Botox is so famous it should have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Botox is a neuromodulator, stopping muscles that form wrinkles on the skin above from contracting. These are dynamic wrinkles. Crow’s feet, frown lines, the 11s, these are all dynamic wrinkles and Botox is their master.
But Botox doesn’t do a thing to the other type of wrinkles, static wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that are on display at all times for all to see. They are wrinkles that are due to sun damage and normal aging. Static wrinkles are the turf of dermal fillers.
Botox and dermal fillers are all classified as “injectables.” Dermal fillers, as their name implies, fill in the crease or wrinkle and plump the skin. Some also encourage the production of new collagen in the area. Fillers are injected beneath the wrinkle and basically push the skin back up, erasing the wrinkle. There are many different brand names of dermal fillers. At Dr. Ip’s practices, we offer all of the most requested fillers on the market. Here are five of our most popular.
Restylane® — Restylane and Juvederm (below) are the two most popular fillers in the world. Both are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for plumping the skin. Hyaluronic acid accomplishes this by binding with water molecules beneath the skin surface. This firms up the skin and makes the surface smoother. Restylane is very effective at improving wrinkles and creases around the mouth and lips, as well as those under the eyes. It is best on areas with thinner skin, as it can spread under the skin to address many small wrinkles in an area.
Juvederm® — Also of the hyaluronic acid variety, Juvederm restores volume and addresses deeper wrinkles, especially those around the mouth and nose and on the forehead. There are three types of Juvederm: Juvederm XC, Juvederm Voluma XC, and Juvederm Ultra Plus. Each has different characteristics that target different issues such as volume vs. wrinkles.
Perlane® — Perlane is a cousin of Restylane, although people would call it the “stocky” one. Made by the same company as Restylane, and also hyaluronic acid-based, Perlane has a much thicker consistency. This makes it best for improving large nasolabial folds and worry lines on the forehead. Perlane is not used in areas with thinner skin, such as around the eyes, because it needs to be injected into areas where there is sufficient fat to hide its thicker consistency.
Radiesse® — Radiesse is different than those hyaluronic acid fillers above. It’s made up of a water-based gel with calcium hydroxylapatites microspheres. It fills wrinkles two ways. It fills in the volume-deficient area with the gel like other fillers. Then, as the body absorbs the filler, the microspheres stimulate collage production at the treatment site. Radiesse can improve moderate to severe facial folds, creases, and wrinkles. It can also be used to augment the nose, chin, and cheeks.
Sculptra® — Sculptra is one of the longest-lasting fillers, providing results for up to two years. Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which encourages the body to produce new collagen. Collagen is the skin’s basic support structure, making it firm and taut, and it decreases with age. Since Sculptra encourages new collagen production, its results are more gradual. Sculptra is effective for nasolabial lines, marionette lines, and lines on the forehead.
Interested in addressing aging issues without surgery? One of these five fillers, or any of our other offerings at Dr. Ip’s two offices can do the job. Call either our Newport Beach or Manhattan offices to schedule an appointment.
