Facial Fillers

Restylane and Juvederm

Facial fillers are used to restore volume to the soft tissues of the face.  They are most commonly used to decrease the lines and folds around the mouth but they can also be used to fill the hollow areas beneath the eyes (“deep circles”), lift the corners of the mouth, give more definition or fullness to the lips, and fill in depressions, wrinkles or scars.  Dr. R Jeffrey Hofmann has been using various facial fillers in his practice for over twenty years.

There are many different products available each with unique characteristics and advantages.  There is a large amount of research interest which promises even more products to be available in the near future.

• Collagen – collagen injections are relatively painless in-office injections used to primarily soften lines around the mouth and lips.  Bovine collagen (Zyderm and Zyplast) has the longest track record (dating back to the 1970’s) but requires skin testing one month in advance to make sure you are not allergic to the product.  Human collagen (Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast) does not require a skin test.  Results of the treatment typically last three to four months.



• Restylane – is a safe, natural dermal filler that restores volume and fills in lines and wrinkles primarily around the nose and mouth.  In experienced hands, it can also be used to treat “deep circles” around the eyes, add fullness to the lips, and smooth the jawline.  It is one of the hyaluronic acid products (along with Juvederm, Hylaform, and Captique) – a substance found naturally throughout the human body.  Furthermore, it is not derived from animals or humans and therefore does not require skin testing.  The results of Restylane typically last between six and nine months depending on the area treated.
• Juvederm – is the latest hyaluronic acid product to be approved for use.  It temporarily adds volume to facial tissue and restores a smoother appearance to the face.  It is injected into areas of facial tissue where moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds occur.  Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing and the results last about six months.  It is most commonly used to fill in lines and wrinkles around the mouth, but is also useful for rejuvenating the lips.  No skin testing is required.