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Dermal fillers a group of products that dates back to the use of collagen to fill in wrinkles and lines, and to augment lips and fill in Scars. Initially, the collagen of the past was wrought with problems. Allergic reactions, skin testing, expensive, and a very short duration of action sometimes only lasting weeks. Silicon was used but had it’s own complications as a permanent filler. 

Fortunately, in the early part of this decade alternative highly improved products hit the market. The “Hyaluronic Acid” fillers quickly gained popularity due it’s safety and non-allergenic properties. It is a natural substance already found in the dermis layer of skin, so needs no skin testing before use. It’s ease of use and impressive and reproducible results make it a favorite tool among NonSurgical Aesthetics Physicians.

At Pier Laser Med Spa, we most often use it for its only FDA approved usage which is softening or eliminating the Naso Labial Folds (NLF) or the smile lines. We also use it for lip augmentation, wrinkle reduction, facial contouring including midface and around the eyes (liquid facelift), and for nonsurgical nosejobs to eliminate dips, reduce bumps, and raise the tip of the nose. Along with subcission, it can also be used to raise depressed scars, such as those seen from chickenpox. Another use has been to rejuvenate the elderly appearing hand by hiding unsightly veins.

Juvederm was approved by FDA in 2006 and is a preferred dermal filler, although most Hylauronic Acid(HA) work in a similar fashion, they have differences. Although Dr. Reiter was originally trained with Restylane and still uses it for some applications, he uses mostly Juvederm currently because of ease of use and it's longer half life in the tissues due to the advanced cross linking. It is only slightly costlier, but Dr. Reiter charges the same for the HA fillers, ~$500/syringe(0.8cc)

Juvederm^® and Restylane^®  FAQs

Juvederm and Restylane are cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers which only differ by viscosity because of the amount of cross-linking, which is why the newer extremely cross-linked Juvederm lasts longer than Restylane subdermally. Restylane seems to have less swelling postinjection, and we prefer Restylane when treating the NasoJugal groove under the eyes to eliminate or lessen the black shadows or that tired look.

Be aware that low ball pricing per syringe by many providers means you may get the 0.55cc syringe that Juvederm sells, if you fall for that trap.  Caveat emptor is Latin for "Let the buyer beware".  We recommend getting all your needs from your local med spa, which you will trust over time.

Dermal Fillers Results: Lip Augmentation