Plastic surgeons use several different types of soft tissue fillers to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face, and fees vary depending on which type of filler is used. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average surgeon's fee for an autologous fat injection is $1,395.
For calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse/Radiance), it is $911; for hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Hylaform), it is $527; and for a collagen injection costs ranges from $398 to $488.
The doctor will meet with the patient, discuss the desired results, then prescribe the most appropriate soft-tissue filler. ArteFill, which is made of bovine collagen, can treat sunken cheeks and smile lines; Restylane, derived from sugar, can smooth wrinkles and shape lips; and Radiesse, made from a material found in bones and teeth, can correct skin creases around the nose. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons[1] offers an overview of how different types of fillers are used.
Additional costs:
The results of injections with soft tissue fillers do not last forever. Depending on which type of filler is used, the results will last anywhere from four months to a year for Restylane and Juvederm to one or two years for Radiesse. To maintain results, more injections would be needed.
Discounts:
Some doctors periodically run specials or offer coupons for $100 or more off an injectable filler treatment. Still, it is important not to choose a doctor based only on a low price or special offer.
Tip: You might be able to get a discount by offering to sign a model release form that allows the doctor to use your before and after images, or by agreeing to provide a testimonial.
Shopping for injectables:
Tip: Because injectable fillers are often prescribed for "off-label" uses - that is, uses that are not printed on the label - it is especially important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons[2] provides a free referral service. Make sure your expectations are realistic, and ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients.
Tip: Talk with your surgeon about possible complications, which vary depending on the filler used, but can include allergic reactions, redness, bleeding, swelling and infection. Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, should not have collagen injections.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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I am 27 years old and just started getting botox injections to lift and smooth my brow and to smooth my forehead and I LOVE it. I used to look very tired, but now I look refreshed. And as a bonus, I rarely suffer from migraines anymore.
I use juvederm to plump and fill in my lips. My top lip is naturally far smaller than my bottom lip, so the juvederm gives me perfectly pouty, symmetrical lips.
The botox is completely painless and the juvederm is only a bit uncomfortable. I have an average pain tolerance and only used a topical anesthetic, no dental block.
Posted by: 40 year-old Minnesotan in Minneapolis, MN.
Posted: February 24th, 2008 07:02PM
Type of Injectable: Botox
Area: Crow's Feet
Love it, have been back for 2 "touch-ups" over the last 8 months. I am 4o. The price has gone down from original injection as Doc hasn't used as much and charges by the amount used, as well as repeat customer card that gives increasing amounts off price.
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