Juvederm San Francisco – Know Your Skin: What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural complex sugar found the connective tissue matrix of the dermis (the dense, inner layer of skin just beneath the epidermis or outer layer of skin) in humans and all other mammals. Hyaluronic acid is the major component of this matrix which is also made of two connective fibers called collagen and elastin.
HA has the ability to absorb and hold water up to a thousand times it weight, hydrating the skin and giving it density and volume. HA also helps transport essential nutrients to the skin’s viable cells.
As you age and your skin is exposed to sun rays and pollutants your cells gradually lose the ability to produce HA and the result is dehydration. The collagen and elastin fibers also lose their structure and the combined result is loss of skin volume and the formation of the facial wrinkles and folds we associate with aging.
Synthetic hyaluronic acid (also called Hyaluronan or Hyalronate) is the chief component of the US FDA-approved dermal fillersRestylane, Hylaform, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus, Elevess and Perlane.
Such injectable fillers, usually in gel form, must be expertly injected into the mid or deep dermis to restore lost HA, thus restoring skin volume and firmness.The effect is not permanent, but can last up to a year or longer.
What doctors say about Radiesse?
Radiesse (formerly called Radiance) is a filler that provides instant results like Restylane and Juvéderm, but is made of a different material called hydroxyapatite. This is a calcium-based compound that is very similar to the natural material that makes up our bones (but of course it is in an injectable form). Because of its different ingredients, Radiesse Injections San Francisco lasts longer than hyaluranic acid Dermal Fillers San Francisco, usually up to 12-18 months. It can’t be used for the lips, but Radiesse is excellent for the nasolabial and mental folds.
Therefore, Radiesse is an excellent balance between instant results and a longer duration of filling. For patients who would like a durable filling of the nasolabial folds of the face, Radiesse is one of the very best options available.
Why Doctors like Juvéderm?
Juvéderm San Francisco is one of the newest fillers on the market. It is made of a substance called Hyaluronic Acid, which is the same as the active ingredient in Restylane and they are very similar in their indications and results. In my experience Juvederm is a bit more fluid, which seems to result in less discomfort during the injections, and in many patients less bruising and swelling.
It is another material that can be used safely in the lips, and Juvéderm is easy to mold if necessary after injection. I really like Juvederm as well for filling of the nasolabial folds, lips and labiomental (marionette line) areas.
What are the benefits with Scultpra?
Sculptra is a great filler for patients that want the longest-term result possible but don’t have a problem waiting a bit for the full effects of treatment. All of my Northern California and San Francisco Sculptra patients made the choice to use Sculptra because they prioritize a natural appearance. And the nice thing about Sculptra is that when the filling is complete, it is the patient’s own natural tissue that is doing the filling.
Sculptra has gotten a bad rap because of reports of nodules beneath the skin that can form. Fortunately for me and my patients the technique I use is working to reduce the incidence of firm areas beneath the skin to less than 1% of patients. For me, as long as a patient has a few months to see the full effect of the volume, Sculptra is one of the best choices for facial filling.
How do I decide whether to get cheek implants or filler?
Each procedure has both its pros and its cons. With fat grafting, the fat will usually stay in position, but whether or not all the fat grafted will survive isn’t entirely reliable. It depends largely on the skill and techniques used by the surgeon performing the procedure. Additional surgeries are possible for additional corrections.
With Cheek Implants San Francisco, there may be the possibility of future procedures related to the implants, but the main issue with implants is that they tend to change your fundamental appearance just a bit. This can certainly be a good thing, but it’s important for patients to be aware of this fact before proceeding. Fat grafting and fillers tend to not affect your fundamental ‘look’ and instead give you a softer and sometimes rounder appearance.
For more temporary results, fillers can be used to enhance the cheek area, and are less invasive. However your costs after multiple treatments can often be comparable to the costs of implants or fat grafting, so talk to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. They can then help you decide the best course of action based on your particular situation and goals.
Which filler is recommended for the cheek area?
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right filler to enhance the cheeks. Costs play a role, as do ease of injection and how long the filler lasts.
You also need to consider your unique goals and the amount of volume required. For large amounts of volume, Sculptra is one of the most cost-effective cheek fillers, and is the longest lasting.
However, other fillers can be effective for more subtle improvements in the face. In that case, the duration of the filler usually takes priority in the decision. Juvederm and Restylane last anywhere from 6-9 months and is often a popular choice.
Radiesse is also used with success, and is more cost effective than Juvederm and Restylane for the amount of months of correction you can get.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, fat grafting with a skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can be a viable option as well. As always, it’s best to schedule a consult to discuss your goals, and from there decide the best course of treatment options.
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