Exploring Cutting-Edge Alternatives to Traditional Fillers: Sculptra, Radiesse, and More!

Unlock the secrets of non-hyaluronic acid fillers and transform your approach to facial rejuvenation with insights from a board-certified plastic surgeon. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the fascinating alternatives to traditional HA fillers, offering a holistic and long-lasting solution to volume loss and aging. Discover the unique benefits of options like Sculptra, Radiesse, Bellafill, Renuva, and fat transfer, and how they can redefine the contours of your face while stimulating collagen production. Explore the pros and cons of each filler, including their impressive longevity and the impact on future cosmetic procedures such as facelifts.

Choosing the right filler is crucial, and we're here to guide you through that process. Learn why it's essential to select a board-certified practitioner with a specialization in facial rejuvenation to ensure the most natural and satisfying results. We delve into potential side effects and cost considerations, weighing non-HA fillers against their HA counterparts, and discuss how combining these fillers with treatments like Botox can optimize your aesthetic journey. The episode also addresses how these fillers may affect future surgical plans, emphasizing the importance of strategic, long-term planning. Whether you're new to the world of fillers or seeking your next treatment solution, this discussion promises to provide the insights you need for informed decision-making.

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of "The Beauty Standard" with Dr. Roy Kim! If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest insights in aesthetic medicine and beauty trends.

Connect with us on social media on Instagram - @drroykim - or X - @drroykim-  for more exclusive content, behind-the-scenes looks, and expert advice from Dr. Kim. Feel free to submit your questions or suggestions for future episodes – we'd love to hear from you!

Join us next week as we explore another fascinating topic in the world of beauty, and remember: your body, your choice, your standard!

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:01

So today we're going to dive into something a little different when it comes to fillers. I think most people when they think of fillers they think of hyaluronic acid.

Speaker 2 0:09

Right.

Speaker 1 0:09

That's kind of the big one you hear about.

Speaker 2 0:11

Yeah.

Speaker 1 0:12

But there's this whole world of fillers that are not hyaluronic acid.

Speaker 2 0:15

There is.

Speaker 1 0:16

And we're going to kind of go into a deep dive on those today.

Speaker 2 0:20

Yeah, that's good.

Speaker 1 0:21

And we're pulling all this information from a blog post that was written by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Speaker 2 0:28

Okay, great.

Speaker 1 0:29

So you know we're getting it straight from the expert.

Speaker 2 0:31

Yeah, very reliable source.

Speaker 1 0:32

Yeah, exactly yeah, and I think what's so interesting about these non-HA fillers is that they last a lot longer.

Speaker 2 0:40

Yes, they do.

Speaker 1 0:41

And they kind of have a different approach to facial rejuvenation.

Speaker 2 0:50

Yeah, I think it's interesting how people are moving past just this idea of quick fixes and kind of thinking about a more holistic, long-term approach to aesthetics.

Speaker 1 0:56

Yeah, I love that long-term approach, so can you break it down for us? What is the main difference between these non-HA fillers and the HA fillers that everyone's kind of familiar with?

Speaker 2 1:07

So think of it this way HA fillers are like touch-ups right, you're smoothing out a wrinkle here, okay, you're adding a little bit of volume there, yeah. Non-ha fillers, on the other hand, they address volume loss on a much larger scale.

Speaker 1 1:23

Oh, okay.

Speaker 2 1:24

They actually work to restore your face's natural contours.

Speaker 1 1:27

So it's less about erasing individual lines and more about restoring the overall structure of your face. Almost like rebuilding the foundation of a house before you start.

Speaker 2 1:37

Yeah, I love that analogy. Yeah, it's really good.

Speaker 1 1:41

And what's really interesting to me too, is that a lot of these fillers actually stimulate your body to produce more collagen.

Speaker 2 1:47

Exactly so. It's not just that's the really exciting part.

Speaker 1 1:50

Yeah.

Speaker 2 1:50

Just filling in the gaps. It's helping your skin rebuild itself from the inside out.

Speaker 1 1:54

That's amazing. Yeah, I love that. Yeah, ok, so this blog post talks about how these fillers can last for years, right, which is incredible.

Speaker 2 2:02

It fillers can last for years right, which is incredible.

Speaker 1 2:03

It is pretty remarkable, but also kind of intimidating yeah like that's a really long time to commit to something well, yeah, that is the trade-off right.

Speaker 2 2:10

You get the longevity, but often at the cost of reversibility right so a lot of these non-ha fillers are very difficult or impossible to dissolve okay unlike ha fillers so it's not something to take lightly.

Speaker 1 2:24

Not at all, it's almost like getting a tattoo. You really want to make sure you know that you want it.

Speaker 2 2:29

You're happy with it for the long haul? Yeah, exactly.

Speaker 1 2:31

Yeah, and speaking of long term, the article also mentions that some of these fillers can affect future procedures, like if you want to get a facelift down the road.

Speaker 2 2:41

That's a really critical point.

Speaker 1 2:43

Yeah.

Speaker 2 2:43

If you're even considering a facelift in the future, you absolutely need to factor that into your decision, because certain fillers, particularly the ones that are injected deeper, can potentially impact the tissues in a way that might make a future facelift more complicated.

Speaker 1 3:00

So it's almost like planning a renovation.

Speaker 2 3:02

It is.

Speaker 1 3:03

Like you don't want to install something. That's gonna make it harder to make changes later on exactly.

Speaker 2 3:07

Yeah, that's a great way to think about it.

Speaker 1 3:09

Okay, I think I'm ready to get into, like the specifics now okay. So the blog post highlights five different types of non ha fellers right. Sculptra Radius, bella, phil, okay. Renuva and fat transfer Okay, so let's just go through each of these one by one, right, and let's start with Sculptra. Okay, what's so special about Sculptra?

Speaker 2 3:29

So what's interesting about Sculptra is that it's made of this thing called polylactic acid.

Speaker 1 3:35

Polylactic acid?

Speaker 2 3:36

Yeah, it might sound a little technical, but it's actually a biocompatible substance that your body gradually breaks down over time. Okay, so think of it kind of like a time-release vitamin for your skin.

Speaker 1 3:49

Oh, okay.

Speaker 2 3:50

So it slowly boosts collagen production over a period of months.

Speaker 1 3:54

So it's not an instant gratification thing.

Speaker 2 3:56

Not so much.

Speaker 1 3:57

No, it's more like a gradual transformation.

Speaker 2 3:59

Yeah, a much more subtle, natural-looking transformation over time.

Speaker 1 4:04

So would you say that Sculptra is a good option for people who are patient and want subtle results?

Speaker 2 4:09

Absolutely Okay. It's ideal for those who want to avoid a really dramatic change and they prefer a more gradual enhancement.

Speaker 1 4:17

And we're talking results that can last up to two years.

Speaker 2 4:20

Up to two years, yeah.

Speaker 1 4:21

That's pretty incredible.

Speaker 2 4:22

Pretty remarkable.

Speaker 1 4:23

But also it can't be dissolved, Correct? So you really got to be sure.

Speaker 2 4:27

You got to be committed. Yeah, you got to be ready for that.

Speaker 1 4:29

No buyer's remorse. No, all right, let's move on to Ready S.

Speaker 2 4:33

Okay.

Speaker 1 4:33

This one sounds pretty versatile.

Speaker 2 4:35

It is versatile.

Speaker 1 4:36

What's so versatile about?

Speaker 2 4:38

it okay. So it's made of these calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres which give you instant volume.

Speaker 1 4:50

Okay.

Speaker 2 4:50

But they also trigger collagen production for that lasting improvement.

Speaker 1 4:55

I'm really curious what makes it so versatile.

Speaker 2 4:58

So, unlike a lot of other fillers, ads can be used to address volume loss in a lot of different areas.

Speaker 1 5:04

Okay.

Speaker 2 5:04

Including the back of the hands.

Speaker 1 5:06

Oh, wow, yeah, I didn't even think about that. But yeah, that makes a lot of sense for people who are worried about aging hands, Absolutely. So if someone's thinking about Radiesse, it sounds like the big question is do you want results right away?

Speaker 2 5:19

Yes.

Speaker 1 5:19

Or are you okay with a more gradual change?

Speaker 2 5:22

Exactly. And then the reversibility comes into play too, because it's not as easy as dissolving HA fillers, right, but Radiesse can be reversed in some cases.

Speaker 1 5:30

Okay, good to know. Okay, now on to Belafil.

Speaker 2 5:33

Okay.

Speaker 1 5:34

This one seems to be the winner when it comes to longevity.

Speaker 2 5:37

It is a contender for the longest lasting results. Yeah, it's made of polymethyl methyl, pmm microspheres and bovine collagen. Okay, so the collagen provides that immediate volume and the PMMA microspheres stimulate long-term collagen growth.

Speaker 1 5:55

Okay.

Speaker 2 5:56

And what's really remarkable is that the FDA has approved it for results that can last up to five years.

Speaker 1 6:02

Wow, five years.

Speaker 2 6:03

Yeah.

Speaker 1 6:03

That's unheard of.

Speaker 2 6:04

That's a long time.

Speaker 1 6:06

What makes it so effective for such a long duration?

Speaker 2 6:09

It's particularly well suited for treating those deeper wrinkles.

Speaker 1 6:12

Okay.

Speaker 2 6:13

Like the nasolabial folds and acne scars, and like Sculptra, it is not reversible.

Speaker 1 6:18

Right.

Speaker 2 6:19

So again, realistic expectations are key. And also, Belafil requires a skin test before treatment to rule out any allergies.

Speaker 1 6:29

Oh, okay.

Speaker 2 6:30

Yeah, safety first, always.

Speaker 1 6:31

Safety first, always Oof. All right, now we're getting into the really like out there stuff.

Speaker 2 6:36

Okay.

Speaker 1 6:36

Renuva. Yeah, this one uses cadaver adipose tissue. It does. It sounds kind of crazy.

Speaker 2 6:43

It sounds a little freaky, but it's very interesting.

Speaker 1 6:45

But fascinating, which sounds kind of crazy, it sounds a little freaky, but it's very interesting but fascinating. So how does that work.

Speaker 2 6:47

It's definitely unique. It utilizes an adipose matrix derived from donated human tissue Okay and it acts like a scaffolding to encourage your own fat cells to grow and regenerate.

Speaker 1 6:58

So it's like giving your body a little boost to restore its own volume A little nudge in the right direction. I love that.

Speaker 2 7:05

Yeah, and it's particularly appealing for people who are very thin or have, like, localized fat loss. Okay, yeah.

Speaker 1 7:11

It's amazing. All right, and last but not least, we have fat transfer. Yes so this one's not technically a filler, but it's a pretty powerful rejuvenation tool.

Speaker 2 7:20

It is powerful, and your own fat is harvested through liposuction and then injected into the face.

Speaker 1 7:26

So you're basically like recycling your own fat.

Speaker 2 7:29

Exactly Recycling at its best.

Speaker 1 7:30

I love that, yeah, and the article mentions that there's a really high retention rate.

Speaker 2 7:36

Yes, about 70 to 80 percent. Wow, that's a lot, which is great yeah. It means that most of those transferred fat cells survive and integrate into the surrounding tissue.

Speaker 1 7:45

So it's really giving you those lasting results. It is and there's no risk of allergic reactions.

Speaker 2 7:50

That's right.

Speaker 1 7:50

Because it's your own tissue.

Speaker 2 7:52

Exactly.

Choosing Non-Ha Fillers Wisely

Speaker 1 7:52

That's amazing. So we have all these different options. We do Like. We've got gradual collagen stimulators, instant volumizers. We've got ones that use your own fat. It's a lot it is a lot. How do you even begin to choose what's right for you? That is the question.

Speaker 2 8:10

It is a lot to take in. It really is, yeah. So I mean, it sounds like finding the right practitioner is just as important as choosing the right filler.

Speaker 1 8:17

Oh, absolutely.

Speaker 2 8:19

So what are some key things that people should look for when they're trying to make that decision?

Speaker 1 8:24

So board certification is essential. Okay, that means that the injector has met rigorous standards of training and expertise. You also want to look for someone who specializes in facial rejuvenation and has a deep understanding of these specific fillers.

Speaker 2 8:42

Okay, so it's not just about finding someone who knows how to inject something Right, it's about finding someone who really understands the nuances of facial anatomy. Exactly, and how to create those natural-looking results.

Speaker 1 8:54

Right, you want someone who can enhance your features, not just you know, make you look different.

Speaker 2 8:58

No, it's like finding a good hairstylist.

Speaker 1 8:59

Exactly.

Speaker 2 9:00

You don't want to just trust anyone with your hair.

Speaker 1 9:02

No, you want somebody who has the skills and the artistry to really bring out your best. Yeah, I also imagine that looking at before and after photos is super important.

Speaker 2 9:12

Oh, absolutely. Look for photos that show natural looking results across, like a variety of patients.

Speaker 1 9:18

Okay.

Speaker 2 9:19

A skilled injector should be able to provide you with a portfolio that demonstrates their expertise and their aesthetic sensibilities.

Speaker 1 9:27

And, of course, don't be afraid to ask questions during the consultation.

Speaker 2 9:36

Please ask questions that's so important. Ask about their experience with the specific filler that you're considering. Ask about their injection techniques, their approach to creating natural looking results. Any reputable injector should be happy to answer all of your questions thoroughly.

Speaker 1 9:47

Okay, it's all about feeling comfortable and confident.

Speaker 2 9:49

Yes.

Speaker 1 9:50

Speaking of which this article also mentioned, that you know like some of the side effects can be like swelling, bruising, temporary discomfort.

Speaker 2 9:58

Right the most common ones.

Speaker 1 9:59

Yeah, what are some of the things that are less common but more serious that people should be aware of?

Speaker 2 10:05

So, while those more common side effects usually subside within a few days, there are some rarer but more serious risks, such as nodules, which are small bumps under the skin.

Speaker 1 10:15

Okay.

Speaker 2 10:15

Granulomas, which are inflammatory reactions, and, in very rare cases, vascular occlusion, which happens when filler blocks a blood vessel.

Speaker 1 10:23

Oh wow, that sounds scary.

Speaker 2 10:25

You can be very serious.

Speaker 1 10:26

So how can those risks be minimized?

Speaker 2 10:28

Choosing a highly skilled and experienced injector.

Speaker 1 10:31

Okay, so it all comes back to finding the right doctor.

Speaker 2 10:33

It really does, and don't hesitate to ask your injector about their safety protocols and their experience in handling potential complications.

Speaker 1 10:42

Okay, that makes sense. So we've talked about all these different types of non-HA fillers, the importance of finding a skilled injector, the potential risks. What are some of? Okay, whether you're looking to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, enhance your natural contours, there's likely a filler out there that can help you achieve your desired results. That's great, and I guess, second to that, it's not a one size fits all approach. Exactly Choosing the right filler and the right injector are really important.

Speaker 2 11:21

Absolutely. It's a personalized journey that requires careful consideration.

Speaker 1 11:25

Okay.

Speaker 2 11:26

Thorough research and open communication with your chosen practitioner.

Speaker 1 11:30

So it's a partnership.

Speaker 2 11:31

It is.

Speaker 1 11:32

Between the patient and the doctor.

Speaker 2 11:33

It really is.

Speaker 1 11:34

I love that. Okay, so we've talked about all that, but let's go back to the FAQ section of this blog post, because there are a couple of interesting questions that we haven't touched on.

Speaker 2 11:42

Yeah, let's do it.

Speaker 1 11:43

Okay, so one that really caught my eye was about cost.

Speaker 2 11:46

Okay.

Speaker 1 11:46

Because I think a lot of people are wondering, you know like, how do these non-HA fillers compare to the traditional HA fillers in terms of cost?

Speaker 2 11:55

That's a common question.

Speaker 1 11:56

Yeah.

Speaker 2 11:57

So, because they last longer and often require more specialized techniques, non-ha fillers tend to be more expensive per session than HA fillers, but you're probably going to need fewer treatments to maintain those results, making them potentially more cost effective over time. So it's an investment. It is Like you're investing in a high quality piece of furniture. Exactly, that's going to last for years versus buying something cheap.

Speaker 1 12:23

Right.

Speaker 2 12:24

That you'll need to replace frequently.

Speaker 1 12:25

Okay, that's a good way to think about it, right. Another FAQ that I was really curious about was about combining different treatments. So like can you combine, let's say, a non-HA filler with Botox or something like that? So like can you combine, let's say, a non-HA filler with Botox or something like that?

Speaker 2 12:39

Yes, you absolutely can. It's actually quite common and it can be very effective. Okay, so, for example, you might combine a non-HA filler like Sculptra, which gradually stimulates collagen, with Botox which targets those dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement.

Speaker 1 12:55

Okay, so you're kind of getting the best of both worlds.

Speaker 2 12:57

You are. It's about creating that tailored approach that addresses multiple concerns.

Speaker 1 13:02

It's like creating your own little beauty cocktail.

Speaker 2 13:04

It is.

Speaker 1 13:05

That's awesome, okay, and then one last FAQ that I thought was really interesting was about how these non-HA fillers might impact future surgical procedures like facelifts.

Speaker 2 13:15

Yeah, we touched on this a little bit earlier.

Speaker 1 13:17

We did.

Speaker 2 13:23

But I think it's worth reiterating yeah, because some fillers, particularly those that are placed deeper in the face, can potentially impact the tissues Okay and create scar tissue that could complicate a future facelift.

Speaker 1 13:30

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2 13:31

So it's really important to think about that.

Speaker 1 13:32

So it's like you're playing chess.

Speaker 2 13:34

It is.

Speaker 1 13:34

You got to think a few steps ahead.

Speaker 2 13:36

You got to think long term.

Speaker 1 13:37

Yeah, what advice would you give to someone who's thinking about getting fillers but also might want a facelift down the road?

Speaker 2 13:43

Talk to your plastic surgeon, be open with them. Okay, if you're thinking about a facelift in the future, let your injector know so that they can choose a filler and a placement that won't interfere.

Speaker 1 13:55

Right, so have those open and honest conversations.

Speaker 2 13:58

Exactly.

Speaker 1 13:59

With your doctor to really come up with like a long-term strategy.

Speaker 2 14:02

Yes, a holistic and proactive approach to your aesthetic goals. I love that.

Speaker 1 14:06

Okay, so we've talked about all that, but before we wrap up this part of our deep dive, I'm really curious to hear your thoughts on the future of non-HA fillers.

Speaker 2 14:15

Oh, that's a great question, like what are you excited about? So the field of aesthetic medicine is constantly evolving, and I'm incredibly enthusiastic about the innovations that we're seeing emerging in the realm of non-HA fillers. Okay, we're seeing new materials being developed, more refined injection techniques and a deeper understanding of how to create truly natural looking results.

Speaker 1 14:38

Okay, so we're still pushing the boundaries.

Speaker 2 14:40

We are.

Speaker 1 14:40

Of what's possible.

Speaker 2 14:41

But we're also staying true to those principles of natural-looking enhancement, exactly yeah, the future is bright.

Speaker 1 14:47

That's exciting, okay, well, we've covered a lot of ground today.

Speaker 2 14:51

We have.

Speaker 1 14:51

We've talked about the benefits, the considerations, the exciting future of non-HA fillers.

Speaker 2 14:56

Yes, and I think it's important to emphasize once again the importance of finding an experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon to really guide you through this.

Speaker 1 15:05

Yes, could not agree more. Yeah, so before we move on to the final part of our deep dive, I want to thank you so much.

Speaker 2 15:12

Thank you for having me this has been so insightful. It's been my pleasure. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and my passion for this field.

Speaker 1 15:19

Well, stay tuned everyone, because we're about to wrap up this deep dive with the final thought provoking question. So we've spent all this time talking about these non-HA fillers.

Speaker 2 15:29

Yeah.

Speaker 1 15:29

The science behind them, right, all the things you need to think about before you choose one, even what the future holds for these treatments.

Speaker 2 15:36

Yeah, but.

Speaker 1 15:36

I kind of want to like Even what the future holds for these treatments. Yeah, but I kind of want to like zoom out a little bit.

Speaker 2 15:41

Okay.

Speaker 1 15:41

And think about the bigger picture, Right Like when we talk about these treatments. What are we really talking about? That's a good question. What does beauty even mean? You know?

Speaker 2 15:50

I love that you're bringing this up.

Speaker 1 15:51

Yeah.

Speaker 2 15:52

It's so easy to get caught up in all the details.

Speaker 1 15:54

Right.

Speaker 2 15:54

But ultimately, true beauty is about so much more than just our outward appearance.

Speaker 1 16:02

Yeah, it's about how we feel about ourselves Right Absolutely Like how confident and comfortable we are in our own skin.

Speaker 2 16:06

Exactly, it's about owning our individuality, embracing our unique features and celebrating the journey lines and all.

Speaker 1 16:13

I love that.

Speaker 2 16:14

You know, aesthetic treatments can be amazing tools, but they should enhance our natural beauty.

Speaker 1 16:20

Right.

Speaker 2 16:20

Not define it.

Speaker 1 16:21

It's not about chasing after some like ideal of perfection. It's about feeling good in the skin you're in.

Speaker 2 16:28

Exactly True. Beauty radiates from within.

Speaker 1 16:31

Yeah.

Speaker 2 16:32

From our confidence, our kindness, our passions, our zest for life.

Speaker 1 16:35

Yeah.

Speaker 2 16:36

It's about feeling comfortable and authentically you.

Speaker 1 16:38

I love that, and as we, you know, kind of continue to learn about these new aesthetic possibilities, I think it's really important to approach them with a thoughtful and balanced perspective.

Speaker 2 16:51

I completely agree. Always remember that true beauty lies in the essence of who you are, not just in how you look.

Speaker 1 17:00

That's such a great point. This has been such an amazing conversation. Thank you, I've learned so much.

Speaker 2 17:05

It's been my pleasure.

Speaker 1 17:06

I really appreciate you taking the time.

Speaker 2 17:07

I'm always passionate about helping people understand these things and make informed decisions.

Speaker 1 17:12

And to our listeners. We hope this deep dive into the world beyond hyaluronic acid fillers has been helpful.

Speaker 2 17:18

Yes.

Speaker 1 17:18

And empowering. You know, remember, it's your face, your choice, your journey.

Speaker 2 17:24

Exactly, and if you're considering any of these treatments, please seek out a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Yeah, they can guide you toward the best options.

Speaker 1 17:33

Yes, that's the perfect note to end on.

Speaker 2 17:36

Thank you.

Speaker 1 17:36

Thank you again. So much for joining us.

Speaker 2 17:38

It was my pleasure.

Speaker 1 17:40

And to everyone listening, thanks for tuning in to the Deep Dive. We'll see you next time.