With numerous brands of HA fillers available in the market, you might wonder which one is the right choice for you. Here, we will discuss the benefits and characteristics of two popular HA fillers: Restylane and Juvederm.

Formulated with ingredients that seamlessly integrate with the skin’s structure, Restylane fillers provide anti-aging effects and diminish the appearance of acne scars. On the other hand, Juvederm fillers have unique variations in their formulation and effects, making them particularly effective for distensible acne scars.

Although both fillers come with their unique benefits, consulting your dermatologist can help you decide based on your specific scar issues, skin type, and expected outcomes.

Benefits of using Restylane

Restylane fillers have gained popularity for treating scars, thanks to their versatility and natural-looking results. These fillers consist of a biodegradable, non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA), which seamlessly integrates with the skin’s structure.

Restylane fillers function by introducing volume beneath the skin to alleviate wrinkles and elevate it, resulting in a more youthful appearance. In the realm of scar treatment, they are especially effective for rolling acne scars and atrophic depressed scars.

These fillers are typically administered via injection into the skin to enhance the contour and visual aspect of the scars. 

Juvederm fillers are another popular choice in scar treatment, known for their smooth consistency and long-lasting results. They work by augmenting the volume of facial tissue using hyaluronic acid, the key ingredient. These fillers have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing deep acne scars, enhancing the contour and aesthetic of scars.

One of the standout features of Juvederm fillers is their duration of effect, which typically ranges from six months to one year, with variations based on the type and quantity of filler administered. The choice between Restylane and Juvederm fillers depends on your individual requirements and the advice of your dermatologist.

Both options present a safe and effective solution for acne scar correction to treat acne scars.

HA dermal fillers are gaining recognition as a prominent solution for acne and atrophic scarring, due to their proven safety and efficacy. These fillers are employed to address the extracellular matrix (ECM) irregularities in atrophic scars, resulting from conditions like acne or other injuries. But how do these dermal fillers work?

Upon injection, hyaluronic acid fillers have the immediate effect of plumping the skin and raising and smoothing out depressed areas to make the scar tissue less visible. Whether your concern is atrophic scars or rolling scars, dermal fillers can rejuvenate your skin, leading to a healthier, more refined look.

The benefits of dermal filler treatments include:

• Noticeable results soon after the procedure

Consider the relief of not needing regular maintenance treatments while still flaunting flawless skin!

HA soft tissue fillers restore volume by replicating the natural hyaluronic acid found in our skin. The power of this substance lies in its potent water-absorbing properties, contributing to a fuller appearance when injected. But that’s not all. Over time, HA fillers prompt collagen production, including bovine collagen, in the dermal layer of the skin, addressing small to medium atrophic acne scars and contributing to sustained skin enhancement.

HA fillers are typically injected into the high fat layer and the lower dermal layer of the skin to effectively restore volume and smooth out the contours of acne scars. What’s more? These fillers remain unaffected by energy devices such as lasers and radiofrequency, thus, they can be effectively combined with other skin treatments.

Despite their advantages, keep in mind that hyaluronic acid is temporary and requires regular injections to sustain results. However, it is one of the safest types of fillers in the market, as it can be easily dissolved with hyaluronidase.

Types of Scars Suitable for HA Filler Treatment

Recognize that not all scars are alike and hence, the effectiveness of HA fillers can differ. But which scars respond well to HA filler treatments?

Soft atrophic rolling scars are deemed suitable for HA filler treatments. These scars often result from severe acne, characterized by broad depressions with a rolling appearance. When treated with HA dermal filler injections, these scars gain volume, enhancing the skin’s appearance by creating a smoother surface.

However, it’s important to note that the success of HA filler treatments largely depends on the type and severity of the scar, the skill and experience of the practitioner, and the specific filler material used.

Though HA fillers are effective for treating numerous types of scars, they might not work for certain scar types, like deep acne scars. This doesn’t mean you’re out of options to treat acne scars. There are alternative treatments to consider, including other types of dermal fillers like Sculptra, Bellafill, and autologous fat transfer.

Recognizing the limitations of HA fillers allows you to have realistic expectations regarding your scar treatment. For example, HA fillers may not be suitable for treating:

• Icepick scars, which are deep and narrow
• Keloid scars, which result from an overproduction of collagen
• Burn scars, which may not respond well to HA fillers due to inappropriate inflammatory responses in the scar tissue.

If HA fillers are not the optimal solution, other treatments like silicone microdroplet injections or autologous fat transfer could be an option. However, the latter requires the patient to have sufficient fat that can be harvested and injected.

Understanding the types of scars that might not respond well to HA fillers can be helpful. Deep ice pick scars, for instance, are deep and narrow, and may not respond well to the volumizing effects of HA fillers.

Keloid scars, characterized by an overproduction of collagen, present another challenge for HA fillers. These benign growths have not shown successful outcomes with HA treatments. Similarly, burn scars may not respond well to HA fillers due to potential hypersensitivity reactions in the scar tissue.

Even as these limitations exist, the scientific rationale behind them remains unclear, indicating the need for further research in this field.

If HA fillers aren’t the best treatment choice, there are other alternatives. Sculptra, for instance, composed of Poly L lactic acid, is utilized for mild to moderate skin tightening and volume enhancement, particularly in mature individuals. It functions by stimulating collagen production, thereby assisting in the gradual improvement of scar appearance.

Bellafill is another alternative. A PMMA filler known for its immediate improvement of acne scars upon injection, it’s FDA-approved for addressing moderate-to-severe atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheek in patients over 21. Its long-lasting results, lasting up to five years, and a high patient satisfaction rate of 90% after 1 year, contribute to its effectiveness.

Autologous fat transfer leverages the patient’s own tissue for both volume augmentation and acne scar correction and revision. However, this approach requires the patient to have an ample amount of fat available for extraction and injection, making it a more rigorous treatment option compared to other acne scar filler treatments.

The HA filler treatment process comprises several steps:

1. Facial assessment & mapping
2. Cleansing & numbing
3. Injection
4. Clean up & recovery

The process is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing temporary mild redness and mild to moderate discomfort during the injection.

The most prevalent adverse effects of hyaluronic acid filler treatment include temporary mild redness and mild to moderate discomfort during the injection. However, these side effects are usually short-lived and resolve on their own. Dermal fillers typically have minimal downtime compared to other procedures, allowing you to return to your regular activities shortly after the treatment.

The effects of the hyaluronic acid filler treatment can usually last up to 12 months or longer, particularly when treating the tear trough area beneath the eyes. Therefore, you should plan your treatment schedule for subsequent maintenance procedures.

Opting for HA filler treatment is a personal choice that should be made after understanding the procedure comprehensively and consulting a qualified professional. The ideal candidate for HA filler treatment for scars is an individual who maintains physical health, refrains from smoking, and possesses a positive mindset with achievable objectives for enhancing their appearance.

HA fillers can offer a significant improvement in the appearance of acne scars, but they are not a miracle cure. They require multiple treatments and patience to see the full results. However, for many individuals, the improvement in skin texture and the boost in self-esteem are worth the investment in fillers for acne scars.

Before you proceed, it’s important to find a qualified and experienced provider who can guide you through the process, evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment, and ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively.

Acne scars no longer have to be a permanent reminder of past skin conditions. With the advent of hyaluronic acid fillers, achieving smoother, scar-free skin is now a possibility. However, it’s essential to recognize that the treatment process requires patience and commitment. Before deciding on this treatment, seek advice from a qualified provider, understand the process, and set realistic expectations. With the right approach, you can look forward to a future with more confidence and less scarring.