| Dr. Heather Roberts is a member of American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Cosmetic Dermatology.
Q. What are the main differences between collagen and hyaluronic acid fillers on market?
A.
a. While collagen has been the gold standard in filler treatment since its introduction over 25 years ago, newer more long lasting fillers with excellent safety profiles are now available. Examples of these newer hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers include Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane to name a few. The main benefit of these fillers over traditional collagen based fillers is longevity.
b. Other minor differences are that these newer HA fillers can cause a little more swelling and temporary bruising for 3-7 days after treatment. By following before and after care instructions in our office, this can be minimized. In addition, HA fillers do cause a little more discomfort when injected over traditional collagen fillers. Again, this can be minimized by using a variety of numbing agents available in our office.
Q. How effective are these treatments?
A. Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane are all highly effective at restoring a more youthful appearance to the lips and entire region around the mouth including droopy mouth corners and smoker’s lines. In addition, they reverse and soften fine lines and deeper wrinkles caused by smoking, hormonal changes, and years in the sun. They even can be used to restore sunken hollows caused by weight loss and aging in the cheeks, temples, under eye regions, and chin. Instead of that "sunken or tired" look, you will appear fresh and rested, a healthier version of you.
Q. How soon can I expect to see results with these fillers?
A. The beauty of Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane treatments is that results are seen immediately before you even leave the office. No need to wait weeks or months to enjoy your new rested look.
Q. Are multiple treatments needed to see visible results?
A. While multiple treatments at monthly intervals are not needed, depending on the patient, a filler treatment in our office may require anywhere from 1 to 3 syringes of HA filler for optimal correction. However, some patients opt to start with 1 syringe of filler, let the swelling resolve, and then see if they want additional filler placed the following week or so.
Q. How long do the results of HA fillers last?
A. The true benefit of Juvederm, Restylane & Perlane is results last 9-12 months or longer in most patients. No longer do patients have to repeat treatments every 3 months as they did with traditional collagen fillers like Cosmoderm & Cosmoplast.
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