The newest hyaluronic acid HA) filler on the market, known as Elevess, offers a combination of new twists that do make it somewhat different. It is produced by the manufacturer of ArteFill (the most expensive filler on the market) as a companion to that product as well as an effective and less expensive alternative. It has the highest concentration of HA of any injectable filler on the market at 28 mg/ml. In theory, this should result in more long-lasting results than most other HA fillers. The manufacturer states that it has good duration up to 6 months but longer-term data may pu9t its expected duration of action to be longer.It also contains 0.3% lidocaine, providing a local anestheic effect after it is injected. Currently, it is one of the few HA fillers that has a local anesthetic in it. Its other features are similar to all other HA fillers in that it can be injected through a very small needle and it has a superb safety profile without any significant complications with its use.
How does Elevess compare to other HA fillers and where does it fit amongst the many HA fillers that are now on the market?When it comes to HA fillers, in my practice, I am only interested in using one HA filler that has the longest period of sustained correction. Why use different HA fillers that last variable lengths of time? The prices between them are not so significantly different to justify, in most cases, using shorter-acting filling brands. Whether Elevess lasts as long as Juvaderm or Perlane (the two longest lasting HA fillers), for example, I do not know. If it is just as long-lasting, then I would prefer Elevess because of its local anesthetic component. The only other key issue, for injector and patient both, is the cost per syringe. My assessment is, as previously noted, that the cost is not appreciably higher. When it comes to HA fillers, go for the one that lasts the longest.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana