In general, the patients Dr. Massry sees come into the office already knowing the names of all the hyaluronic acid gel (HAG) fillers (i.e. Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, etc.). But few patients know the differences between them. It is very important for patients to learn there are significant differences between fillers so they can have a safe treatment.
This post highlights 5 IMPORTANT POINTS about HAG fillers that Dr. Massry wants patients to consider prior to having facial injections.
1. Not all fillers are the same.
Fillers are made differently, have different names, different biochemical and flow properties (i.e. how they work in the face). When you go in for a filler consultation, ask your injector about these differences – this is very important. When you buy a house or car you ask about specifics such as size, efficiency, upkeep etc. The same applies here.
2. Fillers act by sucking in fluid to expand and thus fill lines and folds.
It is critical that the right filler is used in a custom way to address your specific needs. For deep grooves, very expansive fillers are needed. For shallow lines, a filler which expands less and flows more is needed. Choosing the wrong type of filler is what leads to complications of lumps, bumps, swelling, and contour issues.
3. Filler properties to assess include concentration and cross-links.
Fillers have a concentration (particles per unit area); this property controls fluid expansion. Fillers are also cross-linked (how each filler molecule is connected together – tight or loose); this property controls stability and longevity. The mix of these properties is the key to success.
4. Fillers give beautiful anti-aging results but there is the potential for complications.
Fillers are a great way to treat lines and folds but complications can occur (i.e. swelling, irregularities, overfill, etc.). Most of these complications can be controlled with how the filler is delivered (i.e. a little in the right place goes a long way – but in the wrong place it’s a problem). Expert injectors know this well.
5. Fillers can be delivered with a needle or cannula.
A needle is a more traditional technique for filler treatments. In recent years, many injectors have started to utilize the cannula approach. The cannula utilizes just one entry point, instead of several. This means fewer needle marks and usually less bruising. The debate between which is better, needle or cannula, is an extensive topic in terms of pros and cons. There is equal post-injection swelling with both – but less bruising with the cannula. Recent studies suggest the cannula is more precise in filler placement.
Finding An Expert Filler Injector
Like with any consumer purchase, always ask the right questions to get the best outcome. When you see a new physician for filler injections, make sure they are very well educated in the different types of fillers so the best one for you is used for your treatment.
Before & After Filler
This patient had filler injections under the eyes to fill hollows with Dr. Massry.
Contact Dr. Massry Today!
Dr. Guy Massry in Beverly Hills specializes in filler injections and has written countless peer-reviewed articles about differences in filler products and filler injection techniques. If you are interested in filler treatments, you can rest assured you are in the hands of a qualified expert. To schedule a treatment with Dr. Massry or to learn more about the different types of fillers, please call us at 310.657.4302.
Read more of Dr. Massry’s blogs about fillers:
5 Things to Know About Eyelid Fillers
Getting Rid of Eyelid Bags, Dark Circles and Hollows with Fillers: What To Do and What Not To Do