Dermal fillers are a popular choice for those looking to enhance their appearance without the costs, discomfort, and complications of undergoing surgery. But it will quickly become apparent to anyone looking at available dermal filler products, there are a very large number of different formulations available, each with different characteristics.
This blog will summarize the main differences between different dermal fillers, as well as the length of results you can expect from some of the most popular products.
Main Factors Influencing Filler Longevity
We can identify the main factors that come into play when determining how long you might expect the results of a dermal filler procedure to last. A person’s metabolism, level of physical activity, and even their genetic background can also influence filler longevity.
Concentration
The primary ingredient of all dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). The concentration of HA used varies widely; products with higher concentrations generally have higher viscosity, and resist break-down or absorption longer than lower-concentration products.
Viscosity
Viscosity plays the primary role in determining where any dermal filler will provide the best results. Viscosity is increased by using various technologies to give the filler more long-range firmness. Some fillers use cross-linked polymers, while others use more sophisticated combinations of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid formulations to achieve similar results.
High-viscosity fillers are thicker and more gel-like, they can be used in areas that need more structural strength, such as filling in sunken cheeks. Low-viscosity fillers are smoother and more liquid. they are used to fill fine lines and delicate facial areas. They are also more prone to absorption by the body, and therefore typically give results for shorter lengths of time.
Particle Size
The size of particles making up the filler can also be controlled; here, larger particles tend to be used when the long-range structure is desirable, and smaller particles result in a less viscous filler more suited to delicate areas.
Juvederm Family Fillers
Juvederm is one of two popular sources of dermal fillers, with a large number of different filler products and formulations. These are the principal differences:
- Juvederm Voluma is intended for use, adding volume to the cheeks. It’s one of the longer-lasting fillers, giving results lasting up to two years.
- Juvederm Ultra is used for lip enhancement and treating nasolabial folds. Its smoothed consistency typically gives results lasting around one year.
- Juvederm Vollure is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. It provides a balance between smoothness and thickness; results last around a year and a half.
- Juvederm Volbella is used for lip augmentation, and to treat fine lines. Results are typically up to one year.
Restylane Family Fillers
The other main dermal filler family is Restylane, offering fillers with these characteristics:
- Restylane Defyne and Refyne are used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. Results last for up to one year.
- Restylane Lyft is used mainly for cheek augmentation; results last for up to one year.
- Restylane Silk is used for delicate wrinkle treatment around the mouth. Results last for around ten months.
- Restylane Kysse is formulated for lip augmentation. Results last for up to nine months.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and have extensive experience in performing dermal filler procedures. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.
