“Grow old gracefully!” This saying has been around for ages, though its meaning may have changed over time. Wrinkling in the skin is caused by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration and various other factors. Most people see their first wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. The cosmetic industry has evolved with an influx of new products and treatments flooding into our social media feeds. Fillers have become a normal part of beauty treatments.

Patients can walk into almost any dermatologist’s or cosmetic surgeon’s office for a quick and easy filler treatment. Fillers help to smooth wrinkles and fill areas of the face that are showing signs of wrinkles and a lack of plumpness. So how do you decide which treatment is right for you? What is the best way to treat the area you are unhappy with? Which doctor can you trust?

It is very important for patients to research the options and to find a qualified provider. We have spoken to some of the leading doctors in the cosmetic industry in Columbus to help break down types of fillers so that you can be well-informed as to what might be the right choice for you.

Voluma® Vollure™ Volbella®

“These fillers by Juvederm work very well together and give surgeons a full armamentarium to treat any area of the face with confidence,” says Robert Heck, MD, FACS of Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery. They add volume to different areas of the face and cheeks, smooth parentheses lines and plump the lips. The results are subtle and long-lasting.

Voluma is great for cheeks, mid-face, chin and the nasal dorsum because of its thickness. It gives great support, volume, and firmness to these areas where you need it the most. It can last two to five years and has revolutionized mid-face rejuvenation.

Vollure is a great, ultra-smooth filler that goes in the nasal labia folds, marionette lines and lips. Because of its flexibility and softness, it is a perfect filler for these areas. This filler lasts approximately 18 months.

Volbella is a very thin filler that works well in between the eyebrows, tear trough, and lip lines. “This filler is easy to use in some of the most delicate areas of the face,” adds Dr. Heck. Volbella can last about six months.

Restylane®

The Restylane line of products is formulated to act like the body’s own naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid, restoring volume to the skin. One of the first fillers introduced in the United states, Restylane is a part of a cutting-edge suite of fillers. Its strategy is to help patients maintain a youthful, rested look. Because the Restylane family has been around for so long, they have been able to formulate a family of fillers to address the specific needs of different areas.

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid formula. It’s used as a modified version of a naturally occurring biological acid. It is rarely rejected by the human body because the body readily produces these acids. “Restylane is a flexible and softer filler that restores volume to the mid-face, lips, and mouth areas resulting in a smooth, natural look,” says Justin Harper, MD Juvly Aesthetics.

“The art of treating with fillers is knowing how to pick the right filler for the right procedure,” adds Dr. Harper. “We strive to create an aesthetically pleasing, natural result.” Procedures take less than one hour, and downtime depends on the area treated and the patient. There is minor pain associated with the injections.

Belotero Balance®

To address moderate to severe etched-in lines and wrinkles, Dr. Rakesh Nanda of Grandview Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery recommends Belotero Balance. Belotero is also a dermal filler that has several advantages over other fillers. “One of my favorite features of Belotero is that it is very safe to use,” says Dr. Nanda. “It is hypoallergenic, there is absence of pain during the injection and it has a long-lasting effect.”

The unique manufacturing process of Belotero Balance yields a safe and cohesive gel that, once injected, instantly fills the skin to help smooth. The product is very versatile but is ideal for treating delicate areas such as etched-in smile lines and vertical lip lines. It is often referred to as the “smart” filler. “Contouring with the use of Belotero is an effective, simple, and safe way to combat wrinkles and other skin flaws,” adds Dr. Nanda.

Patients will see results immediately following treatment. Individual results will vary, Belotero can last from six months to a year. The amount of time will be determined by the amount of product used and the areas injected. Treatment in areas of the face that experience a lot of movement (such as muscles used in eating, talking and smiling) may not last quite as long.

Sculptra®

Age, sun damage and hormonal changes cause skin to lose collagen and elastin — the skin’s support system. This leads to droopy cheeks, under-eye hollows and deep lines around the nose, mouth and chin areas. “Sculptra, which is a dermal filler, is used to plump areas and smooth out lines in all areas of the face. It is used for volume correction,” says Anne Taylor, MD of Aesthetica Surgery & Spa. It provides instant facial rejuvenation and lip enhancement without surgery.

Other areas it is commonly used for are cheeks, tear troughs, laugh lines and lines around the mouth area. Sculptra is a collagen biologic stimulator. It is unique in that it stimulates the body to produce more collagen. Even a small amount of Sculptra can help build collagen. Sculptra has been on the market for quite some time and is a safe filler.

It is recommended that a patient receive a series of three to four treatments, spaced about one month apart. The procedure takes only a few minutes. The side effects are minimal bruising and swelling, and it commonly takes four to five days for recovery.

Patients can easily cover up the bruising with make-up and return to normal activity immediately. The Sculptra treatment can last up to three years. “I commonly use the Sculptra treatment on both men and women for attractive, yet natural-looking results,” adds Dr. Taylor.

Fillers have changed drastically over the past few years as scientists have begun to understand the demand for healthier, more versatile products. Manufacturers have developed extensive training programs to ensure there is top-notch education and practical experience in administering fillers. “The industry is getting better,” says Dr. Harper. “It is important to go to someone who does procedures on a regular basis and is proven to have amazing results.”

Dermal fillers can be very effective in reducing the early signs of aging or can be used in combination with other types of facial rejuvenation procedures. They provide a less-invasive way of putting the signs of aging on hold for a bit and giving patients immediate results with healthier, natural looking faces.