What Are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers?

Aging is one of the beautiful phases of life. However, with or without proper skin care it is the nature of the skin to eventually lose its elasticity and moisture that results in fine lines and loss of facial volume. It’s high time you begin trading in those expensive jars and tubs of aging creams for a non-surgical, aesthetic anti-aging technique that almost really works the best for most men and women. This is predominantly due to various factors that include sun exposure, lifestyle and heredity. Nevertheless, the advent of cosmetic solutions have not only transformed the way people age but also brought in the concept of aesthetics through minimal invasion. 

One such process of aesthetically correcting the aging signs is fillers. Primarily used to treat the smile lines, these fillers can also be used to plump up your lips or cheeks. They are also used for hand treatments or to reduce the appearance of any visible scars, sometimes. But it should be noted that dermal fillers are not clinically approved for plumping up any other areas of the body such as the breasts.

So what are fillers? 

Dermal fillers are minimally invasive procedures that restore the lost volume, smoother out the fine lines and wrinkles, soften the creases and enhance the facial contours. Volume is usually added to the cheekbones and the cheeks with injectable fillers for improving the look of lower wrinkles and restoring the youthful, plump cheek appearance.

Ranging from fillers for acne scars to under eye fillers, there are various types that can be tailored according to your skin concerns. With different types of fillers in the market, every filler is  formulated according to a specific texture, density, and injection depth that will be suggested based on your aesthetic goals. The best thing about using dermal fillers is that they only take around a week or two to settle down on your skin with minimal side effects. 

The entire process starts with prepping the skin before using the face fillers, and then injecting at the points of concern. Depending on the type of filler and the area where you want to treat, you may experience a little discomfort like bruising or swelling during or after the treatment.  The most common discomfort that people experience include minimal skin rash, itching, or pimple-like bumps, or mild redness. 

Usually massaging can encourage the filler to be broken up more quickly, by the body. However, this cannot be done immediately after getting the derma fillers and also cannot be carried out with certain types of fillers. It’s best to consult with the doctor before performing such self-care activities in order to avoid any mess. 

Types of Dermal fillers

Diving a little deeper into the subject matter, here is a breakdown of a few of the most popular types of dermal fillers; including what they’re made up of, and for what purpose they are generally used for. Your consultant will help you choose the right filler for you. The most popular types of dermal fillers include;

1. Hyaluronic Acid - A naturally occurring substance that is found in our body,  it helps the skin cells retain its moisture, that makes your skin appear more hydrated and healthier. 

• Poly-L-Lactic Acid - A synthetic substance that is biocompatible and biodegradable, these stimulate the collagen beneath your skin. These fillers are predominantly used to smoothen the fine lines and build volume by assisting your skin in rebuilding its natural collagen. 

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite - A  naturally-occurring substance that is found in our bones, these fillers are used for the purpose of correcting your moderate-to-severe lines that appear on the face, and also provides firmness and structure. 

• Polymethylmethacrylate - This semi-permanent filler, that is a biocompatible, synthetic like substance, is mostly used to fill out any pitted scars on the face, including scars left behind from severe acne. 

• Autologous fat injections - Being the only injectable filler treatment that requires a surgery, this filler results can last for many years. This process is all about harvesting your own fat in another area, typically your cheeks or temples. This fat is purified and injected into your face for helping your skin restore its volume to the cheeks, lower eyelids, temples, or any other areas. 

Benefits of Fillers

Most of the dermal fillers are based on substances like hyaluronic acid or collagen. These are two substances that are already present in your skin and that are added more through these injectable fillers to cause your skin to look more youthful. Whether you want to opt for cheek fillers, nose fillers or chin fillers, you can be assured about having the most rejuvenated, plumped-up and youthful looking skin. Let’s quickly take you through the list of benefits provided by all the various types of fillers -

• Offers long term collagen production and elasticity 
• Creates a subtle and natural looking result 
• Minimal side effects with immediate transformational results
• Healthier appearance of the skin 
• Removal of fine lines, wrinkles, fold, etc.

So how long do fillers generally last?

Fillers treatment can range between lasting from less than 6 months or upto 2 years. Even the most basic dermal fillers usually last for about 6 months but if you’d like to go for a longest lasting filler, Juvederm Voluma, Sculptra and Radiesse are the best in the market. Although this is not a hard and fast rule, usually speaking, the denser the filler is and the deeper it is injected, the longer it will generally last. To maintain the results of the fillers, your aesthetician might simply repeat the process, while adjusting the amount and technique as required to ensure optimum results. Hyaluronic dermal fillers are said to be the temporary fillers for face option and are therefore recommended for first timers that typically last from 6 to 18 months.  

But if you’re looking to opt for lip fillers, you should be aware that injections to the lips tend to wear out a little faster than nose fillers. Some Hyaluronic acid fillers like Voluma are formulated to give longer lasting results, but are usually limited to specific facial areas, such as cheeks. Another type of dermal fillers are the synthetic fillers that are specially formulated to last longer, since they cannot be absorbed by the body. They are the best option if you’re looking for longer lasting results, and have to be ready for a commitment before choosing an experienced, qualified consultant whose aesthetic style you prefer. 

On the other hand, fat injections are designed to last for many years together; however, few of the injected fat are expected to not survive throughout. Your cosmetic surgeon may initially overfill the area of treatment, resulting in a fuller look initially that will eventually settle into a more subtle and natural look.

The most sought-after fillers include the hyaluronic acid variant chosen by the first timers - which is predominantly used for lip fillers and wrinkle fillers. If you want to opt for a more natural looking filler, then Juvederm is what most of the aestheticians generally recommend. 

A common myth is that fillers can make you age faster or might ruin your face. We’d like to break this misconception for you! Fillers are a less invasive option if you’re looking for an alternative for cosmetic surgery. They work beneath your skin to make you appear younger and glow inside out. However, excessive use of fillers can bring long term damages or harm the lymphatic system inside your face. It’s crucial to be aware that the decision you make to use fillers should be a part of your short-term plans and avoid using it excessively for a long period of time. Over time, long term usage of dermal fillers may make your muscles of the face, head and neck weak. 

What to avoid after fillers?

It is important to follow certain instructions that will be communicated by your doctor about dermal filler after care. Best results can be obtained only if you are strict with the guidelines and avoid any negative consequences. Following these recommendations will not only make your treatment hassle-free and seamless but also help you enjoy the results without being bothered. However, every skin type is different and may require a unique regimen.

• It's best to avoid using topical products like Tretinoin, Retinol or any other store-bought anti aging creams. 
• Do not use any oil-based makeup and avoid waxing, tweezing or bleaching the area
• It’s a strict no-no for alcohol consumption or strenuous workouts
• Refrain from taking any over-the-counter medications unless otherwise upon consultation with your doctor
• It’s advisable to stay away intense heat or direct sun exposure 
• We recommend you to not scratch, pick, or rub the area where the fillers have been injected

Use these tips as a guide to make sure that you follow, after getting your fillers. With a myriad of products available on the market, it can be a tad bit difficult to choose an option that’s best for your skin without the guidance of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Each of the fillers are uniquely formulated with tons of benefits. So whether you want to get a long lasting result or a natural-looking plump skin, your aesthetician will determine which filler suits your concerns and skin type the best. Reminding you that filters are great, but great skin is even better; and with Tamira you are just one step away from healthier-looking happy skin.