Hi Charles,
Thank you for your question. As it is quite a detailed query I would recommend discussing your options with a reputable doctor in your area so that they can best assess your areas of concern. There are many elements to establishing which filler will be the best option for an individual.
The ”best filler” will depend on many factors including:
– The area on the face that you are looking to have filled.
– Your skin type, thick or thin, if you have have sun damage or scarring from acne.
– The amount of ”fill” that you require. For example; fine lines, deeper etched wrinkles, troughs and major volume through the cheeks and mid-face.
Dermal Fillers made from hyaluronic acid are generally considered the “gold standard” and I use the Allergan produced Juvederm as my dermal filler of choice. As I have previously mentioned I don’t recommend semi permanent or permanent dermal fillers. Fillers made with hyaluronic acid can be dissolved, whereas with permanent fillers you do not have this option.
The two major dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid are Juvederm (by Allergan) and Restylane (by Medicis). The difference in these fillers tends to be in the particle size of the hyaluronic polymer, how they are cross linked and the concentration of hyaluronic acid. Juvederm offers the widest range of particle sizes as well as containing Vycross (TM), a unique patented technology that uses an innovative hyaluronic acid gel. Juvederm fillers are designed to offer natural, long lasting results, minimal swelling and a reduced risk of bruising.
Sculptra is a more specialised filler used to improve fullness and tightness through younger looking skin. It is used to provide a gradual increase in skin thickness and skin tightening by stimulating your body to form new collagen. Sculptra is made from a synthetic injectable material ”Poly-L-Lactic acid.” Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down to lactic acid by the body). It acts like a fertilizer, or a seed that stimulates the production of the new collagen, replacing the old and damaged collagen that occurs with aging. Over a few months new collagen is laid down creating a soft, natural feel to take on the characteristics of the surrounding skin tissue.
Radiesse is a long lasting dermal filler but as it can’t be dissolved I tend to recommend this filler less to patients. It is only used in very specific areas on the face where the skin is thick and a fatty layer of tissue is present.
The cost of dermal fillers vary greatly depending on the individual costing, the amount of filler used and also the type of filler. Once you know which filler would be the best choice for your area/areas of concern you will be able to get an exact price from your physician.
I hope you find this information useful and you have a great day.
Kindest regards,
Dr Joseph Ajaka
