There are many different injectable fillers on the market today.  Most can be used to shape and augment the lips. It is important to understand that every product is different, and has it own unique advantages and disadvantages.

For the best results, the right product needs to be matched for each individual patient.  Successful outcomes also depend on you choosing an experienced doctor with excellent injection techniques. Before suggesting tips on things to consider before making your appointment, here is a brief overview of the most popular, and newest, fillers available:

Injectable Fillers

Radiesse – a calcium based injectable filler, which is considered the longest lasting (may last a year or more). Works especially well in the nasolabial folds, the lines that run diagonally from the outer corners of the mouth to the nose.

>>>Cost:  $1,000 per 1.3 cc syringe. Most times, only one syringe needed, but for deeper creases, and depending on the outcome you desire, you may need more than 1 syringe.

Sculptra - made from poly-lactic acid, which is a dissolvable material, similar to what dissolvable sutures are made from.  This material is best used to increase the volume of depressed areas, such as cheeks that are sunken in.   It can also be used to fill in any hollows on the face.  It is actually FDA-approved for HIV lipo-atrophy

>>>Cost: $1000 per bottle, and a bottle can usually fill in the entire face.  More than one treatment is usually required, and is done one month apart.

Hyaluronic Acids – brand names include Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, and Juvederm Ultra Plus.  While acting as a filler, these agents also bind to water to keep skin molecules plump. The filler itself is soft and pliable, giving you a smoother, more natural result. No pretreatment or allergy testing is necessary. Restylane works best for medium wrinkles and lasts about six months. Juvederm Ultra can be used for fine lines, while Juvederm Ultra Plus works better for medium-to-deep wrinkles and folds, and can last up to nine months. Juvederm Ultra Plus is also an excellent, long-lasting filler for the lips.

>>>Cost: $500 - $600 for each syringe.

Collagen – brand names include Zyderm and Zyplast. Because collagen is obtained from the skin of cows, and a small percentage of the population is allergic to bovine collagen, you must have an allergy test done first. Zyderm is best for superficial wrinkles. Zyplast is better for deeper wrinkles, furrows, deep scars and lips. It lasts three to six months.

>>>Cost: Collagen injections cost about $250 to $550 depending on the size of the syringe. The allergy test costs an additional $75.

Additional considerations before going in for your cosmetic injections

1)    Inquire about the doctor’s skill and experience with the particular filler.

2)    Different fillers have different benefits and risks, and depend largely on a
person’s facial features as well as personal preference.  Your doctor   should evaluate your needs and recommend the best filler for you.

3)    Remember, what looks great on your friend, may not always be the best
fit for you.

4)    Different fillers come in different sizes. For example, Radiesse comes in a
1.3 cc syringe, while Juvederm comes in a 0.8 cc syringe. Your cost will be based on how many syringes you need to achieve your desired result. Keep in mind you may need more than 1 syringe.

* * * * *

Based on my personal experience, the perfect lip is the one that “wows” the patient and makes them happy with the procedure. Everyone is unique, and a reputable, capable doctor will approach each face individually to give the best possible cosmetic result.

For more information, or to make an online appointment with Dr. Stuart Kaplan, please visit www.SkinDoc.net.

Comparison of Fillers