Long Lasting Fillers
Most of the hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm) last for about six months or a little longer. There are longer lasting fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, that last from 9 months or so for Radiesse ,to 1-2 years for Sculptra or longer. The issue with longer lasting fillers is that any problems that occur will unfortunately last that amount of time as well. For this reason, I use the hyaluronic acid fillers in my practice.
Additionally, there is a somewhat concerning filler now on the market, Artefill, that can last up to five years or longer. This filler has the distinction of a side effect profile that is much more common to produce than with other fillers. Research is currently being performed to determine the exact number of side effects, reasons for them and ways to reduce their likelihood. At this time, we don’t use it in our practice and will await definitive data before considering it.
Generally, patients want more long lasting fillers and treatments, but don’t realize the negative and terrible complications that can arise from the use of them if and when things go wrong. Additionally, the changes in facial structure that will always occur with age will eventually result in long term consequences that are frequently devastating, as with many Hollywood starlets who had injections of silicone in their lips in the 1960s.
We love the hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm and feel they perform much better than other options. For this reason, we now use them exclusively in our practice.
Lastly, just to mention and dismiss the use, fat injections and transfers from the body are not only are tough to do, but result in a variable results. Changes that occur over time due to weight loss or gain are difficult to predict and impossible to control in most cases. For this reason, I don’t use this in my cosmetic practice.
Joel Schlessinger, MD, President Emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and board certified in General Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Schlessinger is in private practice in Omaha, Nebraska and is President of LovelySkin.com. Dr Schlessinger is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Moh’s Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the Laser Institute of America.
Cosmetic Dermatology Consult is supported by an educational grant from sanofi aventis U.S.
The information contained on this site is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question.
