Consumer Guide to Injectables and Fillers

Cosmetic fillers are not all alike. Injectables and fillers include a variety of materials, which last for different lengths of time and have different effects and uses. These articles explain each type, plus what makes a good candidate for treatment, recovery tips, and cost.

Injectable Fillers Overview

With so many products on the market, finding the injectable filler most suitable for your condition can be confusing. This article provides an overview of the various types of injectable fillers and their uses.
Learn more about injectable fillers.

ArteFill

One of ArteFill's main appeals is its permanency. ArteFill consists of synthetic microspheres suspended in bovine (cow) collagen. It is an FDA-approved injectable wrinkle filler for smile lines but is also used off-label for lip augmentation, acne scars, and more.
Learn more about ArteFill.

Botox

What causes wrinkles? Some are caused by muscle contraction. Botox disrupts the process and essentially paralyzes the muscle; the contraction is stopped, and the wrinkles disappear for about three months.
Learn more about Botox.
 
Also read our Consumer Watch Q&A about the current FDA review of Botox after reports of life-threatening conditions in some people who received Botox injections.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein complex that supports skin, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. Collagen filler temporarily treats wrinkles, scars, thin lips, frown lines, and folds around the nose and mouth. The benefits are immediate and last about three months.
Learn more about collagen injections.

Fat Fillers

Fat fillers can improve the appearance of an aging forehead and eyes, and reduce scars. Fat fillers can also plump up hollow cheeks, fill in stubborn facial lines, or change your lips from thin to supple. The filler consists of fat taken from one part of your body and moved into the area of your body to be treated.
Get the facts on fat fillers.

Juvederm

A gel implant containing hyaluronic acid, Juvederm is used for facial wrinkles and folds. The substance is biocompatible, and the body naturally absorbs it after about six to nine months.
Read more about Juvederm.

Lip Augmentation

Whether with facial fillers or lip implants, full lips are within reach of people who want to look younger or achieve better balance in their facial features. Our article discusses methods and materials, as well as cost.
Learn about lip augmentation.

Radiesse

For filling wrinkles and folds, especially around the mouth and nose, Radiesse is a biocompatible treatment and lasts two years or more. It can also be used to fill certain scars.
Is Radiesse for you?

Restylane

Restylane is a clear liquid gel and a natural sugar compound that reduces facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. Treatments can last six months or more.
Read the Restylane story.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a biocompatible injection that increases the thickness of the skin to treat skin folds and hollow or sunken areas of the face. It lasts about two years. This treatment was recently introduced in the United States.
Learn more about Sculptra

[page updated May 2008]