Over the last 20 years or so, dermal fillers have gone from “secret treatment for the Hollywood elite” to “basic beauty treatment accessible to anyone.”
Dermal fillers are now commonplace. In fact, many people don’t feel compelled to keep their fillers secret. We may openly discuss getting our lips done or some other treatment the same way we talk about booking a haircut.
So now that fillers are both more socially acceptable and more readily available, there is really only one central question left to answer: which brand or type of filler is best for me?
What Are Dermal Fillers?
First of all, we must make the distinction between neuromodulators and dermal fillers.
Neuromodulators, like BOTOX, are injected into a muscle, temporarily blocking the brain from sending messages to it. The muscle will not move without these messages, which allows the skin over it to smooth out. This is how neuromodulators can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Dermal fillers can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, however, they go about it very differently. Fillers are designed to strategically add volume to your face, giving you a fuller, firmer, and sometimes more sculpted appearance.
Obviously, dermal fillers are different from neuromodulators. But you may not realize that dermal fillers themselves vary from formula to formula. Different brands use different ingredients for different results in different areas.
For the purposes of this article, we’re going to cover 3 major fillers: Juvaderm, Restylane, and Teosyal.
Juvederm
Juvederm is a dermal filler designed to add volume under the skin. There are several different Juvederm formulas, all of which target different skin issues.
Like many fillers, Juvederm contains hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the human body. When the acid is injected under your skin, it stimulates collagen production. The collagen adds plumpness and firmness to the skin, so, in addition to the immediate added fullness, you will also enjoy the longer-term results of increased collagen production.
What To Expect From Treatment
Treatment always starts with a consultation. Because Juvederm is minimally invasive, you may be able to have your consultation and treatment in the same appointment.
Once you’ve discussed your needs with your certified provider, they will use a pen to mark the injection sites. Next, they will inject the filler as planned. Finally, your provider may gently massage the treatment zone to help distribute the filler evenly under your skin and prevent some swelling.
Depending on the size of the targeted area, your treatment will most likely last between 15 and 60 minutes. Afterwards, you should be able to go about your day without any downtime.
How It Stands Out
- Lidocaine – Most Juvederm formulas include lidocaine to reduce discomfort during treatment.
- Immediate results – Most patients notice a change in their appearance right away.
- Long-Lasting – The effects of Juvederm can last up to 24 months.
How It Overlaps
- Natural-looking results – Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and stimulates production of natural proteins, giving you natural-looking results.
- Dissolvable – Your doctor can use a special enzyme to dissolve your filler if you are unhappy with the results.
Restylane
Much like Juvederm, Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based filler used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, adding volume, shape, and firmness to the face.
In addition to stimulating collagen production, hyaluronic acid retains water. When Restylane and other hyaluronic acid-based fillers are injected into the skin, they attract water to the treatment area. This extra hydration helps your skin retain its plumpness for longer.
What To Expect From Treatment
After a consultation to go over the results you want, your certified Restylane provider will mark a few incision sites in the treatment zone. They will numb the area with local anesthesia to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Once the numbing is in effect, your provider will move forward with the injections.
The provider may massage the area after to ensure the filler is properly distributed. The entire treatment process could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Depending on how many injections you’ve had, you may want to take a day to rest and let the swelling subside.
How It Stands Out
- Cohesive formula – Restylane’s formula is not as smooth as Juvederm’s, meaning it may provide better support and structure in some areas.
- Price – Depending on the number of injections and the formula used, Restylane may be cheaper than other dermal fillers.
How It Overlaps
- Natural-looking results – Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and stimulates production of natural proteins, giving you natural-looking results.
- Dissolvable – Your doctor can use a special enzyme to dissolve your filler if you are unhappy with the results.
Teosyal
Teosyal is another dermal filler made with hyaluronic acids. Similarly to Restylane and Juvederm, Teosyal’s formula increases collagen production and helps improve water retention in the treatment area for smoother skin, increased volume, and more defined features.
Teosyal is available with a built-in anesthetic (lidocaine) and without. This way, patients with an allergy to lidocaine can still receive Teosyal, and patients without an allergy can experience a more comfortable injection process.
What To Expect From Treatment
After your consultation to discuss your treatment goals, your certified provider will mark the appropriate injection sites in your treatment zone. Then once the skin has been disinfected, your provider will carry out the procedure.
The length of your appointment will vary depending on the number of injections you receive. Most appointments run between 20 and 60 minutes.
You will start to see immediate results after your appointment; however, it may take up to 4 weeks to get the full effect.
Results can last up to 22 months.
How It Stands Out
- Reduced hypersensitivity – Teosyal’s offer lower protein and bacterial endotoxin levels to reduce the chance of hypersensitivity.
- Resilient & adaptive – This filler is formulated to stretch and move just like natural tissue to reduce movement resistance.
- Long-lasting – The effects of Teosyal can last up to 22 months.
How It Overlaps
- Natural-looking results – Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and stimulates production of natural proteins, giving you natural-looking results.
- Dissolvable – Your doctor can use a special enzyme to dissolve your filler if you are unhappy with the results.
Finding the Right Filler for Your Treatment Area
Different filler formulas work better for different conditions or treatment zones. See the chart below to find out which fillers work well in what areas.
Ask Your Doctor
Your medical cosmetics doctor is the best person to ask about your unique needs. Book an appointment to get filler advice that is customized to your treatment goals.
