Dermal fillers are injectable gel-like substances used to help restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. They can be placed in various areas to address volume loss, including the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and lips. Lip fillers are a specific application of dermal fillers, used to add volume and shape to the lips. A variety of filler materials are available, each with different properties and intended uses. Here’s more information on dermal fillers and how the four different types may benefit your skin:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that naturally occurs in the skin, and HA fillers are made of a synthetic, gel-like version of this molecule. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s hydration, elasticity, and overall health. A primary function of HA is its ability to retain water.
HA and Facial Skin
By boosting hydration levels, this acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a smoother and more youthful complexion. HA supports the skin’s natural barrier, aiding in protection against environmental aggressors like pollution and harsh weather. This makes it an impactful ingredient in both skincare routines and injectable treatments, offering both immediate improvements in skin texture and long-term benefits for skin health.
HA Fillers and Their Benefits
Because hyaluronic acid attracts and binds to water, these dermal fillers can help hydrate and add volume to a treatment area. They are commonly used for smoothing lines and wrinkles, enhancing cheek volume, and for lip augmentations, also known as lip fillers. For the lips, HA fillers help define the lip border, add fullness, and improve symmetry.
The effects of HA fillers are temporary, as the body gradually absorbs the material over time. Some key benefits of these fillers include:
- Reversible Results
- Smooth and Natural-feeling Gel Formulas
- Predictable Shaping and Contouring Effects
Polymethylmethacrylate Fillers
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers consist of tiny, biocompatible microspheres suspended within a smooth collagen gel carrier. When injected, the gel provides immediate volume, while the microspheres remain in place to provide structural support. This type of filler is used to address deeper wrinkles and folds, providing a more durable volumizing effect. Due to their composition, PMMA fillers are a more lasting option for adding structure and correcting deeper volume loss.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a mineral-like compound that is also found naturally in human bones, suspended in a gel carrier. Upon injection, the gel provides immediate volume and lift to the treatment area while the CaHA impacts medium to deep wrinkles. The CaHA particles also create a supportive structure that can help stimulate the body’s own collagen production.
Many products in this category are designed to provide longer-lasting effects compared to some other types of dermal fillers. This dual-action process can provide both immediate correction and gradual improvement in skin firmness. CaHA fillers are an option for those who want immediate results and long-term structural benefits.
Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, synthetic polymer that works differently from other fillers. Instead of providing immediate volume with a gel, PLLA works by stimulating the body to produce its own collagen. This process helps to gradually restore volume to areas that have experienced diffuse volume loss. Treatment with PLLA fillers typically involves a series of sessions over several months to achieve the desired effect. They are often used to address larger areas of facial thinning rather than for filling individual lines, but they can improve deeper wrinkles as well.
Schedule a Lip Fillers Appointment
To learn more about lip fillers and determine if this procedure is suitable for your aesthetic needs, schedule a cosmetic consultation today. A cosmetic dermatologist will assess your facial structures and develop a personalized treatment plan. During an appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, review the available options, and have your questions answered by a qualified provider. Contact a dermatologist to learn more.
