As people age, they may not only develop fine lines and wrinkles, but might also notice a loss in facial volume, particularly in the cheeks. There are a number of facial fillers on the market that can plump up the skin and increase facial volume to give people a younger-looking appearance. Radiesse® and Voluma® are two popular facial fillers that have been proven safe and effective at restoring any volume lost due to aging or sun damage.
Radiesse®
Formerly known as Radiance, this filler has been approved by the FDA to restore facial volume in the cheeks. Radiesse® primarily consists of hydroxylapatite, a naturally-occurring mineral found in the teeth and bones. As such, injecting this substance is basically the same thing as injecting liquid bone into your body. This means the risk of an adverse reaction is greatly reduced. Radiesse® is ideal for plumping the skin surrounding the mandibular and maxillary jaw bones. Multiple injections could be needed in order to ensure that volume is increased evenly.
Voluma® by Juvederm®
Voluma® is one of the many facial fillers on the market that contains hyaluronic acid, a substance that is produced naturally by the body. As people age, this substance is produced in lesser amounts, leading to a loss of volume that can cause skin to sag. Voluma® can be injected into multiple areas of the face to provide fullness, but is most effective when used in the cheekbones. The hyaluronic acid contained in Voluma® naturally attracts water molecules to hydrate and plump the skin from within. As with Radiesse®, it is generally tolerated well, and produces very few side effects.
Choosing between the Two
Deciding between Radiesse® and Voluma® can be difficult, since both of these fillers produce similar results. Radiesse® may be best for those who are primarily concerned with lost volume in the cheekbone area, while Voluma® might work better for people who want to plump multiple areas of the face. Radiesse® can provide results for anywhere from 12 to 18 months, while the benefits of Voluma® may be seen for up to two years. Both may require touch-up treatments after that time to maintain results.
Who may Receive Injections?
Both of these facial fillers are generally safe for most people; however, there are nonetheless certain individuals who should avoid them altogether. Those who are taking blood-thinning medications have an increased risk of bleeding, and should speak with their primary care physician first. Anyone with an active skin infection or open sores in the treatment area should also wait until those have healed. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised against dermal fillers until after they deliver and/or stop lactating.
Firm facial features are quite possible through the use of injectable fillers such as Voluma® and Radiesse®. Those who would like to restore facial volume that has diminished over time should speak with their doctor about the possibility of having an injection. Choosing one of these fillers can help people look younger and restore their sense of self confidence.