Injectible Fillers and Dermal Fillers for the Face



There are many forms of injections that people get to fix various problems in their faces. Things like deep smile lines around the mouth and lips, deep crow’s feet and forehead lines and creases are all things that many people get injectables for.



One such injectable is called Sculptra.  This is mostly used for deep facial folds and areas of the face that get sunken in. The results of using Sculptra is thickening of the skin and helping the skin produce collagen which is what gets depleted with age. 



This is not an overnight fix.  Sculptra typically takes three different sessions, 4-6 weeks apart.  It doesn’t instantly fill the places in; it gradually works which makes the results much more natural looking.  They usually last about 2 years before having to be redone. 



When using Sculptra, be sure to discuss everything with a board certified plastic surgeon that is knowledgeable and experienced using Sculptra.  In some cases they will have digital ability to show you what your face will look like once the filling in have been completed.  Since the results last two times longer than Botox, it’s good to know exactly what you’re going to look like when it’s all done.



There are some risks with Sculptra that are not so different from the risks associated with any form of injectable.  Pain, bleeding, redness and bruising, and swelling at the injection sites is also common.   As long as these are monitored and watched for additional problems, they should go away as everything heals.



There is no recovery time really needed after using Sculptra.  If you have to go back to work, you can.  Depending on your plastic surgeon, he or she will have instructions for you on what to do between injection visits that may include massage to distribute the fluid and other things.



Another injectable used is called Juvederm.   This is typically used for creases around the mouth that are mild to moderate in severity.  It is less expensive than Sculptra, but not by much and seeing as the results only last 3-4 months vs. Sculptra’s two years, some people may opt to spend the extra money on Sculptra to have the longer lasting effects. 



The side effects of most injectables on the market all tend to be very similar.  Redness and swelling at the injection sites, pain, some bleeding and bruising.  After all, you are injecting needles into your face, there are going to be some effects of that.



Other forms of injectable fillers are Restylane and Perlane, both which are brands of Hyaluronic acid Dermal Fillers. They do not contain any form of animal proteins so this avoids any type of risk of an animal based allergic reaction. The FDA has approved the use of these fillers for creases around the mouth, but plastic and cosmetic surgeons commonly use these fillers for other improvements such as lip enhancement, reducing under eye hollows and tear troughs, softening the appearance of scars, and creating volume around the cheek, chin and jaw line. These fillers are commonly used without any side effects and they are very similar in nature to the body’s own Hyaluronic acid. But like anything else they can have side effects. They are typically mild, but can include temporary site redness, swelling and tenderness.



Deciding which form of injectable filler is best suited for you will be up to you and your doctor, but be sure to talk to them about your own goals and what would work the best and end up being the least invasive and better in the long run as well.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you know as much as possible about what you’re injecting into your body.  Many people don’t want to have to continually go in every few months, but some don’t mind and feel it is worth it to have the results they want.