There are plenty myths and misconceptions about a facial fillers. The most common questions are: “What brand of fillers is better?”, “How long the results are lasting?” “Are facial fillers safe?” “What if I don’t like the results, can a therapist reverse the effect of fillers?”

Understanding the concerns of the patients, I am here to clear all false impressions.

There are various dermal filler products on the market. The filler used by the therapist is chosen according to the skin issue, age, budget, and doctor’s preference.

Keep in mind that what works for your friend may not be the best option for you.

Here are some key facts about some of the most-used dermal fillers.

What it is used for: Juvéderm offers several products designed for different areas of the face.

Juvéderm Voluma XC will help to restore volume in the cheeks to accent cheekbones, create youthful face contour, and even correct the shape of the nose.

Juvéderm Ultra XC plumps up the lips.

Juvéderm Volbella XC not only plumps up the lips but also used to soften vertical lip lines.

All Juvéderm products contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort during and after treatment. 

How it works: Juvéderm is made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body. It provides moisture, volume, and elasticity.

HA reserves get exhausted with age, skin looks dull and loses volume, face looks tiresome and wrinkles start to appear. When injected, HA acts like a sponge that attracts water into the skin. As a result, it plumps up the area in which it was injected. Recent research showed that HA injections boost the skin’s own production of collagen. That means fewer touch-ups may be needed, and that when it’s time for a touch-up, less of the material will be necessary (so the maintenance of desired look should be less expensive).

How long it lasts:  Some fillers are thinner than others. Thickness of the filler will determine how long the result lasts, typically from 6 to 18 months. The body will gradually absorb filler until the face returns to its natural state.

If you are unhappy with the result, HA can be partially or completely dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA.

What it is used for:  Restylane products are designed to treat various, sometimes overlapping, problem areas. Similar to the Juvedérm, they are composed of HA and have similar chemical composition.

The original Restylane smoothes away wrinkles and folds and can be used to add volume to thin lips.

Restylane Lyft is used to correct severe wrinkles and creases such as the nasolabial folds, as well as volume loss in the cheeks. It is also great for rejuvenating the appearance of the hands, making them look smooth and plump.  

Restylane Silk is specifically designed to enhance the lips.

How it works:  This is another line of products that uses water attracting properties of hyaluronic acid. Injections may also stimulate natural collagen production, so fewer touch-ups may be needed and less material necessary during the maintenance procedures.

How long it lasts:  Clinical studies found that with “full treatment,” which includes one repeat injection, results acquired by using Restylane can last up to 14 months. Restylane Lyft effects vary by area it has been used for. Cheekbones results last up to a year and up to 6 months in wrinkles and folds. Lips stay plum up to 6 months with use of Restylane Silk. 

Similar to Juvéderm the results of Restylane treatment is reversible.

What it is used for:  Sculptra is approved for cosmetic use to build up cheekbones, fill in the hollows or sunken areas of the face, and increase skin thickness. It is not recommended to be used in the lips or around the eyes.

How it works:  The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a non-organic compound that facilitates the formation of new collagen. For this reason, it takes several treatments, about four to six weeks apart, for results to become obvious. The number of treatments a person needs will depend on the extent of facial aging. The minimum recommendation is 3 treatments.

How long it lasts:  As per a clinical study published in 2011, the effects of Sculptra lasted up to two years after the first treatment session was completed (an average of three injections). 

What it is used for:  Radiesse is used to treat moderate-to-severe facial creases, such as the nasolabial folds. It also can be used to plump up cheekbones and enchance facial contours. It’s not used on the lips. 

How it works:  Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite, a type of mineral that’s found in human teeth and bones. When used in a filler, the tiny calcium particles suspended in a thick gel-like solution. While Radiesse immediately replenishes lost volume, over time the gel is absorbed and the body metabolizes the calcium, leaving behind your own collagen. 

How long it lasts:  Results with Radiesse last a year or more. However, because calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates natural collagen production, fewer touch-ups (and less material) may be necessary to maintain the result.