Thinking about getting dermal fillers but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone! With so many types of fillers available, choosing the right one can feel like trying to pick the perfect shade of lipstick in a dimly lit store.
At Gifted Medspa in Cary, NC, we understand that each face is unique, and so are your aesthetic goals. Let’s break down the world of dermal fillers to help you make an informed decision that will have you looking — and feeling — your absolute best.
First Things First, Identify Your Goals
Before diving into specific products, take a moment to consider what you’re hoping to achieve. Are you looking to soften fine lines around your eyes? Add volume to hollowed cheeks? Define your jawline? Perhaps you’re dreaming of fuller, more youthful lips?
The area you want to treat will significantly influence which filler works best. And sometimes, the most natural-looking results come not from “chasing” individual lines but from treating areas you might not have considered — that’s where our expertise comes in handy during your consultation.
Different Types of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers come in several formulations, each designed to address specific concerns and areas of the face. The right filler for you depends on where you need treatment, how long you want your results to last, and your skin’s unique characteristics.
Hyaluronic (HA) Acid Fillers
HA fillers are the most popular type of filler on the market today — and for good reason. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin, making these fillers both effective and compatible with your body. They provide immediate volume and smooth out lines and wrinkles. If you’re new to fillers, HA products are an excellent place to start because they can be dissolved if needed.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
These fillers contain tiny calcium particles suspended in a gel-like solution. They’re thicker than HA fillers and typically last longer, making them ideal for deeper wrinkles and facial contouring. CaHA fillers also stimulate natural collagen production, which means they continue improving your appearance for months after injection.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers
Instead of providing immediate results, PLLA fillers work over time by stimulating your own natural collagen production, rebuilding the skin’s foundation from within. The results can last up to two years, making them a good choice for patients seeking long-term improvements.
At Gifted Medspa, we offer the HA-based fillers Juvéderm and Restylane. We’ve found these products provide the perfect balance of safety, versatility and natural-looking results. Our experienced injectors, Anna Ciccolini, PA-C, and Darren Ciccolini, PA-C, appreciate the predictability and refinement possible, allowing for subtle enhancements that respect your natural features while delivering a beautifully refreshed look that makes people ask, “What’s different about you?” instead of “What kind of work did you have done?”
Juvéderm vs. Restylane
When it comes to HA fillers, Juvéderm and Restylane lead the pack. Both are FDA-approved and have impressive track records, but they do have some differences worth noting.
Formula
Juvéderm uses a smoother, more gel-like consistency created through a process called Vycross (crosslinked for a denser, more durable gel) or Hylacross (softer and more malleable) technology. This makes it incredibly smooth to inject and results in a soft, natural feel under the skin. Restylane has a slightly firmer texture and tends to stay precisely where it’s placed, making it fantastic for areas where definition matters most.
Treatment Areas
Juvéderm excels in areas that benefit from a softer touch, such as the lips, fine lines around the mouth and cheek augmentation. Its smooth formula blends beautifully with surrounding tissues, creating that sought-after plump yet natural look.
Restylane shines when precision is key. It’s often the go-to for under-eye hollows, tear troughs, and nasolabial folds where maintaining structure is important. Its ability to hold shape makes it perfect for creating definition in areas like the jawline or temples. Restylane also offers a unique formulation designed specifically for lip enhancement.
Longevity
On average, Juvéderm products tend to last between nine to 18 months, with certain formulations lasting up to 24 months. Restylane typically provides results for six to 18 months, depending on the specific product and treatment area. However, metabolism varies from person to person, so the longevity of your results might differ.
Safety
Both Juvéderm and Restylane are FDA-approved with a long track record of safety. Minor side effects — such as bruising, swelling or redness at the injection sites — are possible after treatment, but these are easily managed and usually subside quickly. Both brands also offer formulations with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to reduce pain during treatment.
Which One Is Right for Me?
The “best” filler isn’t universal — it’s the one that addresses your specific concerns and goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one might be right for you.
Choose Juvéderm If You:
- Want extra-smooth results with minimal swelling
- Are looking for fuller lips with a soft, pillowy feel
- Need volume restoration in the mid-face or cheek area
- Prefer a filler that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding tissues
- Want potentially longer-lasting results, especially with newer formulations
Choose Restylane If You:
- Need precise definition in areas like the tear trough or jawline
- Want results that maintain their structure and shape
- Have fine lines that need targeted correction
- Prefer a filler with less migration from the injection site
- Are looking for a slightly firmer feel that mimics underlying structures
“Anna is the best and always takes the best care of me! She’s not only professional and amazing at what she does, but makes you feel like family while doing so! If you want to look fabulous and feel fabulous all in one visit go to Gifted Medspa!”
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Allie P.
Your Customized Treatment Plan Awaits
The truth is, many patients benefit from a combination approach. Different areas of your face may respond better to different fillers, and the experienced team at Gifted Medspa in Cary, NC, is skilled at creating customized treatment plans that maximize your results.
Ready to discover which filler is perfect for your unique features? Schedule a consultation with our expert injectors, Anna Ciccolini, PA-C, and Darren Ciccolini, PA-C. With their combined 38 years of medical expertise, they’ll assess your facial anatomy, listen to your goals and create a personalized plan that brings out your natural beauty.
Call us at 919-300-8308 or book online — your refreshed look is just an appointment away!
