The Different Types of Dermal Fillers

As we get older, our skin gradually loses its elasticity. The volume in our lips and cheeks depreciates, and wrinkles and fine lines become more prevalent. Fortunately, skin rejuvenation without downtime or surgery is now a reality thanks to dermal fillers.

Doctors administer these gel-like substances underneath the skin through injection to help augment facial contours, smooth lines and creases and increase facial volume. While there are plenty of FDA-approved dermal fillers, they are categorized based on their main ingredient. Here are the different types of dermal fillers available.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in our bodies that helps our cells retain moisture hence making the skin appear healthy, plump and hydrated. This substance is highly concentrated in the fluid surrounding our eyes, skin tissue, joint fluids and soft connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid injections are great for improving:

• Cheek depressions
• Some scars including acne and wound scars
• Deep smile lines
• Frown lines
• Crow’s feet

The results from this filler are temporary, lasting between six and 12 months. Hyaluronic acid injections often contain lidocaine, a numbing agent that minimizes discomfort during treatment.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Naturally occurring in our bones, dermatologists use this mineral-like substance to:

• Enhance the fullness of facial contours, e.g., the cheeks
• Smooth moderate-to-severe creases, e.g., frown lines and nasolabial folds
• Alleviate facial wasting

The production of calcium hydroxylapatite fillers is biosynthetic, meaning that no animal products are involved. This helps lower the risk of allergic reactions without the need for skin testing. That said, this dermal filler has close to no side effects and produces natural results by stimulating natural collagen production.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)

This synthetic substance is biodegradable, biocompatible, and is categorized as a collagen stimulator since it helps build volume and smooth lines by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen production upon injection.

PLLA dissolves several days after injection and gradually stimulates the body’s collagen production over several months, making it capable of producing very natural looking results. Popular for working exceptionally well in the bottom half of the face, PLLA can help:

• Plump thin lips
• Smooth deep nasolabial folds
• Fill deep smile lines

Polymethylmethacrylate Microspheres (PMMA)

PMMA, a synthetic, biocompatible dermal filler that often comes in the form of a small ball, is widely considered semi-permanent and is synonymous with treating medium or deep wrinkles and folds. However, dermatologists can also use it to plump thin lips and fill deep scars.

This filler is often preferred over hyaluronic or collagen replacement therapy as a permanent alternative for facial wrinkles. Due to this state of permanency, surgeons are likely to administer it as an under-fill during the first treatment and add more later if necessary.

Polyalkylimide

This biocompatible, semi-permanent dermal filler is radio transparent, meaning that it doesn’t interfere with x-rays. Surgeons commonly use it treat:

• Facial wasting, e.g., due to HIV medications
• Thin lips
• Depressed scars and deep wrinkles
• Lost facial volume, e.g., on the jawline and cheekbones due to aging

The beauty of polyalkylimide procedures is that they are reversible and stable in the long run.

Choose the Right Provider

Despite being cosmetic, filler therapies are still medical procedures that need specific skill, training and knowledge to ensure natural-looking results and safety. At Cosmetic Laser Solutions MedSpa, our physicians have extensive knowledge and experience in performing all filler injections. This assures you higher chances of achieving your desired results and less risk of side effects. Give us a call or fill out our online form!