In the world of cosmetic surgery, dermal fillers are a booming category. A dermal filler is a gel-like substance injected beneath the skin to restore volume and smooth lines and enhance facial contours. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure. They are attractive because they provide an instant cosmetic result and have very limited recovery time.
After you receive a dermal filler, you may have mild discomfort in the area, bruising, and swelling for up to 1 week. After the swelling goes down and the area can be properly evaluated, a touch-up injection may be recommended, although that is entirely up to you and your cosmetic surgeon. Many factors can influence the longevity of a dermal filler, but they’ve all been proven to deliver consistent results.
Each dermal filler has its own recommended use. Speak to a professional before deciding on which you would prefer. They differ according to chemical makeup, longevity, and even softness. Each brand and type mentioned is safe and approved for use as a dermal filler when a professional is involved. If you are interested in dermal fillers and what they can realistically offer in terms of results, speak to a Toronto cosmetic clinic near you.
Here are the eight different types of dermal fillers:
Type #1: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is an all-natural component from the skin’s connective tissue. It is the most common type of filler used for wrinkles, with results lasting 6-12 months. As it’s a naturally-occurring substance, hyaluronic acid fillers are very safe.
Unfortunately, after a while, the body absorbs the particles, which must be redone. The hyaluronic acid brands include Restylane, Belotero, Teoxane, and Juvederm.
Type #2: Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite is used to contour the jawline, restore volume in the cheeks, and treat deep wrinkles or skin folds. The ingredient is found naturally in our bones. When used to make dermal fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite is thicker than hyaluronic acid and lasts longer.
The results of calcium hydroxylapatite last up to a year for contouring and up to three years when used to fill in wrinkles. The primary brand for calcium hydroxylapatite is Radiesse.
Type #3: Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
Poly-l-lactic acid is used to restore volume in the face, often lost due to aging or illness. This is a collagen stimulator that helps the skin rebuild its natural collagen.
PLLA has been used for years and is an effective dermal filler product that may be recommended depending on what you’re looking to get done. Marketed most commonly under the brand Sculptra, poly-l-lactic acid takes two or three sessions to get done, and results last up to two years.
Type #4: Polyalkylimide Fillers
Polyalkylimide, under the brand Aquamid, is a semi-permanent dermal filler used to treat deep wrinkles and plump lips, enhance cheekbones and jawlines and replace facial volume lost due to age. Polyalkymide is biocompatible.
Post-injection, roughly a month later, collagen will start to form around the gel. This continues to grow and grow. Polyalkymide is believed to be on par with other types of dermal fillers.
Type #5: Fat Grafting Fillers
Fat grafting is often seen as an alternative to dermal fillers. Fat is removed through liposuction, typically from the lower abdomen and then injected through small incisions into the cheeks, temple, lips, or forehead.
The effect, in some cases, is permanent. Fat grafting can take multiple sessions to complete and involves overfilling the site, which can look initially odd. Some people overlook fat grafting due to the multiple treatments required.
Type #6: Soft Tissue Fillers
Polymethylmethacrylate, aka PMMA, is made from beads suspended in a solution containing bovine collagen. Permanent soft tissue filler is used to smooth deep wrinkles around the mouth. The body cannot absorb this filler, usually marketed under the brand name Bellafill.
You don’t need to reinject as the body can’t absorb PMMA. It is injected differently than other fillers and does not provide an immediate fill. That said, Bellafill is a permanent solution but rarely suggested as a first-time dermal filler treatment option.
Type #7: Botulinum Toxin Products
You may be familiar with botulinum toxin products, i.e. Botox, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. These aren’t dermal fillers. While dermal fillers fill in problematic areas, botulinum toxin products prevent the muscles from tightening, removing some of the appearances of wrinkles.
This is an entirely different cosmetic procedure with more risks than what you have with all-natural dermal fillers.
Type #8: Juvederm & Restylane
Both Juvederm and Restylane are made from hyaluronic acid but have differences. Both are approved for use as dermal fillers but often target specific areas. For example, Juvederm Ultra and Ultra XC are good for adding volume to the lips. Juvederm Vollure will smooth lines around the nose and mouth.
Restylane Refyne and Defyne also smooth out and fill lines around the mouth. A cosmetic surgeon will know what to recommend according to the issue you’re dealing with.
