The Different Types of Facial Fillers: Which is Right for You?

Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like substances that, when injected beneath the skin, can replace lost volume to plump up wrinkles, soften lines, and enhance facial contours. 

As you age, your face naturally loses volume. Volume loss is one of the biggest contributors to an aged appearance. Facial contouring fillers can provide immediate and noticeable rejuvenating improvements without having major surgery or significant downtime. 

Are you interested in facial filler injections but are unsure which ones are the right choice for you? We can help you find the answers with this quick guide to facial fillers. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACIAL FILLERS AND WHAT DO THEY DO? 

There are a variety of FDA-approved fillers for facial contouring, which can vary in density, stiffness, duration, injection depth, and the facial concerns they address. Below are some of the most common types of facial fillers for skin rejuvenation: 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most popular type of facial fillers. HA is a substance the body naturally produces, which is associated with increasing skin moisture, supporting collagen, and providing elasticity to the skin. With age, your body produces less HA. These fillers work to restore a more youthful appearance by softening and filling out lines, wrinkles, and folds. 

FDA-approved HA fillers include:       

• Juvéderm products: Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure, Skinvive      
• Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Contour      
• Belotero Balance 

Common treatment areas/conditions:       

• Tear troughs      
• Cheek volume      
• Nasolabial folds      
• Marionette lines      
• Lips      
• Upper lip lines 

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) 

Like HA fillers, Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is also a naturally occurring substance in the body, found mostly in your bones and teeth. In these fillers, calcium-based particles are suspended in a smooth gel. Calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates natural collagen production, which can lead to long-lasting corrections and natural improvement. Radiesse is an example of CaHA filler. 

Common treatment areas/conditions:       

• Marionette lines      
• Smile lines      
• Corners of mouth      
• Chin wrinkles      
• Pre-jowl folds 

Poly-L-Lactic Acid 

Poly-L-Lactic Acid is a biocompatible synthetic facial filler that functions as a collagen stimulator. The filler itself mostly dissipates just a few days after being injected, but its main purpose is to trigger the body to produce its own collagen, which can naturally rebuild the skin to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Improvements appear gradually over a period of a few months. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are typically used to treat deep facial wrinkles and restore facial volume. Sculptra is one type of Poly-L-lactic acid filler. 

Common treatment areas/conditions:       

• Deep nasolabial folds      
• Chin wrinkles      
• Marionette lines      
• Hollow temples      
• Hollow cheeks 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DERMAL FILLERS AND BOTOX INJECTIONS? 

The difference lies in how the injectables work. Botox blocks certain nerve signals that make muscles contract, thereby serving as a wrinkle relaxer. The muscles relax, reducing facial lines and wrinkles and smoothing the skin. 

Dermal fillers are facial wrinkle fillers that can plump up areas of the skin that have lost volume due to aging. 

They may function differently when it comes to skin rejuvenation, but these two different injectables can work in tandem to deliver anti-aging results that are long-lasting. 

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST FOR EACH TYPE OF FILLER, AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS/SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM? 

As mentioned above, not all facial fillers are created equal. Because they have unique formulations, the top wrinkle fillers used by dermatology providers differ in longevity and will have their own associated risks and side effects. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

Results: 6-12 months 

Common side effects/risks: Pain, redness, itching, swelling, bruising 

Calcium Hydroxylapatite 

Results: Up to 2 years 

Common side effects/risks: Bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, nodules or bumps/lumps, loss of sensation 

Poly-L-Lactic Acid 

Results: Up to 2 years 

Common side effects/risks: Tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising, swelling, small bumps under the skin in the treated area 

HOW MUCH DO FACIAL FILLERS COST ON AVERAGE, AND IS IT WORTH PAYING MORE FOR BETTER QUALITY? 

Fillers are priced on a per syringe basis. Most patients will require multiple syringes to achieve their desired results. 

Other factors affecting the cost include the geographic location of the practice, time involved in performing the procedure, and the expertise and qualifications of the provider. 

Although finding cheap wrinkle fillers may sound enticing, they are best avoided. The low cost is typically a reflection of poor-quality ingredients or an unskilled practitioner, which can prevent you from achieving safe and impactful results. In the worst-case scenario, you may even encounter unnecessary side effects and complications, requiring more costly treatments to fix. 

Always go for quality. FDA-approved dermal fillers containing high-quality ingredients and administered by skilled and experienced providers who have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy can ensure safety and the best possible outcome. 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A FACIAL FILLER CONSULTATION WITH A DERMATOLOGIST 

During your consultation, a dermatology provider will examine your face and discuss with you your aesthetic goals and the specific concerns you’d like to address. 

They may use a marker to indicate where the facial filler areas will be or take photographs of your face. Your provider will then recommend the type of filler or fillers to be used and discuss with you what the dermal filler treatment entails, including possible side effects and downtime. 

You will need to fully disclose your medical history before your treatment. There are medications and health conditions that can increase the risk of complications after getting a filler treatment. Be sure to inform your provider if you have:       

• Allergies      
• History of bruising or bleeding      
• Medication or supplement use that can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding    
• Neurologic conditions      
• Skin conditions 

QUESTIONS ABOUT FACIAL FILLERS? SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION AT LASER & SKIN SURGERY CENTER OF PENNSYLVANIA TODAY! 

Whether looking for dermal fillers for cheeks, mouth wrinkle fillers, or dermal lip fillers near you, choosing the right facial filler for your specific concerns is essential to achieving beautiful results. For the best answers, always turn to the experts. 

Our team at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania can assess your skin and recommend the best fillers for you. Whenever you come to us for a treatment, you can be confident that you’ll leave our office looking refreshed and rejuvenated with natural-looking results and minimal recovery time. 

Our 8,000+ sq. ft. facility is home to a broad range of injectables, laser technology, and other minimally invasive aesthetic treatments to rejuvenate your appearance. Contact us today at our Devon office on the Main Line in the Philadelphia area to learn more about the pros and cons of dermal fillers or to schedule an appointment.