Many of my patients who come in for dermal fillers at my Newport Beach practice have heard a lot about BOTOX® Cosmetic and how repeat treatments are often necessary after a few months. But patients often don’t seem to be aware that results can last much longer with dermal fillers, a different kind of injectable treatment.
BOTOX, unlike dermal fillers, relaxes targeted facial muscles, such as those that cause “frown lines” on your forehead between your eyes. Fillers, on the other hand, actually restore fullness to areas of the face that appear hollowed out, soften deep wrinkles, and make your lips appear plump. Some of the most popular fillers include:
- JUVÉDERM®: Approved by the FDA to last up to a year, JUVÉDERM softens wrinkles around the nose and mouth. JUVÉDERM uses hyaluronic acid (HA) as its active ingredient, a substance produced by the body. Allergic reactions are extremely unlikely.
- Sculptra® Aesthetic: Patients seeking to add volume to larger areas of the face are good candidates for Sculptra, which will last up to 2 years. It’s important to get a maintenance treatment once a year. While HA fillers such as JUVÉDERM target specific wrinkles and lines, Sculptra is an excellent alternative when you are seeking to restore volume to the chin, the cheeks and around the temples. The best results can be achieved when you combine Sculptra with JUVÉDERM injections in the small wrinkles around the mouth.
- Artefill®: Unlike other dermal fillers, Artefill isn’t absorbed by the body, and its effects last more than 5 years. It is used to fill the deep creases that run from the side of the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds). I am a national trainer for Artefill, and I am committed to helping patients and doctors effectively use this long-lasting dermal filler.