Did you know that there are many different dermal filler types? It’s easy to think that there’s one type of filler and that it’s one-size-fits-all (especially in some clinics). In reality, there are a lot of different products out there with slightly different effects!
In this post, we’ll cover the main kinds of dermal fillers, including the different materials, the main brands, and which type of filler is best for each treatment area and beauty concern!
Types of Dermal Filler Materials
Dermal fillers can be made of a lot of different materials, but the most common ones are hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite – here’s what you should know about each one:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most modern and effective dermal filler material. You’ve probably already heard of HA as a health supplement or miracle skincare ingredient.
But did you know it also naturally occurs in the human body? Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating substance that helps keep our joints moving and our skin moist. As a dermal filler ingredient, it’s very flexible and natural-looking, and it can help pull moisture into the area where it’s injected. Hyaluronic acid is also very versatile, so HA fillers come in many different textures for different types of results.
Polylactic acid is another common filler material. It’s a synthetic ingredient that stimulates new production of collagen in specific areas, so it’s not as fast-acting as hyaluronic acid. The results are subtle, not quite as predictable as with hyaluronic acid, and often require multiple treatments to achieve results.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a very firm filler that’s useful for sculpting the face. It’s long-lasting, which is both positive and negative. It cannot be dissolved or corrected if the patient is unhappy with their results. It also comes with more significant safety risks when compared to hyaluronic acid, which is why we avoid it here at Discovery Laser.
Dermal Filler Brands
In addition to the different materials, there are also different brands that produce fillers. At Discovery Laser, we only use hyaluronic acid fillers, and we’re big fans of the following brands:
Juvéderm is the industry leader, with famous products like Juvéderm Voluma and Ultra XC. Thanks to its large portfolio of hyaluronic acid fillers, it’s possible to create a very broad range of effects with Juvéderm products. Juvederm is owned by pharmaceutical giant Allergan which is also the company that owns Botox.
Restylane was one of the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler brands, owned by Galderma which also owns Dysport. We’re big fans of some of Restylane’s more fluid hyaluronic acid fillers, which are perfect for creating subtle results and dealing with very fine lines.
Finally, Teosyal is a less well-known family of fillers from Swiss brand Teoxane. This European filler manufacturer has a wonderful selection of fillers for different wrinkle severity levels, and it’s also one of the few brands with a filler appropriate for the under-eye area.
Best Dermal Filler Type for Each Part of the Face
Different dermal filler types work well for different parts of the face. It’s incredibly important that your injector is able to recommend the best filler brand and texture based on your desired results.
- Lips: For the lips, medium-thickness fillers provide sensuous plumpness that still looks soft and natural. Thinner, more fluid fillers can work really well for ultra-subtle enhancement, and they can also help fill in fine lines around the lipline.
- Fine Lines: Fine lines are best treated with light, easy-spreading and very fluid fillers.
- Deep Wrinkles: Deeper wrinkles like the nasolabial folds require fillers with a medium-firm texture. They fill the space well and provide targeted results while still retaining flexibility.
- Cheeks & Chin: The cheeks and chin often require firmer fillers that can really sculpt the face, and often also have excellent longevity.
- Undereyes: Fluid fillers are ideal for under the eyes, where they can slightly plump up fine lines and brighten up the area.
FAQ
What type of filler is best?
In general, hyaluronic acid fillers are the best type of filler because they’re very safe and provide natural-looking results. Plus, they can also be corrected or dissolved with hyaluronidase if there are any issues. Because there are many different hyaluronic acid fillers available, it’s also important to choose the best one for your specific treatment area.
Are there different types of dermal fillers?
Yes! There are many different types of dermal fillers made of different materials, from different brands, and designed to address different concerns. Some dermal fillers are best for adding a bit of volume, others are perfect for filling wrinkles, and others can help adjust the contours of the face. There is some confusion between dermal fillers and Botox, so keep in mind that they’re very different things – Botox relaxes muscles, while dermal fillers add volume.
Choose a Provider Who Understands Your Options
With so many types of dermal fillers to choose from, it can be hard to keep track of what’s best for each situation. Each filler has slightly different effects, so the more fillers available at your clinic of choice, the more precise and sophisticated you can expect your results to be. It’s also important that your injector has the knowledge and experience to recommend the best type of filler for you.
We love it when our clients want to learn and stay informed, and we’re always happy to educate. But ultimately, our biggest goal is to give you the results you dreamed of. If you’d like to see what a highly experienced injector can achieve, go ahead and book an appointment!
