Plastic Surgeon Daniel Ronel, M.D.

There are over 20 different types of fillers for injecting wrinkles and generally enhancing facial appearance. Collagen has been replaced by newer, safer, and better products. I am currently using three: Juvederm, Radiesse, and Artefill.

Juvederm lasts 8 - 12 months, is soft, plump, transparent, and costs the least of the three fillers. I mostly use it for lip augmentation or near the eye.

Radiesse generally lasts about 2 years if given in a series of 2 or 3 injections. I use it to perform a "liquid lift", which rejuvenates the cheeks, smile lines, and jowls. It is priced in the middle of the three fillers.

The last filler is Artefill: it can last 4 or 5 years! There is a mandatory 28 day waiting period after a skin test. It is more expensive than the other two fillers, but over a 5-year period it costs the least because there is less of a need for touch-ups. Artetfill is the most versatile of the three fillers.