One of the most popular dermal fillers on the market since its approval by the FDA in 2006 is Juvederm, an injectable gel containing hyaluronic acid. Used by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists to soften and reduce facial folds and wrinkles, Juvederm also enhances lips by plumping up thin lips and giving them a more attractive contour.

The manufacturers of Juvederm state that the gel’s “cross-linked” qualities make it an exceptionally successful anti-aging skin filler and wrinkle remover. Cross linking involves processing hyaluronic acid in way that chemically alters the binding ability of the molecular chains forming the acid. This procedure changes hyaluronic acid from a liquid into a gel-like substance that remains in facial tissues longer after it is injected. Without subjecting hyaluronic acid to this cross-linking, Juvederm’s effects would not last as long because the body would rapidly absorb the more aqueous hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid-rich Prevelle Silk injections not only smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds but also provide patients with the benefit of lidocaine, a safe and effective local anesthetic that diminishes any discomfort caused by the injection. Prevelle differs from other cosmetic dermal fillers due to the ability of hyaluronic acid to strengthen thin skin and add volume to sagging, wrinkled areas, whereas Botox only relaxes the muscles surrounding folds and wrinkles. In addition, the hyaluronic acid in Prevelle is a substance already found in the body, specifically the tissues, so after a time following an injection of Prevelle, the body naturally absorbs the acid and uses it as it would normally use its own hyaluronic acid.

Restylane is a cosmetic dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid, a non-animal sourced substance that represents the first type of HA-based filler to gain approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Restylane is used to fill out deep nasolabial folds, smooth away forehead wrinkles and eliminate fine lines around the mouth and eyes. As a lip enhancement, Restylane adds volume and contouring to lips that are thin or affected by “smoker’s” wrinkles that causes lips to pull in and disappear from the face. In addition, Restylane’s hyaluronic properties can revitalize the elasticity and suppleness of skin without adding volume, which makes it a popular choice for people who want to rejuvenate aging skin on the hands and neck areas.

Similar to Restylane, Perlane is a long-lasting dermal filler that helps reduce the appearance of severe facial wrinkles and folds by adding volume and lift to skin damaged by sun exposure and aging. The primary difference between Perlane and other cosmetic gel fillers is that the chemical structure of the hyaluronic acid—the active ingredient in Perlane and Restalyne—allows for richer amounts of HA to be contained in molecules comprising Perlane. Consequently, Perlane is designed to address and correct deeply lined, thicker skin than Restylane, which works better on thin-skinned individuals exhibiting fine lines and mild to moderate wrinkling of facial skin.

For reducing moderate to severe wrinkles and folds that affect the face due to aging, overexposure to the sun or certain illnesses, Radiesse provides a non-allergenic, biocompatible filler and volumizer that not only fills in even the worst nasolabial folds but also plumps out scars and pitting from acne outbreaks. Composed of a pure compound containing an hydrating gel and calcium hydroxylapatite, Radiesse is readily compatible with body tissues due to the calcium-related chemical structure constituting the volumizer. Gradually, Radiesse is absorbed by the body and harmlessly dissolves into tissues.

A lactic-acid-based biodegradable dermal filler that promotes collagen production for the reduction of wrinkles and folds, Although, improvement of wrinkled, sagging skin may not be as immediately discernible with Sculptra® Aesthetic, the unique blend of lactic acid and other superior, hydrating ingredients composing this dermal filler can prevent neck skin from experiencing degradation as well as wrinkling of the skin on the backs of the hands for up to 24 months. When the full benefits of Sculptra® Aesthetic emerge after several sessions, skin will look radiant, smooth and years younger than untreated skin.