Injectable Fillers

Is It Right for You?

Substance/Name: Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic acid, Restylane, Hylaform) What it is: Considered by many to be the "next big thing" after Botox because it is longer lasting, hyaluronan is a compound found in connective tissue of animals -- for instance, the combs of chickens. After processing, the substance is made into a viscous gel. In December 2003, the product Restylane, a synthetic form of hyaluronan, was approved by the FDA for wrinkle treatments. It has been used for wrinkle treatments in Europe for the past six years. Injection areas: Wrinkles around nose and chin, forehead wrinkles, smile lines, and lips Results: Expected to last six months to a year Average cost*: Expected to be about $650 per procedure Back to work: No downtime Possible reactions: Swelling, redness, and tenderness Other: Does not require an allergy skin test

Substance/Name: Fat Injections What it is: Fat transfer from one part of the body to another Injection areas: Lines around nose and chin, crow's feet, lips, frown lines, and facial recontouring Results: Highly variable (lasts months to years) Average cost*: $1,282 per procedure Back to work: Minor: One to four days; extensive: seven to 14 days Possible reactions: Swelling, bruising, and lumpiness Other: Requires a "donor site" (e.g., thighs, abdomen, buttocks); this procedure often accompanies liposuction.

Substance/Name: Bovine-based collagen (Zyderm, Zyplast) What it is: This substance is derived from purified bovine (cow) collagen, a natural protein that provides structural support to skin, muscle, tendons, and bone. Injection areas: Lines around nose and chin, crow's feet, frown lines, and lips Results: Lasts up to six months Average cost*: $399 per procedure Back to work: No downtime Possible reactions: Slight bruising and allergic reactions Other: Requires an allergy skin test and at least a one-month wait before injections

Substance/Name: Human-based collagen (CosmoDerm, Cosmoplast) What it is: This substance is derived from human collagen, a natural protein that provides support to skin, muscle, tendons, and bone. Injection areas: Lines around nose and chin, crow's feet, frown lines, and lips Results: Lasts up to six months Average cost*: $450 per procedure Back to work: No downtime Possible reactions: Swelling, redness, and bruising Other: Does not require an allergy skin test

Substance/Name: Calcium hydroxyl-lapatite/Radiance What it is: This substance is a synthetic form of material found in bone and teeth. Injection areas: Lines around nose and chin, crow's feet, frown lines, and lips Results: Lasts two years, possibly longer Average cost: $1,500 per procedure Back to work: No downtime Possible reactions: Swelling, redness, bruising, and lumpiness Other: Does not require an allergy skin test

*Source: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2002. Costs are for surgeon's fees and do not include a charge for facility or other miscellaneous costs, if any. Costs of injections are usually charged per vial of filler.