Facial or dermal fillers are treatments that help the face appear younger, rejuvenated, or rested. The injections help lift eyebrows, remove under-eye circles, enhance cheekbones, smooth smile lines, and plump thin lips. Treatment with facial fillers is quick, and it requires little downtime. It is helpful to learn about the different types of fillers and what each does.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers help improve facial contour and reduce skin depressions. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is available in the fluid around the eyes and connective tissues. The substance is extracted and formulated to become injectable fillers.
The fillers help reduce facial lines, cheek depressions, scars, and injury marks. It can also help reduce worry lines, smile lines, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging. Some brand names for hyaluronic acid include Juvéderm® Voluma®, Restylane®, Belotero®, Perlane®, Puragen™, and Captique®.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a popular filler present in the brand name Radiesse®. It is a mineral-like compound naturally present in human bones. The compound helps reduce moderate and severe creases, including frown lines, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. It enhances facial contours and cheek fullness.
The biosynthetically produced filler can increase volume where facial wasting has occurred and helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions. The filler produces very natural-looking results.
Polylactic Acid
A surgeon injects the synthetic filler or stimulator into the face to cause collagen production. The substance is non-toxic and biodegradable, and it is especially effective on the lower half of the face. The filler fills up laughter lines, reduces deep nasolabial folds, and plumps thin lips.
Unlike other fillers, the product does not have immediate results since it can take months to take full effect. It stimulates collagen production over time and leads to gradual change over a few months. A popular brand of this filler is Sculptra.
Polyalkylimide
This semi-permanent facial filler, such as Aquamid®, helps treat deep wrinkles, depressed scars, and nasolabial folds. The filler is ideal for plumping lips and enhancing the jawline and cheekbones. It can treat facial wasting and replace volume loss caused by age.
The filler is biocompatible and does not react much with human tissue. A layer of collagen forms, covering the gel within a month. The filler is stable, does not interfere with X-rays, and the surgeon can remove it when necessary.
Polymethyl-methacrylate Microspheres (PMMA)
A popular PMMA brand is Bellafill®, which treats facial wrinkles, furrows, and nasolabial folds. It can also help augment thin lips and fill out acne scars, and is useful when an individual needs a more permanent solution. Multiple injections are necessary for the desired volume, which can take several months for full effects.
Is KYBELLA® for You?
If you have fat under your chin (submental fullness) that is causing you some level of embarrassment, consider going for KYBELLA. This is a nonsurgical option that gets rid of fat that refuses to go away through exercise or healthy eating. The treatment is ideal for people above the age of 18 whose chins do not have an infection.
Facial fillers differ in their chemical composition, longevity, and softness, and some work better in certain areas than others. Fillers ideal for the lips is not necessarily great for the cheekbones, but the plastic surgeon will help you determine the best filler for your needs.
For more on fillers and what each does, call Miami Aesthetic at 786-574-3770 to reach our office in Miami, Florida.
