Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena
Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena
Aria DermSpa
Marina Plastic Surgery
The West Institute
Injectable fillers are cosmetic procedures which provide volume to the patient’s face by injecting it with fat and chemical deposits. There are many types of fillers on the market today and they are comprised of a wide variety of materials from proteins to chemicals and even human fat. Injectable fillers are often confused with cosmetic toxins such as BOTOX® and Dysport; however, toxins remove wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles of the face whereas injectable fillers remove wrinkles by adding volume to the face. Below we have comprised a list of the most popular fillers on the market today.
Collagen is a protein substance found naturally in the body of mammals. Most common collagen fillers on the market today come from cows and are sometimes referred to as bovine injections. The most popular place that collagen is injected into is the lips.
Restylane is made of a biodegradable hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance in the bodies of mammals. Its main purpose is to add volume to areas of the face that are wrinkled in order to provide a smoother and younger look for the patient.
Juvederm is very similar to Restylane; it is also a hyaluronic acid. Both procedures are intended to provide the patient with the same results. Juvederm is a relatively new injectable filler on the market today.
Artefill sets itself apart from other injectable fillers because it is not biodegradable and therefore the results are permanent. Artefill is made up of both medical chemicals and collagen.
Human fat injectable fillers are essentially deposits of fat in the patient’s body that are extracted and then re-inserted into the facial area to provide volume and smooth wrinkles.
The plastic surgeon injecting the fillers will typically perform the procedure as follows:
– Thoroughly clean the patient’s face.
– Mark strategic points on the face and or lips that require injections.
– Numb the areas to inject the fillers.
– The fillers are injected by the surgeon into areas that had been previously marked.
– The facial markings are removed from the face and the patient is free to go.
Injectable fillers take very little time. Patients can expect to be worked on anywhere from 10-20 minutes. With the exception of Artefill, injectable fillers are not permanent and must be reapplied around every 6 months.
Injectable filler recovery is immediate. Although there may be some swelling or redness, the patient is free to resume normal activity immediately following the procedure.
Injectable fillers vary in their cost, Artefill being the most expensive due to its permanent results. Expect the price to range anywhere from $300-$2,000. Consult with your plastic surgeon to get a more accurate price.
Finding a doctor to administer filler injections can be a daunting task. Make sure you receive a consultation from more than 1 surgeon before you make your choice. Any type of cosmetic procedure is a very personal decision. While it may be tempting to go with the lowest price we recommend you take other factors into consideration such as the comfort level you feel toward the surgeon. For more help with finding qualified cosmetic surgeons in your area, visit our plastic surgeon directory for 5 Star Surgeon Network Approval Rated™ Surgeons near You.