Two of today’s most popular cosmetic procedures are dermal fillers and Botox, and while the two are both minimally invasive and effective in treating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they are vastly different.

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances, often composed of Hyaluronic Acid, that are injected beneath your skin’s surface to add volume and fullness, resulting in noticeably smoother skin. Fillers can be used to plump and fill lips and shallow areas of the face, soften the appearance of recessed scars, and tighten wrinkling/lined skin. Dermal fillers cause noticeable tightening in static wrinkles, which are caused by sagging and loss of collagen

Botox, on the other hand, only works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement, called dynamic wrinkles. Botox blocks the nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected, which freezes the muscle, resulting in softening and reducing their appearance.

There are several types of dermal fillers, each with different purposes and goals. Let’s take a look at some of them!

Calcium Hydroxyapatite

Brand Name: Radiesse
This naturally occurring, mineral-like substance is produced without the use of animals or animal products, meaning the risk of allergic reaction is significantly decreased. Most often used to soften moderate or severe creases, calcium hydroxyapatite also works to enhance fullness in cheeks and improve the volume in areas of facial wasting. The results are typically very natural looking, and chances of product migration are very low.

Hyaluronic Acid

Brand Names: Juvederm, Puragen, Hylaform, Elevess
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring, water retaining substance that is commonly used in dermal fillers to improve the appearance of acne scarring, crow’s feet, smile and frown lines, worry lines and marionette lines. Hyaluronic fillers are also used in the plumping of the lips, as well as redefining the lip border. At Skincare & Moore, our filler of choice is Juvederm.

Polyalkylimide

Brand Name: Aquamid
Polyalkylimide is a semi-permanent form of dermal filler, often used by plastic surgeons. It is effective in treating deep wrinkles, plumping thin lips, and enhancing the cheekbones and jawline. Upon injection, a layer of collagen forms to completely surround the product, which can be removed if necessary.

Polylactic Acid

Brand Name: Sculptra
This synthetic filler is injected with the purpose of causing your body to product its own collagen. Polylactic acid is non-toxic, biodegradable, and is known as a stimulator. This type of filler is unique in that it doesn’t yield immediate results, but rather produces gradual results over a few months, with three typically being required to achieve the desired results.

Polymethyl-Methacrylate Microspheres (PMMA)

Brand Name: Bellafill

PMMA is another semi-permanent filler used to treat medium to deep wrinkles. With clients looking for a more permanent option, PMMA often takes the place of collagen or hyaluronic treatments and is used by plastic surgeons. PMMA involves multiple injections of product to create volume, and requires at least three months to achieve the desired results.

Enhance your smile today Book your appointment or call us at 1(720) 503 – 1100