Different Types of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have become a popular way to enhance facial aesthetics without the need for surgery. These cosmetic injectables help lift and restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. Each type of dermal filler has its unique properties and benefits, making it essential to understand their differences to choose the right one for your needs and desired results.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid fillers, like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are the most well-known and widely used. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that plays a key role in maintaining skin hydration and volume- It is what makes the sponginess of our tissues. These fillers work by attracting and holding water molecules, which adds immediate volume and hydration to the skin. HA fillers are incredibly versatile and can be used in various areas of the face, including the lips, cheeks, and under-eye regions. One of the significant advantages of HA fillers is their reversibility. If the results are not satisfactory, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler, making it a safe and flexible option for many patients. The newer generation of hyaluronic acid fillers can last up to two years or more. The biggest advantage of HA fillers is their versatility. 

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Radiesse is a well-known CaHA filler. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones, joints, and teeth. CaHA fillers such as Radiesse provide immediate volume and also stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, which enhances their effects over time. Typically, the results of CaHA fillers last up to a year or more due to their collagen-boosting properties. They are often used to treat volume loss to produce a higher potential to stimulate collagen where it is injected. It’s also a great filler for deeper injections onto the bone for lift and volume enhancement. These fillers are contraindicated under the eye or in the lips.  

Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

Sculptra is a prime example of a PLLA filler. Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic material that has been used in medical applications for many years, especially in patients with severe facial volume loss. Unlike other fillers, PLLA works gradually by stimulating the body’s own collagen production over several months. It may require multiple injection sessions that results in a gradual increase in volume and skin thickness, leading to a more natural-looking enhancement. The effects of PLLA fillers can last up to two years, making them ideal for patients who seek subtle, long-term improvements rather than immediate results. This gradual enhancement can provide a more natural and less noticeable transition in appearance. These fillers are contraindicated under the eye or in the lips.  

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

Bellafill is a common PMMA filler. PMMA is a biocompatible synthetic substance that has been used in medical implants for many years. These fillers consist of tiny PMMA microspheres suspended in a collagen gel. When injected, the collagen gel provides immediate volume. Over time, the body absorbs the gel, leaving the PMMA microspheres in place to provide structural support. These microspheres also provide stimuli to continued collagen production. PMMA fillers are particularly effective for treating deep wrinkles and nasolabial folds, and their results can last for several years. Due to their long-lasting nature, PMMA fillers are often considered a semi-permanent solution for those looking for enduring results. Studies of Bellafill have shown up to 5 years of longevity. These fillers are contraindicated under the eye or in the lips.  

The variety of dermal fillers available today allows for highly personalized treatments that cater to individual aesthetic goals and preferences. Whether seeking immediate results, long-lasting effects, or a more natural enhancement using the body’s own tissues, there is a dermal filler suitable for every need. Understanding the distinct properties and mechanisms of each type of filler ensures that patients can make informed decisions to achieve their desired outcomes. From the reversible and versatile HA fillers to the long-lasting and collagen-stimulating effects of CaHA, PLLA, and PMMA fillers, the options are vast and designed to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns. This diversity in filler options empowers individuals to enhance their facial aesthetics in a way that best suits their personal goals and lifestyle.