06 Nov The Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Collagen Stimulators
A great question that I often get from patients at their consultation is, “what is the difference between fillers and Sculptra, and how do I know which is better for me?” Starting in our early 20’s, the skin loses 1% of its collagen a year. That means that by 35 years old, the skin will have lost 50% of its collagen. Fillers and collagen stimulators each address very specific facial issues and can often complement each other.
Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm products work to temporarily fill wrinkles and folds. These products give immediate “fill” or results and can last up to 18 months as your body breaks them down. They are more appropriate for certain parts of the face over collagen stimulators.
Sculptra addresses the underlying cause of facial aging by rebuilding the skin structure via collagen stimulation using a product called PLLA (Poly-L- Lactic acid). There is an immediate fill from the sterile water that is injected with the PLLA, however over the course of several days, the water diffuses out leaving the PLLA. The PLLA stimulates collagen production over the course of the next 3 months at which time maximal results are noted. Patients usually require 2-3 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Even though these results are considered permanent, I do recommend getting a birthday vial every one to two years just to keep the collagen stimulated.
Together, hyaluronic acid fillers and Sculptra provide a variety of tools that allow me to craft a beautiful, natural, and more youthful result as I provide facial balancing for my patients. As always, trust your licensed and experienced injectors to recommend which products are best to treat your specific facial concerns.
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