The 4 most common types of fillers | Dermal Fillers Near Me

Types of Dermal Fillers Used | Dermal Fillers Near Me

Getting dermal fillers can be a scary and lengthy process. One thing that might ease your nerves is to know what is used in injectable fillers. There are many different fillers used by medical professionals that are not FDA-approved. It is important to know about the types of fillers used, what ingredients are in each, and what each type is best used for. Read below to learn about the materials used in different types of filler, FDA-approved filler products, and how to find FDA-approved products by searching for “dermal fillers near me.”

Not All Fillers Are FDA Approved

Dermal fillers near me - syringes and medical bottlesThere are FDA unapproved fillers sold, distributed, and used for injection throughout the U.S. Some of these fillers include liquid silicone, silicone gel, and Juvederm Ultra 2, 3, and 4. The FDA warns health care providers and patients not to use these types of filler products because the safety and effectiveness of these products can not be certain. To find health care providers that use FDA-approved filler materials, search for “dermal fillers near me.”

The FDA approves material used in dermal fillers near me after reviewing data from several published clinical studies. Most FDA-approved fillers use products that contain material that is absorbed by the body over time. Fillers that are characterized as absorbable are also temporary. Absorbable fillers used at dermal fillers near me are hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-l-lactic acid. Only one product is approved that is made from material that is not absorbed by the body. This filler is polymethylmethacrylate.

During your consultation, make sure you discuss what type of filler your doctor from dermal fillers near me will use.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar that is found throughout your body. High concentrations of HA are found in joints, eyes, skin, and cartilage. Hyaluronic acid in the skin keeps the skin hydrated and plumped. When it combines with water, it expands to form a gel-like material. 

Hyaluronic acid injectables are used to help reverse the anti-aging process by decreasing the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, scars, and folds, and improving the skin’s contour. HA is one of the most popular kinds of injectable filler. The results of using hyaluronic acid filler are seen immediately and last about 6 to 12 months. HA is used to improve:

  • Scars such as burns, acne, and those caused by wounds
  • Cheek depressions 
  • Crow’s feet at the corner of your eyes
  • Smile lines
  • Frown lines
  • Redefining lip border 
  • Scars such as burns
  • Worry lines

Quality brand names are Captique, Elevess, Hylaform, Juvederm, Perlane, Puragen, and Restylane.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly found in the skin, bones, muscles, and teeth. Calcium hydroxylapatite particles are mixed with a gel-like solution to create the dermal filler. CaHA produces immediate results and lasts about 12 to 18 months. Injectable calcium hydroxylapatite can help:

  • Moderate to severe wrinkles and folds in the face and hand
  • Enhance fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours 
  • Improve volume in the areas of facial wasting 

This type of filler is known to produce natural results, doesn’t migrate, and side effects are rare. Calcium hydroxylapatite was first used by dentists and in reconstructive surgery. 

A quality brand name that uses calcium hydroxylapatite is Radiesse.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)

Dermal fillers near me - Woman getting a lip plumpPLLA is a biodegradable, biocompatible, synthetic substance that has been used in the medical field for over 40 years, such as absorbable stitches and bone screws. It is known as a stimulant because it causes your body to produce its own collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid works best in the lower half of your face and is used to:

  • Fill lines caused by laughing 
  • Plump thin lips 
  • Treat nasolabial folds

This substance is different from other dermal fillers because it does not produce immediate results. PLLA is a long-lasting filler that is given through a series of injections over a period of several months. The effects of PLLA will become increasingly apparent over time. This type of dermal filler is considered semi-permanent, requiring occasional touch-ups.

Popular brand names are Sculptra.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

PMMA is a non-biodegradable, biocompatible, man-made substance. This material has been used in medical devices, such as bone cement and intraocular lenses for years. PMMA are tiny, round, smooth beads that are not absorbed by the body. PMMA particles are combined in a gel-like substance that contains collagen. 

PMMA is often used when the patient wants a more permanent solution to facial wrinkles. PMMA will also stimulate your skin to produce its own collagen, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that provides structure and firmness. This filler is used to help:

  • Medium to deep wrinkles
  • Medium to deep folds and furrows 
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Fill out pitted scars 
  • Augment thin lips
  • Moderate to severe acne scars

PMMA requires several injections over the course of a couple of months. The effects of this filler can last up to 5 years.

A popular brand that uses polymethylmethacrylate is Bellafill.

How to Find Dermal Fillers Near Me

Dermal fillers near me - Doctor and patient talkingDuring your research and learning process, you need to find a reputable doctor that does dermal filler treatments. Give your decision as much care and thought as you would for a surgical procedure. Physicians need to have specialized training, an ample amount of knowledge of facial anatomy, and the right skill to ensure safe treatment. To learn even more about your options, search for “dermal fillers near me” to find a qualified provider.