Facial wrinkles and creases begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibers begin to break down and wear out. While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning, smoking and smiling.

Facial injectable fillers are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic enhancement procedures today. As a result there are multiple products currently on the market and the list continues to grow.

These types of products are generally considered short-term fillers or long-term fillers. Common short-term fillers include collagen- and hylaform-based products. The short-term fillers typically last from 6-12 months. Long-term synthetic-based fillers include Artecol®, Dermalive® and Dermadeep®. These products are believed to last 10-15 years – although they likely last longer. Radiesse® is a newer calcium composition product gaining popularity and lasts about two years.

Artecol® injections to brow wrinkles. Deep wrinkles can be filled to dramatically reduce lines from years of facial movement.

Collagen is an excellent short-term filler. The procedure is relatively quick and has limited downtime aside from some swelling and possible bruising. There is however, a risk of collagen allergy and therefore most patients have a skin test prior to treatment. Evolence® is a new type of collagen product which has such a low allergy rate that allergy testing is not necessary according to the manufacturer.

Another common short-term filler is hylaform. This product also requires no allergy testing and lasts approximately six months. Restylane® and Juviderm® are two hylaform-based products.

The product of choice is ultimately determined by the patient’s personal preference – based on what they feel gives them the best result. You may have to try both hylaform and collagen to really know which is best for you.

Evolence® collagen injections to the nasolabial folds. Filling this fold can take years off ones appearance and takes only minutes to perform.Longer-term fillers like Artecol® or Dermalive® have the advantage of semi-permanence. The biggest downside to these products is the potential for lumps to form at the site of injection. The frequency of lumpiness depends on the amount of filler used and the technique of the physician. It is impossible to predict who will get lumps. Generally the lumps are not visible, but one can feel them. If you are afraid of the potential of a lump in your skin, don’t use these products. Despite the potential downside of long-term fillers, they are very popular and many people love the results.