Let's face it; wrinkles can be a pesky problem as we age. For some, wrinkles are simply unwelcome because they take away one's youthful appearance. Whatever the reason, fillers available by injection can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in certain areas. Two of those fillers are Artefill and Radiesse. Both are available from plastic surgeons and some dermatologists.
Artefill
Artefill is commonly used to fill in lines or wrinkles that extend from the bottom corners of the nose down to the mouth. These lines are more commonly referred to as laugh lines. Artefill is microsphere-enhanced collagen. It is injected into the skin on an outpatient procedure in a plastic surgeon or dermatologist's office.
Radiesse
Radiesse, once called Radiance, is a dermal filler that is synthetic. Eventually it is absorbed into the body. Radiesse is calcium hydroxyapatite, which is a substance similar to bone. It's purpose is similar to Artefill in that it is injected to remove facial wrinkles.
Similarities
These two wrinkle treatments are similar. Both treatments last longer than most other available treatments, according to Dermanetwork. Each has a short recovery time and is administered through injections. Each is administered with the use of local anesthesia during an outpatient procedure. Each has long-lasting effects and quite often do not require multiple treatments to get the results that a patient is seeking. While other treatments only last six to nine months, each of these two treatments can last up to a year or more.
Difference
According to Dermanetwork, one of the main differences between the two wrinkle treatments is that one is absorbed into the body and the other is there permanently. Radiesse is absorbed into the body over time, while Artefill must be surgically removed from the skin if a patient no longer desires it there. Another difference is pain. Radiesse tends to have more pain associated with its injections, especially in the lip area. Additionally, Radiesse tends to have more noticeable side effects such as bruising.
Recommendations
As of 2009, research does not indicate that one treatment is better than another. The treatment selected simply depends on the patient and what the doctor believes is best for each each individual. According to Dermanetwork, both of these treatments have yielded positive results to those who have used them. So, before choosing, a patient should consult with her doctor to determine the treatment that is best for her.
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