Different Dermal Filler Injections for the Face

There are some people who are born with naturally full, beautiful, and kissable lips. However, if you’re like the rest of us you might feel like your lips are too thin, not pouty enough, or could look fuller. You might also be seeing wrinkles or fine lines you’d like to get rid of. There are products out there that promise to make your lips look fuller or to erase wrinkles but they never deliver the way we want them to. Thankfully, you don’t have to go under the knife to get the look you’ve always wanted. There are now injections that you can get done by a trained professional that are quick and easy! Keep reading on to learn about different dermal filler injections that you can use in your lips and on your face.

Different Dermal Filler Injections for the Face

There are several different types of dermal filler injections available for facial use. In this article, we’re going to discuss the differences between the two most popular types, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers and calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers. Before we dive into the contrasts of these injections, it’s important we understand a little more about each of them first.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid in the main ingredient in popular brands like Juvéderm. This substance is naturally occurring in the body. Its main purpose is to retain water and keep the skin and other tissues lubricated and well moisturized. It can be found around joints, soft connective tissues, and around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid can also be injected into the painful, stiff joints of those suffering from arthritis. It can help reduce the pain and provide extra cushioning around the joints.
Juvéderm makes different types of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for the face. However, Juvéderm Ultra XC and Juvéderm Volbella XC in particular were made to plump up your lips and they do a great job of it! They can also work to soften or erase vertical lip lines. When injected into the lips, hyaluronic acid does what it does best, attracts water and retains it in the area. This causes your lips to look plumper and fuller naturally. They won’t look “bloated” or overdone. Research published in the journal for Clinical Interventions in Aging found that Juvéderm dermal filler injections can actually increase your body’s own natural production of collagen (which improves the skin’s elasticity and appearances).

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Calcium hydroxylapatite is the main ingredient in popular brands like Radiesse. Just like hyaluronic acid, it is also naturally occurring in the body. It’s found inside of our bones instead of tissue. Calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers such as Radiesse, use a semi-solid gel to inject underneath the skin to create long-lasting effects. It has been well studied and deemed safe while also being approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe facial wrinkles and folds and the treatment of facial fat loss due to HIV.
Since this type of dermal filler injection is biosynthetically produced, there is a very low risk for allergic reaction and no skin sensitivity testing is required. Radiesse is a popular filler since it doesn’t migrate, looks very natural, and side effects are rare. It also falls into the category of long-lasting fillers as the body builds collagen around the injection site over time which makes the visible result of a filler treatment last longer. It stimulates the body’s process of generating collagen and encourages growth.

The Differences Between These Dermal Filler Injections

There are quite a few differences between Juvéderm and Radiesse. However, there are three main differences.
Juvéderm is made with hyaluronic acid while Radiesse is made with calcium hydroxylapatite.
Only hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are used in the lips. Calcium hydroxylapatite are best in cheeks and jawline.
Hyaluronic acid fillers will dissolve while calcium hydroxylapatite fillers will remain as a semi-solid gel. It will gradually be absorbed by the body over time.
The effects of each dermal filler injection last for varying amounts of time. Juvéderm can last anywhere from 3-12 months when injected into the lips. If for some reason you’re unhappy with the effects, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be used to breakdown the hyaluronic acid. Radiesse has a similar shelf life, lasting around 12 months. Since calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates natural collagen production, fewer touch-ups are required. It cannot be dissolved like Juvederm or other hyaluronic acid fillers.

Are Dermal Filler Injections Safe?

Both dermal filler injections, Juvéderm and Radiesse, have been approved by the FDA for their use. They have a long track record of safe use in humans for many different purposes. In fact, hyaluronic acid was used as a dental filler for many years before Juvéderm was developed which demonstrated its safety. Allergic reactions and skin irritations are rarely reported with either filler.
If you’re worried about the injections being painful, you’ll be happy to know they are relatively painless. In fact, both Juvéderm and Radiesse include small amounts of the analgesic lidocaine which numbs the skin and minimizes discomfort during and after treatment.

Use a Combination of Juvéderm and Radiesse for the Perfect Youthful Look

Juvéderm and Radiesse are both dermal filler injections that can help you feel better about yourself, have a more youthful appearance, and are safe and effective to use. Juvéderm contains hyaluronic acid and is formulated to help plump up your lips and soften lip lines. While Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite and can be used around the face to reduce severe wrinkles and folds as well as fill in cheeks or concave areas. Both injections can also help your body to produce more collagen naturally which can help improve results and make the effects last longer.