Types of Dermal Fillers: From Hyaluronic to Polymethylmethacrylate Fillers

Today’s aesthetic market offers a wide variety of dermal filler brands and products that are extensively used in skin rejuvenation procedures. These injectable gel-like substances can also be effective in adding definition to certain facial features, such as the lips and the jawline, and giving the face a desired fullness and symmetry. The treatment itself is quick and simple, making it a preferred choice among the patients who seek instant results. Dermal fillers are growing ever more popular thanks to their ability to produce immediately noticeable positive effects, allowing patients to enjoy long-lasting improvement in their appearance with minimal downtime.

1. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance that helps moisturize the skin and maintain its youthful, supple appearance. HA dermal fillers are the most popular ones on the market today because they are highly safe and versatile and provide natural-looking results. These fillers (brand names include Restylane, Juvederm, Stylage, Yvoire, and many others) are great for addressing dark under-eye circles, adding volume to the chin, cheeks, and cheekbones, improving lip contours, and eliminating minor to severe wrinkles on the face, neck, décolleté, and hands.

Most HA fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that reduces pain during and after the procedure. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last for six to twelve months; however, depending on the injectable filler used and the injection area, they can last up to two years. Another advantage is that HA fillers may be reversed with an injectable enzyme, hyaluronidase.

2. Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic substance that is injected into the dermis to improve facial volume and contour. PLLA fillers (brand names include Sculptra) are regarded as collagen stimulators since they help the body in synthesizing its own natural collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid is recognized to be very effective in the bottom half of the face and is used to fill deep creases around the mouth and plump up hollow or sunken cheeks. Depending on the patient, three to six treatments may be required for significant results lasting up to two years. PLLA doesn’t provide instant plumping and volume, so it may take as long as 4 to 6 weeks for the full effects to develop.

3. Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers (brand names include Radiesse) are used to reduce deeper wrinkles and skin creases as well as contour the jawline and add volume to the cheeks. Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) encourages the production of collagen, a naturally occurring component in the skin that supports its structure and firmness. These fillers can continue to have a positive impact on facial wrinkles for up to two years.

4. Polymethylmethacrylate Fillers

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic biocompatible material that has been used in medicine for most of the past century. PMMA appears in fillers as small spheres that stay underneath the skin to offer continued support. In order to deliver structure and a firmer appearance, these fillers additionally contain collagen. PMMA fillers (brand names include Bellafill) are best suited for addressing moderate to deep wrinkles and acne scars. They are frequently used as an alternative to HA fillers when a more long-lasting treatment for facial wrinkles is required, since they can last for up to five years. However, a PMMA soft tissue filler is often not recommended as the first facial filler treatment.

5. Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting (lipofilling) is a surgical rejuvenation technique that involves liposuction on an area of your body that has accessible fatty tissue. The extracted fat is then processed and put into tiny needles for injection into facial regions that need volume augmentation. This is a great alternative for patients who are not ready for a more invasive facelift or less persistent hyaluronic acid fillers. Facial fat transfer is considered more “natural” since it uses the patient’s own fat, eliminating any risk of rejection. Lipofilling is designed to improve facial contours and provide noticeable facial rejuvenation.

Wrapping Up

Dermal filler injections are generally a safe and effective solution for addressing volume loss and restoring a youthful appearance to the face, while also enhancing skin quality by stimulating collagen synthesis and moisturizing the skin. However, just as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications to be considered. The most effective approach is to be aware of both the risks and benefits of the treatment and to select a reliable, skilled, and experienced aesthetic injector who can ensure the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Dermal Fillers Last the Longest?

The duration of the effects is primarily determined by the type of filler applied. For instance, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane usually last between 6 and 18 months whereas Sculptra, a biostimulatory filler based on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) solution, may last as long as 2 years. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers can last for more than 5 years because the microspheres remain in place even as the body reabsorbs the collagen gel. Although fat grafting is considered to be a permanent treatment, not all of the implanted fat survives, making the results difficult to predict.

What Is The Safest Facial Filler?

Despite the wide variety of injectable treatments available, hyaluronic acid is the popular component in dermal filler formulations. Since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is compatible with the human body, HA-based fillers are generally safer than other types of injectable products. It is important to remember that dermal filler injections offer safe, natural-looking and lasting results only when performed by professionals with a high level of training, knowledge and experience in aesthetic procedures.

What Type of Dermal Filler Is the Best?

Each filler has a unique texture, density, and injection depth — that is why certain fillers are more effective for particular areas of concern than others. Practitioners often choose softer fillers when treating the lips and thicker solutions for enhancing the cheekbones. However, if patients have no prior experience with other aesthetic procedures, HA fillers are usually the option of first choice. Medical professionals select fillers based on the requirements of each patient, the level of volume loss, and the area to be treated and determine where and how to inject them to provide optimal results.

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