Has your face lost volume? Losing facial volume is just another one of the complexities of growing older, and it happens to the best of us. You may notice that you’re losing bone and fat around the eyes, mouth, chin and temples. This results in brow and cheek drooping and wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available for correcting these aging effects, primarily injectable fillers and fat grafting. What’s the difference between these two options, and how do you know which one is best for you?
Injectable Fillers: Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse
The main injectable fillers used today include Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse, which are all offered at Berlet Plastic Surgery. Juvederm and Restylane are hydraulic acid gels that are used mainly in the lips and lower eyelid and cheek areas. The gel is mixed with anesthesia and then inserted through small needles into the affected area. Both Juvederm and Restylane are effective, low risk and last about 6-10 months. They can be administered during a routine office visit.
Radiesse is a deeper filler that is used in the cheeks, chin and jawline to fill in lost volume. The needle is larger, so it can cause bruising. But, Radiesse is equally convenient and can be done in a standard office visit. It also lasts longer than the other fillers, typically 10-14 months. While it is not reversible, it can be massaged around the face to smooth out potential bumps or nodules.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting has been getting a lot of attention because it creates a youthful, natural looking face that doesn’t rely on repeated injections. The procedure works by harvesting fat via liposuction and then injecting this fat back into the face to add volume, decrease fine lines and improve skin tone and texture. Since the fat comes from your own body, this eliminates the risk of having an allergic reaction.
Fat transfers are semi-permanent, and the length and end result are dependent on the skill of your surgeon. There is some swelling and bruising that occur with this procedure, but they generally subside within the first few weeks. This procedure is commonly used in conjunction with a facelift and can treat the entire face at once. Fat grafting is surgical and takes one to three hours.
So, which option is right for you? It depends on your goals. If you’re simply looking to decrease fine lines around the mouth and eyes, an injectable filler is the best option. You can even combine it with BOTOX for a greater effect. However, if your face has lost a lot of volume or you want a more youthful looking face overall, fat grafting may be the better option. Schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon to discuss your goals.