Dermal Fillers 101:Understanding the Different Types & Their Benefits

Dermal fillers are classified into several types. The most common types are as follows:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

HA fillers approved by the FDA include Juvéderm and Restylane products, Belotero Balance, Revanesse Versa, and the RHA range.

Hyaluronic acid filler is the most commonly known type of dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring acid in your skin that adds volume and keeps your skin hydrated. The skin, joints, and eye sockets have the highest concentration of HA, but your body stops producing hyaluronic acid as you age.

You may notice potentially significant improvements for:

• • Scars from acne
  • Depressed cheeks
  • Nasolabial furrows
  • Defining the lip border
  • Scars from burns and acne
  • Between the brows, frown lines
  • Marionette lines at the mouth corners
  • Crow’s feet in your peripheral vision
  • Lines of concern that run across your brow

Dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid are a popular option for reducing wrinkles and enhancing facial volume. Although some may last up to two years, these fillers might last anywhere from six to twelve months. The precise type of filler used and the location of the face where it is injected can affect how long it lasts.

One advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they can promote collagen formation, resulting in more support and firmness in the treated area. Over time, several injections may be necessary to sustain these effects.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be a practical and efficient solution to improve your appearance and lessen aging symptoms in general. It’s crucial to consult a qualified expert about the best solutions for your particular needs and objectives.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)

FDA-approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse.

It is a naturally occurring mineral-like substance found in your bones. Calcium is nearly microscopically suspended in a smooth gel as a filler and is thicker than HA fillers because they are used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. This filler also lasts 12-18 months.

It’s often used to:

• • • Increase the fullness of your cheeks and other facial contours.
    • Creases that range from moderate to severe, such as marionette lines, nasolabial folds and frown lines
    • Increase volume in areas of facial wasting, which can occur in HIV-positive people who take medications.

Calcium hydroxylapatite is produced biosynthetically, meaning no animals are used in its production. As a result, it reduces your chances of having an allergic reaction and eliminates the need for skin testing.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) 

FDA-approved PLLA acid fillers include Sculptra Aesthetic.

PLLA is an artificial biocompatible and biodegradable material. Medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches, have used this material for some time. Technically speaking, PLLA fillers are collagen stimulators, encouraging the body to produce more collagen.

When injected into the skin, PLLA can fill in wrinkles and fine lines, even the deepest ones. The benefits of these fillers can be seen for up to two years.

The lower half of your face is an ideal location for polylactic acid’s many applications, which include:

• • • Rectify the wrinkles that laughing created.
    • Full, slender lips
    • Deep nasolabial 

This filler differs from other dermal fillers because it does not produce immediate results. Instead, it stimulates collagen production in your body, and results appear gradually over a few months.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) 

FDA-approved PMMA fillers include Bellafill.

PMMA is another biodegradable synthetic substance. PMMA is used in fillers to form tiny spheres beneath your skin to provide support. These fillers also contain collagen, which adds structure and a firmer appearance.

It is a semi-permanent filler commonly used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, furrows and folds especially nasolabial folds. It can also plump up thin lips and conceal pitted scars. PMMA is frequently used instead of collagen replacement or hyaluronic when a more permanent solution to wrinkles is desired. 

This filler is made of collagen and small balls that stay under the skin to smooth out troublesome lines and wrinkles. These filler treatments have a five-year lifespan and are ideal for moderate to severe wrinkles—this last longer than other fillers, making this a popular procedure.