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When people think about reversing the aging process, Botox is often the first thing that comes to mind. Botox is ideal for smoothing wrinkles and can help you appear younger. However, there are other naturally occurring substances such as dermal fillers and hyaluronic acid fillers.
These injectable dermal fillers are ideal for addressing issues that Botox cannot, and the specific filler depends on what your desired outcomes are. Join our experts at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic as we explore the types of dermal filler injectables and how they can add a fresh appearance to the face.
What Are Fillers Made With?
A filler is a naturally occurring substance and there are many types of dermal fillers each with subtle differences. Fillers can vary in consistency from very fluid and watery to thicker gel. Our injectors will work with you to determine which filler to use depending on the placement, your goals, and clinical indication. When considering different dermal fillers, here are some considerations to keep in mind depending on your desired results.
Temporary Fillers
Temporary fillers slowly dissolve over time, many lasting anywhere from months to years.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in your skin, helping it to stay hydrated and plump. HA dermal fillers are soft and resemble gel, lasting anywhere from 6-12 months depending on where the filler is placed and how the body metabolizes the products. Many of today’s HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to keep pain to a minimum during treatment. HA dermal filler brands include Juvederm products such as Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure. Restylane products such as Kysse, Lyft, and Silk are also HA fillers.
| Type of Filler | Uses | Benefits | Lasting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid Fillers | – Juvéderm® (XC, Ultra, Ultra Plus, Vollure, Volbella, Voluma): nasolabial folds, chin, mouth, cheeks, lips, lip lines, marionette lines. – Restylane® (various types): Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips, sunken cheeks. – Belotero Balance®: Nasolabial folds. – Revanesse Versa®: Nasolabial folds, parenthesis lines. – Revance’s RHA® (2, 3, 4): Lip lines, glabellar lines, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth, cheeks, chin, jawline. |
Natural look and feel, plumping effect, hydration. Various options for specific concerns. Versatility |
6-12 months (varies by brand) |
| Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers | Radiesse®: Deeper lines, wrinkles, facial aging, hands rejuvenation. |
Structural support, advanced facial aging correction |
Approximately 12 months |
| Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers | Sculptra® Aesthetic: Fat loss in the face, advanced volume loss, buttocks augmentation. |
Collagen stimulation, gradual results, long-lasting |
2-3 years |
| Polymethylmethacrylate Fillers | Bellafill®: Deep wrinkles, folds, pitted scars. |
Permanent results, collagen support |
Indefinite results |
Collagen-Based Fillers
Collagen-based fillers are also popular as our body naturally contains collagen, a natural protein that helps add structure and strength to the skin. Although collagen-based fillers were the first to hit the market, they are slowly becoming less popular due to the rise in popularity of HA fillers.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite is naturally found primarily in the bones of the human body. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are microscopic and result in a smooth, gel-like formula. This filler is known commercially as Radiesse. Although the consistency of CaHA fillers is by comparison thicker than other filler types, the results last longer. Most patients see their results for about 12 months. CaHA also helps stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.
Semi-Permanent Fillers (Poly-L-lactic Acid)
Another dermal filler type (Sculptra) is referred to as semi-permanent. The material is a biocompatible acid that is safe to use in the human body although it is synthetic, hence dissolvable stitches contain this material, for instance. Technically speaking, poly-L-lactic acid stimulates collagen, acting to smooth fine lines and rebuild your body’s natural collagen levels. This type of filler is ideal for treating deeper facial wrinkles and may last 2+ years depending on the individual.
Permanent Fillers – Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Another option for dermal filler injections is more permanent (Bellafill). Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) takes the form of a tiny ball referred to as a microsphere that sits beneath the skin. This microsphere helps to provide continued support to the treatment area. In addition, this type of dermal filler contains collagen to help provide structure and firmness. A common brand name of PMMA includes Bellafill.
How to Choose the Best Dermal Filler Before You Use
With so many options on the market, how can you choose the right dermal filler for you? In addition to factoring in your budget and aesthetic preferences, you’ll want to choose the right filler based on your individual skin needs. For example, maybe you have some sun damage, or maybe your skin is quickly losing its elasticity. These factors will all play into the ideal option for you, something that your provider can talk through with you during your consultation. Though the choice of filler usually remains on the provider, it’s always better to do your research beforehand. This will help you choose the best fit for your needs as the provider will guide you through the process and procedure.
Just like other medical procedures, fillers aren’t one-size-fits-all. It’s important to do your necessary research and follow the guidance of a professional injector to help determine which filler variety is best for you. Don’t choose the type of filler that fits your friend or family member. Metropolitan Skin Clinic recommends that you come in for a consultation before you make up your mind about any dermal filler. Our injectors at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic can evaluate your candidacy and options and guide you to the best decision to meet your goals.
The Best Types of Dermal Fillers
One of the most common compounds found in dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are ideal for treating a variety of skin concerns including:
- Contour and check restoration caused by deep fat pad loss or bone loss;
- Smile lines that run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth;
- Redefining the lip border or adding subtle volume to the lips;
- Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth;
- Restoring hydration to the lips or mid-face;
- Earlobe restoration;
- Smoker’s lines that have developed on the mouth;
- Tear trough, infraorbital hollows, and dark undereye correction.
Because HA is naturally occurring in the body, it’s completely safe to inject. In fact, the body’s connective tissues and the fluid surrounding the eyes contain HA in rather high concentrations.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra and Ultra XC
Juvederm filler is one of the most popular brands on the market. Ultra and Ultra XC injections may treat mild to medium-depth wrinkles that are located from your nose and extend to the corners of your mouth. Juvederm may also be the right choice to smooth depressed scars and enhance the lips. If you’re hoping to smooth wrinkles or plump areas that have experienced fat loss, Juvederm Ultra and Ultra XC may be an excellent choice. As a bonus, this filler’s results last up to 12 months.
JUVÉDERM® Volbella XC
Volbella is another Juvederm filler type made from a blend of molecular weights of HA. It works best to increase the fullness of the lips and soften the lines surrounding the mouth. Due to its thinnest and most spreadable gel, many opt for Volbella to fill in acne scars and smooth the delicate under-eye area. How long does this Juvederm variety last? Volbella typically lasts up to 12 months depending on the patient.
JUVÉDERM® Vollure XC
Next in the Juvederm filler variety is Vollure. You can think of it as the middle child of the Juvederm family as it is a mixture of spreadable yet durable products. It allows for natural facial expressions after the injection has been made, making it ideal for targeting nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other deep wrinkles. Those looking to fill in moderate wrinkles and to give the lower portion of their face a refresh often opt for Vollure XC. This is one of the longest-lasting hyaluronic filler types on the market with patients noticing results for up to 18 months following the injection.
JUVÉDERM® Voluma XC
Voluma is the strongest and thickest variety in the Juvederm family and it’s ideal for treating deeper injections into the cheeks. If you’ve noticed that you’re losing volume in your face, consider Voluma XC as a solution to smooth deep wrinkles. Juvederm cheek filler injections such as Voluma XC can last for up to two years and there’s no downtime after the procedure.
How Do Facial Fillers Work?
As we previously mentioned, the main ingredient in dermal fillers such as Juvederm is hyaluronic acid which is sugar in the body that helps provide moisture, volume, and elasticity. With time and the natural aging process, the skin loses its volume which makes underlying wrinkles more likely to appear.
HA, as soon as injected, acts like a sponge and attracts water to the skin. The results are plump, full skin that looks refreshed.
Benefits of HA injections include:
- Near-instant smoothing results
- Increase in collagen production
- More adaptable as a natural element in the body
- No risk of an allergic reaction hence it’s found naturally in the body
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you’re looking for a reliable medical professional in the Minneapolis and Twin Cities area to help walk you through dermal fillers and the options that you have, the Metropolitan Skin Clinic is only a phone call away. In addition to injectables, we also offer laser treatments and general skin care treatments to help you look and feel your best. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our incredible, friendly, and knowledgeable team!
Please select a virtual or in-person consultation or call us (952) 288-2230
