If you have deepening nasolabial folds, you probably wonder how to treat them. In Inland Empire, California where I practice, many ask about this. While a facelift is the best way to improve nasolabial folds, in Inland Empire more people want a nonsurgical solution. Dermal fillers are often the treatment of choice. The question is: Which filler will do the best job? Juvederm? Radiesse? Bellafill? I’ll answer that here.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Brian Machida is a highly experienced double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He taught facial plastic surgery for years at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Machida can be found at STC Plastic Surgery in Ontario, Inland Empire California.
What causes nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds are a normal part of the face. Everyone has them. The question is, how noticeable are they? Aging skin often makes nasolabial folds appear deeper. As you get older, your natural production of collagen and elastin declines every year. Your skin thins and is more likely to sag. Sun damage can accelerate this process. In addition, with each year your natural fat pads under your skin lose volume. So, while fat accumulates in other areas, your face’s natural padding decreases. This can cause lines to form next to your nasolabial folds, making them appear deeper.
Juvéderm for nasolabial folds
When most people think of fillers, they think of Juvéderm and Restylane. These are good fillers based on hyaluronic acid. This substance manufactured by the human body attracts moisture and is very well tolerated by most patients. But these fillers are thinner, so they’re great for superficial fine lines and wrinkles. Deeper folds require a thicker filler.
The fact that the body accepts hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane so well is a two-edged sword. Your body will also readily absorb them. In about a year, you’ll need to have more injections. On the other hand, if you aren’t satisfied with your new look, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with another injection. So, you’ll never have to live with a look you don’t like.
Radiesse for nasolabial folds CONTACT Dr. Machida Inland Empire, CA
Radiesse is a thicker filler that gives outstanding results in smoothing nasolabial folds. Radiesse is a natural substance (calcium hydroxylapatite) composed of the same material that makes up the mineral content of human bone. It contains tiny calcium spheres that provide volume. Collagen will form around the calcium. This can make its effects last up to 1 ½ years. You’ll get immediate results with Radiesse that will continue to improve in the months following your injections.
Bellafill for nasolabial folds
Bellafill may be your best option to improve your nasolabial folds. It is specifically FDA approved for that purpose and can last for 5 years or longer. Bellafill contains PPMA, a substance used by orthopedic surgeons in bone cement. Tiny microspheres of PPMA are suspended in bovine collagen, once the most popular filler. The bovine collagen provides instant results. And, like Radiesse’s calcium microspheres, the tiny round PPMA particles stimulate and attract your body’s own collagen. It will form around the PPMA microspheres.
Your body will absorb Bellafill’s bovine collagen in a few months, but the collagen forming around the PPMA particles will take its place. The result is a great, long-lasting new look.
Before receiving Bellafill injections, you’ll need to be tested to make sure you’re not allergic to any of its ingredients.
Getting your filler injections right
It’s important to receive filler injections only from a skilled, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. There are two reasons for this. One is that, safe as they are, fillers can have unwanted side effects if not injected properly. For instance, too much of a thick filler like Juvéderm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, Radiesse or Bellafill injected near the nose can compress the artery and cause necrosis, or cell death in that area. Fully trained specialists know how to avoid that.
Hyaluronic Acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane are reversible. So, one round of injections may be all that’s needed, since a simple shot can reverse overfilling. Radiesse and Bellafill, on the other hand, cannot be reversed. For that reason, I like to schedule 2 injection sessions. In the first, I’ll give you enough filler to see substantial improvement. In the second, I’ll fine tune your results. That way, the look you’ll have for 1.5 to 5 years will be the one you want!
Improving your nasolabial folds in Inland Empire and Beyond
If you would like to smooth out your nasolabial folds and you’re in Inland Empire, California, you can find me at STC Plastic Surgery in Ontario, CA. If you’re in another area, look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. Ask them how often they provide filler injections and check out their Before and After photos. You should have no problem finding someone who can recommend and administer the best filler for your nasolabial folds. CONTACT Dr. Machida Inland Empire, CA
