Filler Frenzy: Understanding Your Choices of Hyaluronic Acid-based Soft Tissue Fillers

Medically Reviewed by: Hema Sundaram, MD

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  Injectables are hot, and today there are a growing number of them available to help reverse signs of facial aging. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers represent one of the bigger and more popular categories of injectables. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies' connective tissues, the supply of which diminishes as we age. One of its roles is to keep skin plump and smooth.

  One-size-fits-all fillers are being replaced by designer or "site-specific" HA fillers because the latter offer more customization. The factors that distinguish injectables include cohesivity (how well the material sticks together), elasticity or G prime (its ability to withstand forces such as gravity and facial movements like frowning or smiling), and viscosity (spreadability). These factors are compared with an individual's unique facial structure and desired cosmetic result to determine the best choice of filler with the longest-lasting results.

  To better illustrate how these HA fillers behave when injected, our latest slideshow compares filler consistency to common foods. This method was developed by Hema Sundaram, MD.
   

• Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus XC

  

  Approved for: Moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds, the creases running from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth (also known as parentheses or smile lines).

  Consistency: Oatmeal

  Results: Up to one year

  Cost: $300 to $800

  Juvederm Ultra Plus XC contains lidocaine to ease the sting.
   

• Juvederm Voluma XC

  

  Approved for: Midface rejuvenation (think cheeks)

  Consistency: Chocolate pudding

  Results: Up to two years

  Cost: Approximately $1,425

  Juvederm Voluma XC contains lidocaine to ease the sting.
   

• Restylane, Restylane-L

  

  By Stilfehler, via Wikimedia Commons

  Approved for: Parentheses or smile lines, marionette lines that start at the corners of your mouth and run down to your chin, downturned lines at the corners of your mouth.

  Consistency: Cream of wheat grains in gelatin

  Results: Up to one year

  Cost: Approximately $725

  Restylane-L contains lidocaine to ease the sting.
   

• Restylane Lyft

  

  Approved for: Smoothing smile lines and mid-face rejuvenation.

  Consistency: Couscous in gelatin

  Results last: 10-18 months

  Cost: $875

  Restylane Lyft contains lidocaine to ease the sting.
   

• Restylane Silk

  

  Approved for: Plumping the lips and filling fine lines around the mouth.

  Consistency: Jam

  Results last: Up to six months

  Cost: $400 to $700 dollars per syringe

  Restylane Silk contains lidocaine to ease the sting.
   

• Belotero Balance

  

  Approved for: Moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles, and folds such as nasolabial folds (think etched-in lines and wrinkles around the mouth).

  Consistency: Honey

  Results last: About 6 months or more

  Cost: $400 to $700 per syringe