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Dermal Fillers: Understanding the 4 Different Types We Use at Advanced Practice Aesthetics

Dermal Fillers: Understanding the 4 Different Types We Use at Advanced Practice Aesthetics

Welcome to the world of dermal fillers! These injectable treatments have revolutionized facial rejuvenation, offering non-surgical ways to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance contours. 

At Advanced Practice Aesthetics, we utilize four different types of fillers that can produce remarkable results for men and women seeking to achieve their aesthetic goals. With minimal pain and downtime, dermal fillers are amazing, advanced solutions to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. 

The four types of dermal fillers we use include Bellafill, Radiesse, Revanesse, and Sculptra. 

We’ll explain the benefits and risks, typical results, and recovery times for each type. Let’s dive in!

Bellafill

Bellafill is unique because it’s a “collagen stimulator”  and a long-lasting filler. It’s composed of 80% bovine collagen gel and 20% poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. 

Upon injection, the collagen gel provides immediate lift and volume, filling in wrinkles and raising sunken features. 

Over time, your body will absorb the gel, but the PMMA microspheres remain, acting as a scaffold that stimulates your body to produce its own natural collagen around them. This helps create lasting structural support. 

Benefits of Bellafill

Let's take a look at the benefits of Bellafill dermal fillers:

  • Long-lasting results that can maintain their appearance for up to five years 

  • Actively encourages your body to produce new collagen

  • Provides immediate improvement and instant volume

  • FDA-approved for acne scars on the cheek

  • Versatile enough for smile lines, deeper wrinkles, and some areas of volume loss

Risks of Bellafill

There are a few risks to consider with Bellafill, so let’s look at those. 

  • The PMMA microspheres are non-absorbable and permanent, which means the results are not easily reversible.

  • Some people may have allergic reactions to the collagen; therefore, a mandatory skin test is required at least a month before the injection. 

  • While rare, persistent lumpiness or granulomas at the injection site may occur, requiring treatment. 

  • Common injection-related side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, and itching. 

Results & Recovery Time of Bellafill

The results with Bellafill are generally immediate and will continue to improve as your body produces more collagen, with noticeable results around six months after injection. The results can last up to five years. 

The recovery time is minimal, and the side effects last around a week and typically can include:

  • Mild swelling

  • Bruising

  • Redness

  • Tenderness

You can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. 

Radiesse

Radiesse is a volumizing and collagen-stimulating filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. When injected, the gel provides immediate volume and lift, smoothing out wrinkles and folds. 

Over time, the gel is absorbed, but the CaHA microspheres remain. Like Bellafill, the spheres help stimulate your body to produce new collagen, which then replaces the absorbed gel. 

Benefits of Radiesse

Some benefits of Radiesse include:

  • Immediate and long-lasting results that offer instant volume correction that continues to improve as new collagen is produced.

  • Results can last 12-18 months or longer.

  • The results are natural-looking and subtle.

  • Radiesse is a versatile product commonly used for treating deeper wrinkles, enhancing the cheeks, mid-face, chin, and jawline contour, as well as hand rejuvenation. 

  • Radiesse is biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the body.

Risks of Radiesse

Some risks of Radiesse include:

  • Common side effects such as swelling, pain, bruising, and itching.

  • Rare side effects of lumps or nodules at the injection site.

  • Rare but serious risk of vascular occlusion, where the filler accidentally gets into a blood vessel. 

  • Not reversible with Hyaluronidase

Results & Recovery Time

The results of Radiesse are immediate and will continue to improve over the next 4 to 6 weeks. The results can last 12 to 18 months, and in some cases, up to two years. 

The recovery time is minimal, and you can typically return to your normal activities immediately after your injection, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24-48 hours. 

Revanesse

Revanesse is a line of hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers that uses a unique “Thixofix” cross-linking technology and a spherical particle shape. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and binds water molecules, providing hydration and volume to skin. 

When injected, Revanesse instantly replenishes lost HA, attracting water to the treated area to smooth wrinkles, enhance facial contours, and restore volume. Its spherical particles are designed for smooth integration into the tissue, potentially resulting in less swelling. 

Benefits of Revanesse

The benefits of Revanesse dermal fillers include:

  • Immediate results with instant volume and smoothing of wrinkles and folds.

  • Natural look and feel that integrates seamlessly into the skin.

  • Less swelling compared to some other HA fillers.

  • Versatile use for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, chin, and jawline contouring. 

  • Revanesse is reversible if you are unhappy with the results or if a problem arises.

Risks of Revanesse

Some of the risks associated with Revanesse include:

  • Some common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and itching.

  • Rare side effects of lumps or bumps that can be massaged out or dissolved.

  • Some people may be allergic to the formula.

  • Similar to other dermal fillers, but there is the risk of vascular occlusion.

Results & Recovery Time

The results of Revanesse are immediate and typically last between 6 and 12 months. The recovery time is minimal, although you may experience mild swelling and bruising, which typically subside within one to seven days. 

Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours. 

Sculptra

Sculptra is unique because it's a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator. It’s not a traditional filler that provides immediate volume. When injected, PLLA microparticles stimulate your body's natural collagen production over several months. 

The initial fullness after injection is primarily from the water mixed with the PLLA, which is then absorbed. The true results appear gradually as your body builds new collagen, restoring lost volume and improving skin structure.

Benefits of Sculptra

The benefits of Sculptra dermal fillers include:

  • Gradual, natural-looking results from stimulating your body to produce collagen.

  • Long-lasting results that can last up to two years or more. 

  • Treats volume loss and is ideal for addressing the mid-face, temples, and jawline.

  • Improved skin quality as the collagen can help with skin thickness and overall texture. 

  • Sculptra is biocompatible and biodegradable.

Risks of Sculptra

Some of the risks associated with Sculptra include:

  • The most significant risk is the formation of small, palpable nodules under the skin. 

  • The results can seem delayed, so have patience. 

  • Sometimes, multiple sessions may be required to achieve your desired results. 

  • Common side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness. 

  • Sculptra is not reversible. 

Results & Recovery Time

The results of Sculptra seem “delayed” compared to other dermal fillers, but the true, visible results will appear gradually over two to three months. After a few sessions, the results can last up to two years. 

The recovery is minimal, and you can typically return to normal activities immediately. 

With Sculptra, a strict massage protocol is required, where you must massage the area five times a day for five minutes, daily, for five days after treatment. This is essential for preventing nodule formation. 

How to Choose the Right Dermal Filler for Your Needs

At Advanced Practice Aesthetics, we can help you determine the right filler for your needs. Whether you are looking for improved volume, reduction of fine lines or wrinkles, reduction of deeper folds or wrinkles, reduction of acne scars, or hand rejuvenation, one of our treatment specialists can help determine the right filler. 

Other things to consider include:

  • Your desired longevity of results

  • Your skin type and history

  • Your tolerance for downtime and recovery

  • Your budget and treatment plan

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the dermal fillers used by Advanced Practice Aesthetics, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information. 

Book Your Free Dermal Filler Consultation at Advanced Practice Aesthetics

If you're ready to take the next step toward achieving your aesthetic goals, please reach out to us at Advanced Practice Aesthetics in Hopkins or Big Lake, Minnesota. Our team is passionate about helping you feel your best in your skin, and we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into every procedure we perform. 

With a history of delivering exceptional results, Advanced Practice Aesthetics prioritizes providing the best comfort and care for each individual we treat. Together, we will help you look your best!

Call us today at 612-895-5895 or book a consultation online today!