The Benefits of Injectable Fillers With a Hyaluronic Acid Base

Restylane, Perlane, JUVDERM and Hydrelle are among the most common and popular injectable fillers used in modern cosmetic surgery to reduce the aging effects of lines and wrinkles. One of the main reasons for their popularity is that they are all based on synthetic hyaluronic acid, which closely resembles the substance of the same name which occurs naturally in the human body and which is what normally fills out the skin, eliminating wrinkles, until the aging process starts to win.

These injectable fillers can be used on nasolabial folds between the nose and the mouth. While this is the only area currently labelled for its use by the FDA, other sites which may be injected "off-label" include lines on the forehead, furrowed brows, and lips. It works in harmony with your body's own hyaluronic acid to leave the skin smoother and less wrinkled. No allergy testing is required as the potential for immunologic reactions is low.

There is now evidence that the hyaluronic acid fillers may also stimulate the skin to produce collagen, thus enhancing and prolonging the cosmetic effect.

Restylane, Perlane

These are gels injected under the skin. Perlane has a larger particle size than Restylane and may be more suitable for filling of deeper folds. Both fillers may be used together for optimal results. The process of using Restylane injectable filler takes around 10 minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated, and the results are visible immediately. The area is first numbed with a topical anesthetic cream and a thin needle is used to inject the filler. There may be slight bruising but this is usually minimal and recovery time is quick. However, to maintain the effects, the Restylane treatment may need to be repeated every six to twelve months or so. Restylane is now available as Restylane-L which contains lidocaine for maximal comfort. Treatment costs depend on the amount of fill desired.

JUVDERM Ultra, JUVDERM Ultra Plus, JUVDERM Ultra XC, JUVDERM Ultra Plus XC

JUVDERM injections are another popular way to reduce facial wrinkles without having to undergo a surgical face lift (or it may magnify the rejuvenating effects of surgery.) The key ingredient of JUVDERM is also hyaluronic acid, which as was mentioned above, is a major component of the skin and helps skin tissue to maintain its volume and elasticity. It is synthesized somewhat differently from Restylane with a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid. JUVDERM, in both Ultra and Ultra Plus forms, is used as a treatment for moderate to severe wrinkles and facial folds and its effects may last up to a year or longer. JUVDERM now comes in a formulation with a local anesthetic, JUVDERM XC (extra comfort) to minimize discomfort.

Hydrelle

This was the first filler to contain lidocaine, an anesthesic, to be approved by the FDA. This is another cosmetic filler based on synthetic hyaluronic acid, which closely mimics the substance found naturally in the body. Due to its high concentration formulation, less product may be required at initial injection.

Filler Selection

Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers have provided a new avenue of treatment for facial rejuvenation. These may be used to complement the effects of surgery or may offer an alternative to someone wishing to avoid a more invasive procedure. Wrinkles, folds, scars, lip enhancement, and facial volume augmentation are most commonly addressed by this approach. Your surgeon will advise you which product or products may be most appropriate for your needs.