Discover the Perfect Dermal Filler for Your Needs
With the increasing variety of dermal fillers available for treating wrinkles and other cosmetic issues, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Different fillers are better suited for different facial areas and problems. For example, one type is ideal for deep wrinkles, while another works best for shallower wrinkles. Currently, there are around 15 popular dermal filler options, each with unique chemical properties and specific uses.
### Permanent Dermal Fillers
There are a few types of permanent dermal fillers. One involves injecting silicone directly into the skin, a controversial procedure not approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. The other approved type is used for the nasolabial folds and is made of poly(methyl methacrylate) and collagen with microspheres. This filler works by leaving the microspheres behind after the collagen is absorbed by the body.
### Blood-Based Fillers
Blood-based fillers are quite popular and use the patient’s own blood, making them highly compatible with the body while also promoting collagen growth. They are typically used for laugh lines, frown lines between the brows, acne scars, and post-surgical scars. Results can last up to 18 months without the risk of allergic reactions.
### Calcium-Based Fillers
For deep folds around the mouth, calcium-based fillers are a well-known option. Made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, they stimulate collagen production and add volume to folds and wrinkles. The results can last up to a year and are generally less expensive than blood-based fillers.
### Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are used to plump the skin by holding water like a sponge. These fillers come under various brand names, and recent formulas include a numbing agent to reduce injection pain. The initial treatment usually lasts up to six months, but follow-up treatments can last up to a year.
### Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
Developed for patients experiencing facial wasting due to disease, Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are synthetic and made from the same compound used in resorbable stitches. They are biodegradable and biocompatible, effectively replacing lost collagen in the treatment area. These fillers offer very natural-looking results, last up to two years, and work on the entire face rather than on specific areas.
Choosing the right dermal filler depends on your unique needs and the specific areas you want to treat. Always consult with a professional to determine the best option for you.
