What Are in the Facial Fillers that I Use at My Facial Cosmetic Surgery Practice in Charlotte?

As a Charlotte cosmetic surgeon, I use facial fillers to replace lost volume and reshape the face to a more youthful proportion.  Whenever I am performing a procedure, I want my patients to be well informed about the facial fillers that I use.  I commonly receive questions regarding the composition of fillers.  Generally, there are 2 types of fillers:

1)      Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

1. Restylane
2. Perlane
3. Juvéderm

2)      Collagen Stimulators

1. Sculptra
2. Radiesse

Hyaluronic acid sounds like a bad substance because it contains the word “acid.” Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that the body produces daily.  It functions to support all of the cells in the body.   Typically, Restylane, Juvéderm, or Perlane will last 6 -12 months.  It will resolve faster in areas that are constantly moving, such as the mouth, as opposed to still areas, such as the temples. Restylane, Perlane, and Juvéderm differ in their thickness and swelling rates after the procedure.  Juvéderm tends to swell the most while Perlane in the thickest.  Restylane is in the middle.

Sculptra’s fancy medical name is poly-l-lactic acid.  That is same material that is used in a line of commonly used sutures which have been popular for years.  Sculptra is very safe when placed in the face by a trained injector.  It stimulates the body to produce collagen which replenishes the lost volume of the face.  The results typically last 2-3 years.  Depending on the amount of volume lost, more than one session of Sculptra may be required.

Radiesse is composed of Source calcium hydroxyl apatite, a substance that is produced by our bones.  When injected into the face, it will fill the area and stimulate the body to produce collagen.  It typically lasts for one  year depending on its location.  I do not use it around the eyes or in the lips because it may leave lumps or bumps.

I hope this serves as a synopsis for the composition of the different facial fillers I use in my cosmetic surgery practice in Charlotte.  For more information about facial fillers click here.