the market. In addition, there are many more awaiting approval. As a result, it can be impossible for prospective patients to know if all of their options safe. Just because a filler is newer, it's not necessarily safer. Perhaps most importantly, it's not necessarily the right choice for you.
Designing Your Optimal Filler Treatment
If you feel you could benefit from Juvederm, Restylane, or another form of injectable filler treatment, it's important to consult with a qualified San Francisco plastic surgeon. After consulting with a highly-experienced injector with extensive knowledge of the latest options, you can receive personalized recommendations based on your goals and budget.
Always make sure that you receive FDA-approved, brand-name fillers. Typically, these treatments are only available through a licensed physician, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon. In recent years, there have been horror stories of patients receiving injections of industrial silicone or other dangerous materials performed by unlicensed “professionals”. The results of these filler treatments include thousands of dollars for corrective treatments or even death due to filler toxicity. Saving money on injections is never worth the health risks.
To learn more about which kind of injectable filler treatments is right for you, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Larry Fan of 77Plastic today.
