There are a number of different types of fillers that are categorized according to active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, Poly-L lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and fat.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin, helping it stay plump and hydrated. Fillers that use hyaluronic acid are usually soft and gel-like and offer temporary results that last between six and twelve months. The HA is slowly absorbed by your body. The most popular types of hyaluronic acid fillers are Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Belotero® Balance.
Juvéderm®
Juvéderm® dermal filler targets different areas of the face, and the results can be seen immediately after treatment.
- Juvéderm® Ultra XC – plumps lips, lasts for six months to one year
- Juvéderm® Voluma XC – offers cheek contouring, lasts up to two years
- Juvéderm® Volbella XC – adds volume and smooths vertical lip lines, lasts up to one year
- Juvéderm® Vollure XC – smooths nasolabial folds, lasts up to 18 months
Restylane®
The range of Restylane® fillers contains different ingredients that are designed to target specific areas. The results typically take a couple of days to appear.
- Restylane® Silk – adds volume to the lip area and smooths fine lines, lasts six months
- Restylane® Refyne – smooths nasolabial fold, lasts up to one year
- Restylane® Defyne – for deep lines and wrinkles, lasts up to one year
- Restylane® Lyft – used for cheeks and hands, lasts up to 18 months
Belotero® Balance
Belotero® Balance is used for delicate areas, such as under the eyes, as well as to fill fine lines in the face and neck. You can expect results to last around six months.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite occurs naturally in the body, primarily in our teeth and bones. The calcium particles are microscopically ground then suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of the filler is thicker than hyaluronic acid fillers and tends to offer longer-lasting results. It stimulates the natural production of collagen, and it is most frequently used to smooth deeper lines and wrinkles. Radiesse® is the most well-known brand of CaHA filler and lasts up to one year. It offers the higher “liftability” compared to other fillers, which is why it is often used to augment jawlines and cheekbones.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic substance that has been used for many years for medical applications, such as synthetic stitches. It is classified as a “collagen stimulator.” These fillers help your body rebuild natural collagen, while the filler gel itself dissolves within a few days. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are used for deeper wrinkles, and the results can last up to two years. Sculptra® Aesthetic is a well-known FDA-approved poly-l-lactic acid product
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Polymethylmethacrylat (PMMA)is a synthetic biocompatible compound has been used in medicine for about a century. As a dermal filler, PMMA is used in the form of a microsphere that remains below the skin to provide support. The fillers also contain collagen to offer structure and firmness.
Bellafill® is the most common PMMA filler. It is made from a combination of bovine collagen and microspheres. It’s longer-lasting than HA fillers, although it can cause allergic reactions in some patients.
Facial Fat Transfer
Also called autologous fat injections or facial fat grafting, facial fat transfer is the only form of filler injections that requires surgery. For this treatment, your own fat is harvested, usually through liposuction, then purified and injected into the face. The fat is used to restore volume to areas of the face, such as the temples, cheeks, and lower eyelids Facial fat transfer is also used for pitted facial scars and to fill in nasolabial folds. Facial fat transfer has a downtime of approximately one week, and the procedure can take up to two hours.
