Deciding on the Right Fillers

By Nasrin Mani, M.D.

“Fillers” are not what they used to be. Original fillers made from cow collagen was exclusively used for filling surface wrinkles and minor lip augmentation. Today we have injectable products that last many years and are capable of not only filling wrinkles but practically mimic the results of facial surgery.

How to decide if a filler is right for you?

• Determine what bothers you most – Is it a line? a wrinkle? a flat area?
• Where is the problem?
• Is the problem always a problem, or just with facial movements?
• Are you seeking a permanent change or something temporary?
• Determine your budget limitations – a single syringe of just about any filler won’t accomplish what most people are looking for (more about that later in another post!)

Dynamic wrinkles in the forehead and brow area and around the eyes typically don’t need filler, but will respond to Botox or Dysport.

Wrinkles above the lip are notoriously hard to treat but will respond on some level to laser resurfacing. Fillers can enhance the lip border and the lip body, but those vertical lines need different help!

Deep folds can be helped with Radiesse, but often the best choice is Sculptra, which replaces the lost volume that CAUSES the fold.

In any case, most people need some professional guidance. At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic we’re available to provide the “why and how” through a personal consultation.