The American Society of Plastic Surgeons just released their annual report and cosmetic surgery increased by three percent in 2013. Of the increases, dermal fillers saw the greatest increase when it came to non-surgical treatments, climbing to 2.2 million. This resulted in a 13 percent increase from 2012.
Renowned Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Buckingham of Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery specializes in dermal fillers. Among his office’s offerings are hyaluronic acid fillers like Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane. Dr. Buckingham also offers calcium hydroxyapatite fillers (Radiesse) and Sculptra, a poly-L-lactic acid filler. Learn more about these dermal fillers below.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
The goal of a dermal filler is to add volume in the deep tissue below the skin. This helps fills in depressions and smoothes the skin, thus decreasing some of the more visible creases, fine lines, and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can also add volume to sunken areas that occur as collagen stores decrease as you age.
Many of today’s best dermal fillers are made from substances found naturally within your body. Therefore, there is little risk of an allergic reaction and pre-treatment allergy tests, like those you need for collagen injections, are unnecessary. The one thing people need to understand is that any dermal filler wears off over time, so touch-up injections are required to maintain the results they deliver.
A Quick Comparison of Popular Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is found in body tissue. Its role is to help boost moisture and help with tissue repair. It’s also the main component in the following facial fillers: Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane. While these are all hyaluronic acid fillers, each brand has its own benefits. Belotero is recommended for filling in fine lines around the lips and nose for a span of approximately six months. Juvederm fills in lines around the lips and adds volumes in many areas of the face. Its benefits last approximately one year. Restylane Lyft offers similar benefits for approximately six months but it is also used for chin augmentation and reducing the appearance of scars. Finally, Restylane is useful in alleviating the appearance of lines and wrinkles for six to nine months, but it also helps fill in hollows below the eye.
Radiesse is a dermal filler containing calcium hydroxyapatite, a substance helpful in promoting collagen production. It’s commonly used by Dr. Buckingham to ease the appearance of deep creases and wrinkles. Because it helps boost collagen stores, it can last upwards of a year-and-a-half.
The poly-L-lactic acid filler Sculptra is one of the best dermal fillers for those seeking long-lasting results. Many patients find the benefits last two or more years. It’s commonly used to add volume to the cheeks and to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Sculptra boosts collagen production, too.
Watch Buckingham Center’s Belotero video to learn more about wrinkle fillers. This is a good place to start your research into the different types of dermal fillers. The next step involves discussing your concerns with a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas. Dr. Buckingham is happy to answer your questions, discuss the best dermal filler for your needs, and discuss dermal filler costs. Call (512) 401-2500 to schedule an appointment.
