Answer: Injectable fillers improve facial lines and wrinkles and other skin imperfections by restoring volume.  Botox, on the other hand, is a neuromodulator which relaxes the facial muscles responsible for certain facial movements which over time can result in wrinkles and creases, such as frown lines. Botox effectively treats dynamic wrinkles whereas injectable fillers are appropriate for treating static wrinkles.

Answer: Injectable fillers can be used to fill in crow’s feet. However, Botox is most often used in this area as it effectively relaxes the muscles responsible for the development of crow’s feet. Injectable fillers like Restylane or Juvederm may be combined with Botox if, after treatment, the lines are still visible and need to be further concealed by filling them in.  Other treatments like laser resurfacing and chemical peels can also help to smooth away lines. 

Answer: Belotero is new FDA-approved injectable filler comprised of hyaluronic acid, similar to other fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. It is being used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as frown lines, crow’s feet and nasolabial folds, as well as for lip augmentation.  Belotero is different from other fillers in that it is designed to seamlessly integrate with the body’s own tissues for more subtle, natural results. This makes it less likely to be seen or felt by the patient. For this reason, it is often a better choice for superficial lines and wrinkles that are closer to the surface.

Answer: Injectable fillers can be used to improve the appearance of some scars. Depressed scars can be plumped up with dermal fillers which may not make them disappear but can make them dramatically less conspicuous.

Answer: Injectable fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are often the better choice for lip augmentation. The lips are very mobile and fat often doesn't take well in areas with a great deal of motion. This makes it difficult to get a good result from fat transfer to the lips.

Answer: There are currently many different types of injectable fillers available, including Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Sculptra, Radiesse and others. No one filler is the best; rather, different fillers can be used depending on the individual patient and what they would like to achieve. It’s important to consider factors like the area being treated, the thickness of the wrinkle or line, how long the patient would like the result to last and so on. These factors will help to determine which filler is most appropriate for that patient.

Answer: While injectable fillers can improve forehead lines by "filling" them in, Botox or Dysport are generally better for this area. Forehead lines are caused by the pull or action of the frontalis muscles in the forehead. Botulinum toxins like Botox and Dysport directly affect the muscle, relaxing them and smoothing the wrinkle.

Answer: There are both temporary and semi-permanent wrinkle fillers. Temporary fillers include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane which generally last 6 to 12 months; calcium hydroxylapatite fillers like Radiesse which generally last one to two years; and polylactic acid fillers like Sculptra which may last 2 or more years.  PMMA polymethylmethacrylate) fillers like Articol, Artefill and Metacrill are considered semi-permanent and have been shown to be effective for five years or more.

Answer: Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler which is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Unlike other fillers which simply plump up lines and other skin defects, Sculptra actually promotes the production of new collagen for long-lasting correction of facial wrinkles and folds and areas of diminished volume. An average of three sessions is typically needed and results may last for two or more years.

Answer: The term “liquid facelift” generally refers to the use of fillers in the face, often along with Botox or similar injectables designed to treat dynamic wrinkles. Some patients even use the term to refer to the use of fat transfer in the face. This may involve a large number of fillers placed in many different areas of the face to restore volume and treat lines, folds, depressions and other skin imperfections. Results are temporary, but this can be a good alternative to a surgical facelift for those seeking more immediate rejuvenation with little downtime and minimal risks.