Fillers are a non-surgical option that may enhance facial features, address sagging skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. They can help restore lost volume and contour specific areas of the face. This post will provide information on what fillers are, the types available, their benefits, and the areas that they may treat.
Whether you’re curious about the types of fillers used for non-surgical cosmetic enhancements or want to understand the benefits and risks, this article provides clear, factual insights to help guide your decisions.
What are fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that may assist in restoring volume lost due to ageing or other factors in areas of the face such as the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes. Additionally, fillers can soften the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines.
Injectable dermal fillers are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that have gained popularity for their potential to offer noticeable changes with relatively short recovery times for many patients.
Types of Fillers
There are several types of fillers, each with distinct properties.
Type of Filler | Longevity | Common Uses | Popular Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers | 6 to 18 months | Lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, under-eye area | Juvederm, Restylane |
Collagen Fillers | 3 to 6 months | Fine lines, wrinkles, lip enhancement | Zyderm, CosmoPlast |
Calcium Hydroxyapatite | 12 to 18 months | Cheeks, jawline, temple, nasolabial folds, marionette lines | Radiesse |
Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers | Up to 2 years((gradual results) | Deep wrinkles, facial folds, volume loss | Sculptra |
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers | Semi-permanent | Deep wrinkles, folds, volume restoration, scars | Bellafill |
Hyaluronic Acid fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are among the most popular fillers due to their versatility and natural results. HA is a substance found naturally in the body, and these fillers work by retaining water, potentially providing hydration and volume to the skin. These are commonly used in areas such as the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and under-eye areas.
Collagen Fillers
Collagen-based fillers were among the first types of fillers derived from human or animal collagen and used in cosmetic treatments. They may provide structure and support to the skin. However, the results are temporary as the body gradually absorbs collagen. Newer types of fillers, like HA fillers, have largely replaced collagen-based options.
Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers
Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is a synthetic form of a naturally found substance in bones and teeth, making it biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions. These fillers may provide volume upon injection to address volume loss in the face and also stimulate collagen production, which can help improve skin texture and firmness over time.
CaHA fillers are suitable for areas such as the cheeks, jawline, temples, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are biostimulatory, meaning they work by stimulating the body to produce its own collagen over time. This biodegradable synthetic material develops results gradually over several months.
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers may help treat deep wrinkles, facial folds, and restore volume loss in areas that have lost fat due to ageing.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers are considered semi-permanent. The microspheres remain under the skin to provide long-lasting support. PMMA fillers contain about 20 percent PMMA microspheres suspended in 80 percent purified collagen gel.
These fillers may be used to treat wrinkles and folds, improve the appearance of scars, and restore volume in areas such as the cheeks and temples.
How do fillers work?
Dermal filler treatment works through different mechanisms depending on its composition. The primary mechanisms by which fillers achieve their results can be categorised into two main types:
- Physical Filling: This involves the direct volume replacement effect of the filler material. Upon injection, the filler occupies space under the skin, providing volume and support to the surrounding facial tissues immediately after the procedure.
- Biostimulation: Some fillers stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, leading to gradual improvements over time.
Each type of filler also differs in its mechanism:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Works primarily through its hydrophilic properties, drawing moisture into the skin, adding volume and hydration.
- Collagen: Provides both volume replacement and collagen stimulation. The microspheres of CaHA create a scaffold that encourages fibroblast activity, promoting the formation of new collagen over time.
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid: Primarily function through biostimulation. It stimulates natural collagen production, which gradually restores volume and improves skin texture.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: Provide structural support while also stimulating collagen production.
Benefits of Fillers
Injectable fillers are generally considered safe for cosmetic enhancements, with many offering minimal downtime for a more rejuvenated appearance.
Immediate Cosmetic Enhancements
Dermal filler treatments may provide near-instant results. Once injected, most fillers will immediately add volume or smooth facial wrinkles, providing a quick fix for those looking for subtle or significant improvements.
- Plump lips
- Smooth lines and wrinkles
- Restore volume in the cheeks
- Contour the jawline
Versatility of Application
Dermal filler injections can be used in various areas, including:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Nasolabial folds
- Temples
- Hands
Minimal Downtime
One of the significant advantages of fillers is the minimal downtime associated with the treatment. Most patients can return to their regular activities almost immediately, making it a convenient option compared to a surgical procedure.
Reversible and Safe Options
Certain fillers, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, are reversible. In cases where the results are unsatisfactory, hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler. These treatments are generally safe, with many being FDA-approved. However, results and safety depend on individual factors and the type of filler used.
Areas of Treatment
Dermal fillers can be used in different areas of the face to help improve aesthetics and restore volume.
Nose fillers can help elevate the height of one’s nose bridge by perking up the tip, enhancing the beauty angles of the nose, and enhancing one’s frontal and side profiles. Unlike surgical nose implants, nose fillers help produce natural results without altering its natural shape.
Chin fillers can potentially improve the chin’s shape and enhance facial symmetry. This treatment may help define a weak or receding chin and improve the jawline’s appearance, contributing to a more balanced profile.
Cheek fillers are commonly used to restore volume in the midface, which can diminish with age. By adding volume, fillers may help improve the appearance of the cheekbones and offer a subtle lift.
Lip fillers may be used to add volume, enhance lip shape, define the lip border, and reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines. They can also improve hydration in the lips.
Temple fillers are used to restore volume in the temples, which can become hollow over time. This treatment may smooth the contours of the face, creating a fuller, more balanced look.
Forehead fillers can be used to add volume to flat areas of the forehead or smooth unevenness. Enhancing the forehead’s contour may contribute to an overall improved facial profile.
Nasolabial fillers are used to soften the appearance of nasolabial folds, which deepen as the cheeks lose volume with age. Fillers can provide lift and volume to the midface, making the folds less prominent.
Risk and Side Effects
Although fillers are generally safe, they may carry certain potential risks and side effects. The most common side effects of dermal fillers are mild and temporary, often resolving within 7-14 days. These may include:
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
- Bruising
- Pain or tenderness
- Itching or rash
These reactions are a common physiological response to the injection of a foreign substance and may be alleviated by cooling the treated area or using a slow injection technique with local anaesthetics.
While rare, there are some more serious potential side effects of dermal fillers that could occur, such as:
- Infection at the injection site
- Nodules, bumps or cysts
- Granulomas (inflammatory reactions to the filler)
- Allergic reactions
- Skin cell death or tissue necrosis
- Injury to blood vessels
- Movement of the filler from one area to another
- Blindness (if the filler is accidentally injected into an artery that blocks blood flow to the eyes)
The side effects and risks of fillers may vary depending on the type of filler used, as well as individual patient factors.
Filler Type | Common Side Effects | Risks |
|---|---|---|
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | -Swelling especially with large volumes
-Bruising, redness, pain and itching at the injection site – Asymmetry | – Granulomas and nodules, though less common with newer HA fillers
– Infection – Tissue necrosis |
Collagen | – Swelling, bruising, itching or redness at the injection site | – Allergenic reaction
– Granulomas – Infection |
Calcium Hydroxylapatite | – Bruising, swelling, redness at the injection site
– Nodules and granulomas | – Infection
– Vascular occlusion |
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) | — Bruising, swelling, redness at the Injection site
– Nodules and granulomas | – Infection
– Vascular occlusion |
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) | – Bruising, swelling, redness at the injection site
– Nodules and granulomas | – Higher rates of complications like infection and nodules
– Considered permanent with results lasting five years |
Cost of Filler Treatment
The cost of filler treatments may vary based on factors such as the treatment area, type of filler used, and the number of syringes administered. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a better understanding of the potential costs involved in your specific treatment plan.
Filler | Cost |
|---|---|
Tear Trough Filler | $800 per syringe |
Chin Filler | $700 per syringe |
Cheek Filler | $700 per syringe |
Lip Filler | $800 per syringe |
Temple Filler | $700 per syringe |
Forehead Filler | $800 per syringe |
Nasolabial Folds Filler | $700 per syringe |
Longevity of Fillers
The duration of the filler’s effect may depend on the type of filler used. Common fillers and their typical durations include:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: Typically last between 6 to 18 months.
- Collagen Fillers: Last between 3 to 6 months.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers: Typically last 12 to 18 months.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers: May last up to 2 years.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: Considered semi-permanent.
Several factors may influence the longevity of fillers, including:
- Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolisms may break down fillers more quickly.
- The area treated: Fillers applied to high-movement areas like lips and smile lines tend to have a shorter duration.
- Injection technique: Uneven filler absorption due to poor technique may reduce the treatment’s longevity.
- Lifestyle factors: Habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and a poor diet may accelerate the breakdown of fillers.
Conclusion
Fillers offer a versatile solution for improving facial aesthetics, providing lift and volume restoration in various areas of the face, such as the nose, chin, cheeks, lips, temples, forehead, and nasolabial folds. These treatments may involve minimal downtime and are reversible for certain types of dermal fillers.
Although widely considered safe, fillers do carry some risks and side effects, which may vary depending on the type of filler used and individual factors. The cost and longevity of fillers also differ based on the treatment area and filler type.
Given the complexity and individual nature of these treatments, it is advisable to consult with a doctor for a personalised treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
