If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to smooth the skin and remove wrinkles and fine lines there is no better way than with injectable dermal fillers. But with so many different fillers currently available, knowing which one is right for you can be difficult. This issue becomes easier when you consult with a knowledgeable facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Bustillo. But as with any cosmetic surgery, knowledge leads to reasonable expectations and a successful outcome.
The Two Groups of Fillers
The main fillers available on the market today are either made of hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. Because they are naturally occurring compounds produced synthetically, they are nonallergenic. They are also non-permanent and extremely safe. In fact, the results can be immediately reversed if you are not satisfied with the results by injecting a chemical that dissolves the compounds.
Consistency and Thickness
Other than the ingredients, the difference between fillers is their consistency and thickness. Even those that are composed of the same compound can vary in this way. These two features dictate how they work to repair signs of aging and improve imperfections.
The Fillers in Detail: Hyaluronic Acid
• Restylane was the first of this type of filler approved by the FDA and released to the market. Its density and firmness is in the mid-range of the currently available hyaluronic acid fillers. It’s from the same drug company as Perlane, which is denser and firmer.
• Juvederm was the second hyaluronic acid filler approved by the FDA. It is softer than Restylane because it is “whipped.” This quality allows it to spread further from the injection site.
• Voluma (or Juvederm Voluma XC) is long-lasting. Approved by the FDA to act like an implant under the cheek. This volume restores youthfulness.
They all last about six months.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
The second group of dermal fillers is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite. Radiesse is currently the only calcium hydroxylapatite filler on the market. It is the thickest and densest of either group of fillers. It is also white, not clear like the other HA fillers listed above. It is injected below the skin in areas where the skin is thick to fill deep nasolabial and marionette folds and for cheek volume.
It lasts about a year.
Contact Us
Dr. Andres Bustillo, M.D., F.A.C.S. is one of a select few double board certified facial plastic surgeons. He is board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto).
Because he is a facial specialist, he does not perform surgery on any area of the body other than the face. This specialization and experience has allowed him to get results for patients ranging in facial shapes, features, and skin types. By continuing to build his experience and keep up on the latest advancements Dr. Bustillo has built his reputation as someone who produces natural, long-lasting results.
- Over 50 percent of his practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. The rest is devoted to other types of facial rejuvenation surgery.
- He performs over 300 nasal surgeries a year.
- Twenty-five percent of his patients come from outside the United States.
- Twenty percent of his patients are other doctors and their families.
He and his team can be contacted by phone at 305-663-3380, or by email through the contact form. The office of Dr. Bustillo is here to answer your questions, and help you to plan your initial consultation. You can also directly contact our patient care coordinator, Jessica, by email. Dr. Bustillo is committed to total patient care and support through his practice based just south of Miami, in beautiful and historic Coral Gables, Florida.