Few changes in the field of facial rejuvenation can match the increased popularity—and effectiveness—of cosmetic injectables during the past two decades. Treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and injections of dermal fillers, including JUVÉDERM®, at our Buckhead, GA, facial plastic surgery practice continue to surge.
Versatile treatments with virtually no downtime, injectables include a range of specialized fillers that are formulated for specific areas of the face. They also include neuromodulators such as BOTOX that produce excellent results when injected by a highly trained, experienced provider. If you’re considering injectable treatments for the first time, knowing your options and how products differ can help you feel confident making decisions about which treatment is right for you.
Different Types of Fillers
Dermal fillers are smooth gels formulated with different ingredients to replace or add volume, creating plumper, more contoured features. Even though many people think of fillers as anti-aging treatments, they can also be used to contour facial features for younger patients and create fuller, more sensuous lips. In fact, lip injections are very popular at our Buckhead practice.
The face is the primary treatment area for fillers—lips, mouth, eyes, jawlines, cheeks, nose, and chin. But aestheticians may also use dermal fillers on the backs of the hands, which can also become frail-looking with age. The results of fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the specific product used.
Fillers are usually categorized by their ingredients. The different types of fillers include:
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid are used more often than other fillers. HA fillers include the JUVÉDERM and Restylane® product families, along with products such as BELOTERO BALANCE and others. One of the key benefits of HA fillers is that hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the skin and is a key component of the skin’s ability to retain water for a plump, hydrated complexion.
What HA Fillers Treat
- Acne scars
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
- Thin lips
- Vertical lines on the mouth (“smoker’s lines”)
- Hollowed out cheeks
- Tear troughs
HA fillers such as JUVÉDERM and Restylane now make fillers formulated for specific areas of the face, such as JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA for the lips or Restylane® Lyft for the cheek area.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound; it’s also found naturally in the body. It is produced biosynthetically, meaning no animal products are included. As with HA fillers, there is virtually no risk of patients having an allergic reaction, and skin testing isn’t required. RADIESSE® is the most familiar filler made with CaHA. This type of dermal filler produces a very natural result, doesn’t migrate away from the treatment area, and side effects are rare.
What CaHA Fillers Treat
- Moderate-to-severe creases such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and frown lines
- Enhance fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours
- Improve volume in areas of facial wasting such as can occur with those taking HIV medications
We also use RADIESSE in the back of the hands with aging skin.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)
This volumizing filler is a biostimulator, meaning it stimulates the production of collagen. Unlike other fillers, its results emerge gradually over a few months as new collagen builds up. PLLA is a non-toxic, biodegradable substance that has been used for decades to make sutures.
Marketed as Sculptra® Aesthetic, it was first approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat thinning facial fat pads. In 2009, the FDA approved Sculptra to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and add contour to the face. Patients typically need 3 monthly treatments initially, but the results are considered semi-permanent (although touch-up treatments are recommended).
What PLLA Fillers Treat
- “Laugh” lines
- Hollowed out cheeks
- Thin lips
- Deep nasolabial folds
Dr. Jarmuz is a national trainer for Sculptra Aesthetic and is the #1 injector in Georgia.
BOTOX, Dysport®, and XEOMIN®
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX, Dysport, and XEOMIN minimize “dynamic” wrinkles—lines caused by squinting, frowning, appearing surprised, and making other facial expressions. Injections of neuromodulators relax the muscles used to make these expressions, gradually smoothing the overlying skin. BOTOX and similar products are used most often to treat:
- Crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes
- Vertical worry lines between the eyes (the “11s”)
- Horizontal wrinkles on the forehead
- Lip lines
- Bunny lines on the bridge of the nose
- Dimpled chin
BOTOX is also used to create a more angular jawline by relaxing the masseter muscle (the muscle used when chewing). It’s also approved by the FDA to treat several other conditions, including excessive underarm sweating, chronic migraine headaches, and gummy smiles.
Differences Between BOTOX, Dysport, and XEOMIN
The products are very similar and are all approved by the FDA. Some patients respond better to one product than others. The primary differences are:
- Dysport and XEOMIN treatments typically show results about a day or 2 earlier than BOTOX injections.
- BOTOX isn’t injected as deep as Dysport and XEOMIN.
- Dysport and XEOMIN tend to disperse farther from where they are injected than BOTOX.
- Dysport results typically appear in 2 to 3 days, with XEOMIN and BOTOX results taking an extra day or 2 to appear.
- Dysport results generally last up to 5 months; BOTOX results last up to 4 months, and XEOMIN results typically have a 3-month duration.
Patients can discuss the differences with an expert injector and decide which product will work best for them.
Combining Injectable Treatments
Because dermal fillers and neuromodulators target different types of wrinkles, patients often choose to combine them during a single treatment session. This approach is sometimes referred to as a “liquid facelift” and is a good option for patients who either want to avoid cosmetic surgery or whose skin doesn’t show significant signs of aging.
Talk With Us
If you’ve been considering filler or BOTOX injections and want to learn which treatments are right for you, book now or contact us to using the online form. You can also call our practice at (404) 233-3937 to schedule an appointment.
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